Last Updated on 2025 年 8 月 25 日 by 総合編集組
A Comprehensive Guide to Taiwan’s 2025 Ghost Month: Traditions, Taboos, and Culinary Culture
Taiwan’s Ghost Month, observed during the seventh lunar month, is a culturally rich period filled with rituals, taboos, and unique culinary traditions. In 2025, this month begins on August 23 at 11:00 PM (the start of the lunar seventh month’s first day) and ends on September 21, when the gates of the underworld close.
Known as the time when spirits, referred to as “good brothers,” roam the earth, Ghost Month blends Buddhist and Taoist beliefs, emphasizing respect for the deceased and compassion for wandering souls. This summary highlights the key aspects of Ghost Month, from its timeline and rituals to its taboos and food offerings, offering a glimpse into Taiwan’s vibrant folk culture.
Timeline of Ghost Month 2025
Ghost Month kicks off on August 23, 2025, at the sub-hour (11:00 PM on August 22), marking the opening of the ghost gates. The peak of the month is the Zhongyuan Festival on September 6 (lunar seventh month, 15th day), when communities hold grand Pudu ceremonies to honor ancestors and appease wandering spirits. The month concludes on September 21 at 11:00 PM, when the gates close. These dates are rooted in the lunar calendar, and the sub-hour is significant for rituals, as it’s considered a time of heightened spiritual activity.
Key Customs: Pudu, Water Lanterns, and More
The Zhongyuan Pudu is the centerpiece of Ghost Month, where households, businesses, and temples set up offering tables with food, incense, and paper money to feed and appease spirits. In places like Keelung, the Keelung Ghost Festival features vibrant parades and the release of water lanterns, which guide lost souls to offerings.
Another fascinating ritual is Qianggu (pole-climbing) in areas like Toucheng, Yilan, where participants scale tall structures to grab offerings, symbolizing unity and sharing with spirits. Protective charms, such as noon water (collected at midday for its strong yang energy) and jade amulets, are also popular for warding off negative energies.
Taboos: Navigating the Do’s and Don’ts
Ghost Month is famous for its taboos, which reflect a mix of caution and superstition. Common prohibitions include avoiding late-night outings, especially near water, to prevent encounters with “water ghosts.” Whistling at night is discouraged, as its frequency is believed to attract spirits, while tapping someone’s shoulder might extinguish their protective “three fires” of yang energy.
Other taboos include not hanging wet clothes at night (as their human-like shapes may attract spirits), avoiding major life decisions like marriage or moving, and refraining from picking up money or red envelopes on the ground, which could be linked to spiritual rituals like “ghost marriages.” These taboos, while rooted in folklore, promote safety and mindfulness.
Culinary Culture: Offerings with Meaning
Food plays a central role in Ghost Month, with offerings symbolizing abundance and respect. Traditional three animals(chicken, pork, fish) represent completeness and prosperity, always presented whole to show sincerity.
Five fruits, such as pineapples (symbolizing prosperity), apples (peace), and oranges (good fortune), are staples, though some avoid eating bananas, pears, or plums due to their phonetic link to “inviting spirits.” Modern offerings like instant noodles, soda, and snacks reflect contemporary convenience, ensuring spirits are “well-fed.” Regional specialties, like Keelung’s water lantern cakes, add local flavor. Dietary taboos include avoiding raw foods, ice-cold drinks, and odd-numbered portions, as even numbers symbolize harmony.
Modern Significance and Practical Tips
Beyond its spiritual roots, Ghost Month fosters community bonding through shared rituals and encourages reflection on life and safety. For those planning to participate, preparing a Pudu involves setting up a table with offerings (preferably in even numbers), burning joss paper, and lighting incense with sincerity. Consulting local temples or elders can ensure proper etiquette. Ghost Month is also a time to appreciate Taiwan’s blend of tradition and modernity, as seen in offerings that range from steamed buns to Coca-Cola.
This 30-day period is more than a time of superstition—it’s a celebration of Taiwan’s cultural heritage, blending reverence, compassion, and festivity. Whether you’re joining a Pudu, avoiding taboos, or savoring post-ritual offerings, Ghost Month 2025 offers a unique window into Taiwan’s soul.
