7 Crystals Suitable for Wearing During the Hungry Ghost Festival and 8 Behaviors to Avoid
The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the Yulan Festival, is typically celebrated on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month. This day is believed to be when spirits return to the human realm, and people prepare food and offerings for their deceased relatives to express their remembrance. The Ghost Festival originates from ancient rituals honoring the departed, aimed at soothing wandering souls. During this festival, there are certain taboos to observe, such as avoiding going out at night and not hanging clothes outside, to prevent attracting restless spirits. In summary, the Ghost Festival is a solemn and respectful day.
When is The Hungry Ghost Festival / Yulan Festival in 2024?
This year, the fourteenth day of the seventh lunar month falls on August 17, 2024. However, many people believe that The Hungry Ghost Festival / Yulan Festival is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the seventh lunar month, while the actual day is the fifteenth day at midnight, which corresponds to 11:01 PM on August 17 in the Gregorian calendar.
Many folk beliefs suggest that starting from the fourteenth day of the seventh lunar month, the gates of the underworld open, allowing spirits to return to the living world. Therefore, the seventh lunar month is often regarded as a time when many things are inauspicious and filled with taboos.
Eight Taboos to Observe During the Ghost Festival
-
**Avoid Wearing Bell-like Ornaments**
The sound of bells can attract spirits' attention. If you are accustomed to wearing bracelets, keychains, or ornaments that make a "ghost" sound, be cautious as spirits may follow you.
-
**Do Not Pick Up Lost Items**
During the Hungry Ghost Festival, many people burn street clothes and prepare food, paper money, and offerings for wandering spirits. Some even scatter coins, symbolizing the casting away of misfortune or as offerings for spirits. If you see coins on the street, do not claim them as they may belong to a spirit.
-
**Do Not Tap Others on the Shoulder**
Humans have three sources of vital energy located at the top of the head and on both shoulders. During this period, try to keep your forehead exposed to increase your positive energy. Additionally, do not playfully tap others on the shoulder, as this may extinguish their positive energy, giving spirits an opportunity to approach.
-
**Avoid Leaning Against Walls**
Those with the ability to see spirits unanimously agree that spirits tend to lean against walls, as it provides them with something to cling to. Therefore, during the Ghost Month, avoid standing or walking close to walls.
-
**Avoid Taking Selfies at Night**
Many people use beauty apps for selfies, which feature various filters and effects. However, many paranormal shows suggest that such apps can detect spiritual entities. To avoid encountering "others," it’s best to limit their use.
-
**Do Not Wash Clothes at Dawn**
Washing clothes at dawn and hanging them outside can be risky because clothes resemble human forms, making them attractive to spirits. Just like umbrellas, collecting these clothes can inadvertently bring spirits into your home.
-
**Do Not Look Back**
If you hear someone calling your full name on the street, do not turn around or respond. Many spirits search for a "replacement" on the streets, and it could be a spirit calling you.
-
**Avoid Mirrors in Elevators**
Elevators typically lack sunlight, making them prone to gathering negative energy. Mirrors are also objects where spirits like to attach themselves, so it’s best to avoid looking into mirrors during the Ghost Festival.
The Hungry Ghost Festival is a meaningful day, where many people choose to wear crystals to enhance their energy and protection. Today, we will discuss the crystals suitable for wearing during the Hungry Ghost Festival to help you maintain positive energy on this special day.
-
**Obsidian**
Obsidian is a powerful protective stone that can ward off evil and block negative energy. Wearing obsidian can make you feel safer, especially during the Ghost Festival, as it helps repel restless spirits. Common folklore suggests that obsidian can be used as a protective crystal or a healing stone for sorrow.
-
**Black Agate**
It is believed to help balance and restore the mind, body, and spirit, relieving inner stress and anxiety. In Japan, black agate is also considered to ward off evil and dispel negative energy. Cindy Land's black agate often appears in smooth, round bead shapes, and its reflective quality combined with transparent crystals enhances its shimmering texture, making it unique and eye-catching.
-
**Black Rutilated Quartz**
As its name suggests, this stone contains hair-like crystalline structures. The crystals inside are tourmaline, which is said to have strong protective energy and can help dispel worries. Black Rutilated Quartz can be paired with saturated colored crystals to create a dynamic visual effect, showcasing an "unconventional" spirit.
-
**Amethyst**
Known as the stone of spirituality, amethyst can calm the mind and enhance intuition. It aids in meditation and spiritual connection, making it easier to communicate with your inner self and feel the blessings of the departed during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
-
**Clear Quartz**
Clear quartz is a versatile crystal that can cleanse negative energy and enhance positive energy. Wherever you are, wearing clear quartz can bring you tranquility and harmony, making it ideal for use during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
-
**Red Agate**
Red agate symbolizes courage and confidence, helping you resist feelings of fear. On this mysterious day of the Hungry Ghost Festival, wearing red agate can help you feel more resolute and less affected by negative emotions.
-
**Lapis Lazuli**
Lapis lazuli is a crystal that facilitates communication with the spiritual realm, enhancing intuition and wisdom. Wearing lapis lazuli not only helps you better understand the energy around you but also strengthens your connection with deceased loved ones.
Wearing these crystals during the Hungry Ghost Festival not only offers protection but also allows you to feel the flow of positive energy while remembering your loved ones. I hope everyone can find the right crystal for themselves and peacefully celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival!