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DO'S AND DONT'S

Since most of us want to enjoy the vibrant celebration of the day without being spooked, here are some tips to get around. 

由于我们绝大多数人都希望完全不受惊吓地享受当天充满活力的庆祝活动,因此,这里有一些解决方法。

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Don't stay out late at night

The most common thing people believe is that one should avoid staying out after hours to avoid them from following you home.

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Avoid whistling and singing at night

Whistling or singing might attract spirits who are out to look for entertainment, so these activities are generally avoided.

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Carry jade everywhere

Jade is not only known as a good luck charm but also for its protective and harmonious properties.

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Don't put your hand on people's shoulders

According to Chinese folklore, we all have invisible flames on our shoulders that wonder off evil spirits and misfortune.  Having hands on your shoulder as might put out the flame.

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Don't take pictures at night

You can run the risk of capturing ghosts in action, and could even end up trapping evil spirits in your phone.

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Avoid swimming at night

It's believed that spirits who have drowned are out to pull in anybody who happens to be swimming so they can be reincarnated

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Don't seat in the Front Rows of Gatei shows

The most important taboo to keep in mind while at the Festival is that the seats at the front of Getai shows are meant for the ghosts that are being honored. You'd mostly likely be sitting in a now angry ghost's lap if you do.

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Don't answer to your name being called

If you happen to your name or feel a tap on your shoulder, ignore it. You might turn around to find a ghost behind you.

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Don't stick your chopsticks vertically on your rice

This can look like the incense used when praying to ancestral spirits. A ghosts may think that you’re inviting them to share your meal!

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Visit the temples

Drop by a Taoist temple and check out the wide array of offerings for the spirits. And while you're at it, take some time to send prayers for good karma.

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Stay away from walls

It is believed that spirits tend to wonder around dark, shaded areas. Avoid leaning or walking near walls in the dark too, as spirits tend to walk or fly along walls and dark corners.

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Respect the offerings on the sidewalks

Offerings are left on sidewalks and outside homes to invite ghosts to feed there, and not inside their homes. So be careful when you walk around during this time of year. It’s considered bad luck to step on or kick the offerings.

2020 by Silvanna Najri. COR-330 Final

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