Is it not allowed to go out on the day of the Zhongyuan Festival?
It is not advisable to travel far on the day of the Zhongyuan Festival. If it is night time, it is also not advisable to go out.Because the Zhongyuan Festival is a sacrificial festival, it is best to focus on ancestor worship and tomb sweeping. Do not go out to play on this day. Even if you do want to play, wait until after the tomb sweeping is done, to avoid angering the spirits of the ancestors.
Moreover, for the elderly, the Zhongyuan Festival is considered an inauspicious day. Because the folk believe that the Zhongyuan Festival is the day with the heaviest yin energy of the year, especially the seventh lunar month is the time when the Gate of Ghosts is wide open. Therefore, it is easy to encounter unclean things on this day. Going out on the Zhongyuan Festival is likely to bring bad things, so it is safer to stay at home or in familiar places.
In addition, as one of the days with the heaviest yin energy, it is even more so at night. Therefore, it is not advisable to go out at night, nor to linger outside, and it is especially not advisable to go out alone or to remote and cold places.
What should I do if I see ghosts when going out on the Zhongyuan Festival?
The Zhongyuan Festival is a ghost festival in the folk tradition. The folk believe that this day is the day with the heaviest yin energy, so it is easy to encounter unclean things when going out, and you need to be more careful.First, remain calm
If you really see "ghosts", you must remain mentally calm and clear. Do not pretend to hold your breath and faint. It is best to pretend not to see and leave, and do not show too much panic or scream loudly, otherwise you may become more easily possessed by yin spirits.
Second, travel in groups
If you are going out during the Zhongyuan Festival, it is best to go with others. It is easier to encounter danger when going alone. Also, when encountering such situations, do not leave your companions behind and run away alone, as this may make you more likely to be chased by "ghosts" and is also immoral.
Third, wear protective charms
During the Zhongyuan Festival, it is best to carry a consecrated protective item or amulet with you, especially when going out at night, being alone, or sleeping. If you go out, you should first go to a temple to pray for blessings, or find the location of nearby temples in advance, and seek refuge in the temple when necessary.
