Lots of Taiwanese can't swim
- Calvin Tu
- Jul 12, 2017
- 3 min read
It's ridiculous that we live in an island but lots of people can't swim. Since we were kids, our parents forbid us playing around the beach or riverside. They think it is very dangerous due to our taboos in Ghost Month.
Ghost Month
The Chinese Ghost Month, observed in the 7th month of the lunar calendar. During the festival the gates of hell are opened and all of the hungry ghosts are released to the world in search of food, money, entertainment,. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the following are some handy tips to avoid any phantom faux pas during Ghost Month: 1. Don't go swimming This restriction seems to have the widest consensus among those who observe Ghost Month. It is considered highly dangerous to go swimming because it is believed that evil spirits that had drowned may try to drown the swimmer to gain a chance at rebirth. The upside for non-believers is that the beaches are pretty much empty for the whole month. 2. Don't go out alone at night Young children and young adults in particular should avoid going out alone after dark as it is believed that wandering ghosts can more easily possess the young. 3. Don't whistle, especially after dark Whistling is thought to attract evil spirits and once they've been lured in, they may follow the person around for long periods of time, bringing ill fortune. 4. Don't sit in the front row of Gezaixi shows This is probably one of the biggest pitfalls for newbie foreigners during month. Beware that the front row of Gezaixi (Taiwanese opera) shows performed on the streets should be avoided at all costs because it is strictly reserved for spectral spectators only. 5. Don't pick up money on the street People are admonished not to pick up real money or take it home because it will bring them bad luck. Picking up a hell bank note (joss paper) is considered an insult to the spirits and a bad omen as well. 6. Don't just turn your head around if someone pats you on the shoulder It is believed that the living have two protective flames, one on each shoulder. If a ghost pats you on the back and you only turn your head, you'll snuff out that protective flame, thus making you vulnerable. To avoid this, turn the whole body at once instead of just the head. 7. Do not kill rare insects in your house Some believe that their ancestors come to visit their relatives in the reincarnated form of a rare insect. The definition of "rare"is debatable, but basically a type of insect that has rarely if ever been spotted in your house before such as butterflies, grasshoppers or moths, and for their part, roaches are probably not considered "rare." 8. Don't hang clothes outside to dry The thinking with this is that devious spirits will wear your clothes as a way to sneak into your house. 9. Don't lean against the wall Ghosts apparently like to stick on walls because they're cooler, so don't push your luck and lean against them during the month. 10. Don't pee on a tree Apparently, soldiers in the field know well that urinating on a tree could anger tree spirits which will seek vengeance upon you.
Jhongyuan Ghost Festival
Jhongyuan Pudu is on the 15th day of 7th month in lunar calendar. On that day every household has to prepare meat, fruits, fresh flowers and other sacrificial items. The ceremonies take place in temple and on streets.
Launching of the Water Lanterns
The launching of water lanterns is a longstanding custom. Its most important purpose is to help light the way for the lost souls in the water, call the souls to come on land to enjoy the offerings, and pray for the early reincarnation of these souls. It is also said that the farther a lanterns floats, the better the fortune that the clan it represents will enjoy in the coming year.
Grappling with the Ghosts
Grappling with the Ghosts is a pole-climbing competitions held during the Ghost Month. It is only held in Toucheng, Yilan County and Hengchun, Pingtung County. In the early days, people migrating from Guangdong, Fujian were beset by natural disaster and disease. Many of them died so they afraid that nobody was going to be left to make offerings after they were gone, and that their souls would have nowhere to go, every year during this festival they held pole-climbing ceremonies to remember those who had passed away. They chose the last day of the month-the day when the gates of the netherworld close-to hold a major pole-climbing competition.
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