Green Ghost Month



Shop right across my house sets up table of goodies every day during Ghost Month

So lets first start with what is Ghost month? Every 7th Lunar month of the year, Taiwanese folks observe Ghost month. They believe that ghosts move freely around the island during this month and visit from home to home looking for food and money. Locals will cook special meals and treats and place it outside their shops and homes for the hungry ghosts who are roaming around and make them feel warm and respected. One of my local friend explained to me that, every day of the month they serve very good and elaborate food to the ghosts there is a chance that their ancestor's ghost might visit them as well and this is their only chance to pay tributes, respect and take care of them. They will offer favourite dishes, wines, teas and sometimes cigarrettes of their decesed ancestors just to make them happy and get their blessings in return. They also burn paper money as part of paying annual allowance to them and sometimes write letters with messages and put them in the fire.

This unique tradition is believed to be originated about 3500 years in China. Today this festival is observed in most part of the east asia with minor variations but equal enthusisam. Real Estate markets are relatively slow during this month as people avoid moving to new house or buying a new propery. Critical busienss deals are also delayed after this month is over. But local and international TV channels have taken this festival very seriosuly and commercializing every bit of it. Ignoring my constant  agony they continue showing horror movies on every channel every hour of the day to keep the spirits alive!

Paper Money being burned during ghost month

Now here's something worth a big applaud. Environmental Protection Administration of Taiwan is heavily encouraging people to Go Green this year and avoid burning paper money and letters. Many communities have come together with innovative ideas to support this initiative. One community has launched a website where you can offer virtual feasts and virtual money on the internet and its claiming to save 420,000 tonnes of CO2 emmission. While a community in Kaohsiung City is encouraging people to donate the funds that they had put aside to buy paper money and get a certificate of their deeds. This money collected will be used for the charity. Now that's a real win-win situation!