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The month of the lonely soul, also known as the 7th lunar month, is a special time in the folklore of many Asian countries, especially Vietnam and China.
According to folk belief, in this month, the gates of prison open and spirits and demons are allowed to return to earth. This is the time when it is believed that the yin qi is very strong, and it is easy to encounter bad luck and calamity. So, there are many dos and don'ts this month to avoid misfortunes.
The month of the lonely soul originates from Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. According to legend, on the full moon day of the 7th lunar month, the prison gates open and the spirits are allowed to return to earth to receive offerings and seek comfort. This is also an opportunity for children and grandchildren to remember and pay tribute to their deceased ancestors and grandparents. In Buddhism, the 7th lunar month is also known as the month of Vu Lan, which is an opportunity for children and grandchildren to pay tribute to their parents and ancestors.
Things to do in the month of the lonely soul. Worship the Soul: This is one of the most important rituals in the month of the lonely soul. People often prepare an offering tray with porridge, rice, salt, cakes, fruits and water to offer to the spirits. The offering ceremony is usually done in the evening, when the yin qi is strongest. The offering tray is usually placed outdoors or in front of the house so that the spirits can easily receive the ceremony.
Doing good deeds: The month of solitude is a time when it is believed that doing good deeds will help reduce bad luck and accumulate virtue. Charitable activities such as helping the poor, donating to charitable organizations, or simply helping others in daily life are all encouraged.
Chanting and praying for peace: Chanting and chanting the Buddha is a way to pray for peace for your family and yourself in the month of solitude. Many people often come to the temple to chant, pray for peace and make offerings. This is also an opportunity for children and grandchildren to pay tribute to their deceased ancestors and grandparents.
Keep the house clean: Cleaning the house cleanly and tidily not only helps create a comfortable living space but also helps to ward off evil spirits. Many people believe that a messy, dirty house will easily attract evil spirits.
Burning votive gold: Burning votive gold is a popular ritual during the month of the lonely soul. It is believed that burning votive gold will help the spirits have enough money and items to use in the afterlife. However, it is necessary to pay attention to burning votive gold safely to avoid causing fire and explosion.
Things not to do in the month of the lonely soul. Don't go out at night: Avoid going out at night so you don't encounter bad luck. It is believed that night is the time when the yin qi is strongest, and it is easy to encounter demons.
Do not pick up dropped change: Change can be an offering, picking it up can bring bad luck. If you see change falling on the road, it is best not to pick it up. Do not dry clothes at night: Avoid drying clothes at night because the devil may "borrow" them to wear. This can bring bad luck to the family.
Don't call each other's names at night: Calling each other's names at night can attract the attention of the devil. If you need to call someone, use a nickname or allusion. Do not stand near ancient trees: Ancient trees are often believed to be inhabited by demons. Avoid standing near or sitting under an ancient tree at night so as not to encounter misfortunes.
Don't take photos at night: Taking photos at night can inadvertently capture images of the devil. This can bring bad luck and calamity. Do not cut your hair: Cutting your hair during the month of the soul is said to reduce vitality, making you prone to bad luck. If you need to cut your hair, it is recommended to do it before or after the solitary month.
Don't hang wind chimes at the head of the bed: Wind chimes can attract demons. Avoid hanging wind chimes at the head of the bed so that you don't encounter misfortunes. The month of the lonely soul is a time when people believe that the yin qi is very strong, easy to encounter bad luck and calamity. So, there are many dos and don'ts this month to avoid misfortunes. However, the most important thing is still to keep a pure soul, do good deeds and live in accordance with morality. Hopefully, the above information will help you better understand the month of the lonely soul and what to note during this time.
The belief in demons and spirits in the month of the lonely soul comes from many cultural, religious, and folk traditions. Here are some of the main reasons: Religious and cultural origins. Buddhism and Taoism: The month of the lonely soul has its roots in Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. According to legend, on the full moon day of the 7th lunar month, the prison gates open and the spirits are allowed to return to earth to receive offerings and seek comfort. In Buddhism, the 7th lunar month is also known as the month of Vu Lan, which is an opportunity for children and grandchildren to pay tribute to their parents and ancestors.
Stories and legends. The story of Pluto: According to legend, on the 2nd day of the 7th lunar calendar, Pluto opened the door of the Demon Gate so that the hungry demon could return to earth and then return at the full moon. Therefore, according to folk customs, earthly people must offer porridge, rice, and salt to hungry demons so that they do not interfere with their daily lives.
Legend of King Yama: Another legend has it that King Yama (the ruler of hell) opened the gates of hell and allowed some ghosts to come to enjoy earthly sacrifices. This also contributes to the belief in the presence of demons in the month of the lonely soul.
Fear and respect: Belief in demons and spirits often stems from fear and respect for the spiritual world. It is believed that if worship and rituals are not performed properly, bad luck and calamity can be encountered. Community Psychology: In many communities, beliefs in demons and spirits are passed down from generation to generation. Stories and legends about demons are often told in families and communities, creating a deep and unchangeable belief.
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