Why Do Vietnamese People Still Follow Ghost Month Taboos?

70% of young people under 30 no longer strictly follow Ghost Month taboos - but this fear didn't just appear out of nowhere.

Actually, avoiding the 7th lunar month is a psychological defense mechanism that humans use when facing things they can't control, "packaged" into tradition over thousands of years.

So why does this ancient fear still have such a strong impact on Vietnam's economy and gift-giving culture?

The atmosphere of Ghost Month spreads through every corner of Vietnamese life

What is Ghost Month and when does it happen?

Ghost Month officially falls in the 7th lunar month, lasting from the 1st to the 29th day of the lunar calendar. In 2025, this "ghost season" runs from August 23rd to September 21st in the solar calendar. Every year, people ask "why is Ghost Month so long this year?" - but it's still exactly one lunar month!

According to legend, from the 2nd day of the 7th lunar month, the King of Hell opens the Ghost Gate for wandering spirits (souls with nowhere to rest) to visit the human world, until midnight on the 14th day when they must return to the underworld. This is when Ghost Month taboos become strongest in Vietnamese minds.

The spiritual atmosphere during Ghost Month makes many people still maintain traditional Ghost Month taboos

>>> Read more: When is the Ghost Month in 2025? Complete calendar guide

Why do Vietnamese people "fear" Ghost Month? Analysis from psychology and culture

The root of fear: Three layers of consciousness

Layer 1: Fear of death and the unknown

Ghost Month touches humanity's most basic fear - fear of death and things beyond our control. According to modern psychology, "fear of invisible things" (xenophobia in a broad sense) is our tendency to fear things we have no information about.

Ancient Vietnamese believed humans have both "soul and body." After death, evil people are sent to hell to become hungry ghosts, while those who died unjustly wander with nowhere to go. What's scary here isn't "ghosts" but the uncertainty about what happens after death.

Layer 2: Psychological defense mechanism

Ghost Month taboos are actually a psychological defense mechanism. When facing uncontrollable things (life and death, fate), humans create rules to feel like they "can do something" to avoid risks.

"Honor brings blessings, taboos bring luck" - this saying shows the psychology of seeking control in uncertain situations. Instead of feeling helpless about fate, people believe that following the right "rules" will keep them safe.

Layer 3: Tradition and social pressure

Interestingly, many modern people don't really "believe" in ghosts, but still follow taboos because of social pressure. They fear being called "heartless," "disrespectful to tradition," or simply "how dare they do that?"

Crowd psychology keeps Ghost Month taboos "alive" to this day

Surprising scientific explanations

Weather and biological factors

Eastern philosophy researchers point out: the 7th lunar month in the Nine Palaces cycle has the Heavenly Stem as Yin Water, with very strong yin energy. This is a season-changing time when people get sick easily, and unusual weather makes construction and business face obstacles.

Ancient people were smarter than we thought - they "packaged" this scientific knowledge into memorable spiritual stories to pass down through generations! You could say Ghost Month taboos were cleverly "coded" based on real observations.

Nature's seasonal changes and human psychology create the perfect "combo" for Ghost Month

Crowd psychology effect

Experts have different views about Ghost Month:

Dr. Duong Hoang Loc (University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM) believes: "The concept that the 7th lunar month is Ghost Month has existed for a long time and is widespread. This custom guides people toward expanding their compassionate hearts."

Meanwhile, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tuan (Member of the Central Executive Council of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha) states: "The belief that the 7th lunar month is when ghosts roam and bring bad luck... is completely wrong. The custom of offering to wandering spirits has humanitarian meaning - hoping that souls of the dead with nowhere to go can find peace and liberation."

Despite different viewpoints, both see positive values in this month - it's not a "scary" month as many people think.

Modern experts are changing the view of Ghost Month from fear to compassion

What does modern psychology explain?

Fear of the Unknown

Psychological studies show humans tend to avoid uncertain things. Ghost Month represents maximum uncertainty - the boundary between life and death, between reality and mystery.

Projection mechanism

When facing life difficulties (illness, failure, accidents), humans tend to "project" causes outward instead of blaming themselves. "Because of Ghost Month" becomes a convenient reason to explain misfortunes.

Reverse Placebo effect

If you believe Ghost Month brings bad luck, your brain will focus on negative things that happen, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The psychology of "self-hypnosis" makes Ghost Month become reality in many people's minds

Ghost Month taboos that "make sense" and Vietnamese people still keep

Ghost Month has countless taboos from daily life to major activities. Some sound "weird" but contain ancestral wisdom:

Food and lifestyle taboos

• Don't spend money on the 1st day - fear of being "broke" all month
• Don't cut hair - believe it will "cut" away fortune
• Don't eat squid because it's "black as ink" - actually might be because the 7th lunar month overlaps with hot season when seafood spoils easily
• Don't stick chopsticks straight in rice - looks like incense sticks for offerings

Nighttime activity taboos

• Don't go out at night because "spirits are most active"
• Don't hang white clothes at night - afraid ghosts will "borrow" them
• Don't call names in the night - who knows if ghosts can tell real calls from fake ones!

Important work taboos

• No weddings, house/car purchases, grand openings
• No signing major contracts
• No starting construction

Interestingly, many businesses now don't believe in these Ghost Month taboos anymore and turn them into marketing opportunities!

From taboos to opportunities - modern businesses "hack" Ghost Month

The true humanitarian meaning of Ghost Month

From a Buddhist perspective

Master Thich Truc Thai Minh explains: "Ghost means lonely and isolated. The 7th lunar month is actually time for the living to show compassion to wandering souls."

The two major festivals - Vu Lan and ghost offerings - both carry meanings of filial piety and charitable giving, not for "fearing" ghosts.

Community sharing values

Offering to ghosts shows the moral, kind nature of Vietnamese people. After offerings, food is usually given to children and poor people - this is the true meaning!

Researcher Son Nam once wrote: "Ghost offerings in South Vietnam can be simple or elaborate. Basically, there are still fruits, sweets, rice and salt, cooked rice... Those who died unjustly, in accidents, or wandering souls also get to eat."

Reminding about death and life's meaning

Ghost Month forces people to think about death and those who have passed, making them treasure current life more. This is a Vietnamese version of "memento mori" (remember you will die).

Opportunity to show compassion

Offering to ghosts and giving to the poor during this month shows empathy with the less fortunate and unfortunate. Despite different Ghost Month taboos, this is always appreciated by everyone.

Compassion and human kindness - the true values Ghost Month brings

Shocking truths about Ghost Month's economic impact

Real estate market: More complex reality

Mr. Tuan, an East Ho Chi Minh City real estate broker shares: "Every year during the 7th lunar month, the number of land viewing customers drops significantly compared to other months. Big businesspeople buying and selling land still consider this a month to limit transactions."

However, this trend is gradually changing. Mr. Nguyen Van Dinh, Vice Chairman of Vietnam Real Estate Brokers Association says: "The psychology of avoiding real estate transactions because of Ghost Month beliefs is decreasing, especially in recent years."

Some major companies like Hung Thinh Land confirm they're not affected by Ghost Month taboos, and business continues normally. Many developers even launch special promotion programs during this month to attract customers.

The modern real estate market is gradually becoming "immune" to Ghost Month psychology

Stock market: Reverse effect?

Mr. Pham Luu Hung - Chief Economist at SSI reveals: "In previous years, the stock market usually went down during this month. Many investors even agreed to temporarily 'stop playing' stocks during this time, leading to decreased liquidity and less active market trading. However, in recent years, the Ghost Month effect seems to no longer significantly impact the market."

Why? "The investor community tends to be much younger and more modern. They don't easily miss opportunities because of old beliefs." Many young investors even consider the 7th lunar month an opportunity to "invest" when the market is quiet!

Industries that "make money" during Ghost Month

While many industries struggle, some items are "hot" during this month. This is a golden opportunity for those who know how to seize it:

• Offering items & gold paper: Prices increase many times - especially porridge, rice and salt, incense and candles
• Buddhist clothing: Demand surges due to Vu Lan festival, many young people buy to participate in meditation retreats
• Feng shui items: From Laughing Buddha statues to Dragon Turtles are all "hunted" for protection
• Spiritual services: Fortune telling, ritual ceremonies, house blessing services

Some business sectors "thrive" thanks to people's Ghost Month fears

Gift-giving culture "evolves" during Ghost Month

Traditional vs modern offerings

Traditional: Offering to ghosts on the 2nd, 15th, 16th of the 7th month with vegetarian food, porridge, rice and salt.

Modern: Burning gold paper is criticized for pollution. Many families switch to incense and fresh fruits instead.

Feng shui items: From belief to lifestyle

Laughing Buddha statues: Not just for praying for peace but also home decoration, bringing positive meaning.

Gold-plated carp dragon paintings: Both beautiful and meaningful for house protection and attracting wealth.

Dragon Turtle: Combining the power of two Four Sacred Animals, helping resolve negative energies.

Changes in modern offering practices

Today's young generation is gradually changing their approach to Ghost Month. Instead of burning lots of gold paper causing pollution, many families choose simpler offerings with rice porridge and fresh fruits. Some people also combine charity work - after ghost offerings, they distribute food to poor people, creating both spiritual and practical meaning.

Society is "upgrading" ghost offering traditions toward more sustainable and meaningful directions

Conclusion

CHUS hopes that through this article, you have clearly understood the nature of Ghost Month and why Ghost Month taboos still exist in modern society.

Ghost Month is no longer the "nightmare" it once was. The new generation is gradually changing their perspective, turning it into opportunity instead of obstacle. What's important is maintaining balance between respecting tradition and living positively in the new era. Gift-giving culture during this month is also "upgrading" from simple worship to expressing love and positive energy for loved ones.

Discover more useful information about traditional culture and buy meaningful gifts for your loved ones at CHUS.

FAQs

• What makes the Ghost Month of 2025 different from previous years?
  The Ghost Month of 2025 runs from August 23 to September 21, coinciding with when many young people start their new school year. What's special is that Gen Z and millennials are changing how they view this tradition. Instead of fear and taboos, they see Ghost Month as a time to show compassion and connect with family.
• Should non-believers respect Ghost Month taboos?
  Respecting Ghost Month taboos doesn't depend entirely on personal beliefs. Many modern young people choose to be "tactful" - avoiding actions that hurt their family's feelings while keeping their own views. Some taboos like not eating seafood actually have scientific reasons since hot humid weather can cause food poisoning.
• How should businesses operate during Ghost Month to respect tradition while making profit?
  Instead of avoiding it, many smart businesses are turning Ghost Month into creative marketing opportunities. They launch special promotions, combining spiritual elements with modern products. Industries like feng shui items, decorative objects, and vegetarian food even see strong growth during this time.
• How can we explain Ghost Month to children in a positive way?
  Instead of telling scary ghost stories, parents should focus on the humanitarian meaning of Ghost Month. Teach children about compassion, caring for the less fortunate, and the importance of remembering ancestors. Families can do charity work together, visit elderly people, or prepare offerings in a joyful way instead of feeling stressed.
• Does Ghost Month really affect luck or is it just psychology?
  Science proves that when we believe something is unlucky, our brain focuses attention on negative things that happen, creating a self-hypnosis effect. In reality, good or bad luck doesn't depend on Ghost Month but on how we perceive and react to events in our lives.