10 things you should never do during Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore

While there are designated areas for burning hell notes and setting up offerings, do watch where you are walking. Sometimes there might be joss sticks or food offerings placed in corners, along the side of footpaths, and under trees. Stepping on these offerings might incur the wrath of the deceased and you wouldn't want to have a hungry and angry ghost following you around for two weeks. 

If you attend a getai show and find the first few rows of seats (aka where the best view is) empty, don't rush to grab a seat. Those seats are left empty for a reason – yep, it's the VIP seating for the dearly departed guests who are in the area visiting the living. 

Water bodies, especially the sea, attract spirits. It is believed that the spirits of those who have drowned lurk in the depths, looking to pull the legs of unsuspecting swimmers and drag them into the afterlife to be their companions. If you have no interest in a dead bestie, we advise that you stay away from water bodies during this time.  

Hear your name being called while you're out late at night? Don't turn around. It might just be a wandering spirit up for some giggles. Instead, walk to a well-lit area and just hope it doesn't follow you around (or home).

Have a tendency to talk, sing, or whistle to yourself? It's best to cut that habit. In the same way that ghosts are attracted to getai concerts, it's likely they'll be attracted to the sound of your voice. Trust us, that's an audience that you don't need. 

Obviously, during a period where there are ghosts roaming the streets, returning home before it gets too dark is ideal. But if you find yourself working overtime, or staying out with friends till the wee hours, it might be wise to stop by a crowded place before you head home. Spirits detest places that are crowded and loud, and it might throw them off for a bit. 

Thinking of getting married or moving house during the Hungry Ghost Festival? Time to change your dates. Doing something auspicious at an inauspicious time is an open invitation for unwanted guests and bad luck. 

The older generations believe that flying bugs – usually moths and butterflies – are reincarnations of our ancestors. So if you see a moth in the house on a Hungry Ghost Festival night, it might be wise to not squash or kill it. It's likely just a relative paying a visit. 

Not into sharing your clothes? Then avoid hanging your laundry out too late at night. The human-like shape of clothes is believed to attract spirits – and they may even 'try' them on and leave some negative energy behind in the process. 

The Chinese believe that 'yang' energy emanates from the forehead. This bright energy is said to keep spirits away, so keeping your forehead uncovered can protect you. Time to cut off those trendy bangs – or at least sweep them up with gel or a hairband when you're out at night. 

Here's one thing you should do: carry jade with you. Jade is not only good for aesthetic purposes but it can also be used as a protective charm for things or beings that you cannot 'see'. Don't own any jade jewellery? Carry around a healing crystal used for protection instead like smoky quartz, tourmaline, obsidian or tiger's eye.