Today is the first day of an important month in Taiwan called Ghost Month. People in Taiwan believe in the ghost of their ancestors, and this is their month to celebrate that. It begins on the first day of the seventh month of the Buddhist calendar, which is different from the normal calendar.
I've learned that there are some important rules to follow during ghost month. First, no blowing whistles or whistling at night time. This can bring all the ghosts around, good or bad. Next, no swimming and stay away from ghosts. From what I understand, this is because the ghosts will try to kill you so they can move on to another life, I think. People do not buy property or get married during ghost month.
Another part of celebrating involves burning paper money for the ghosts to use in their other world. And people leave out food and drinks for the ghost to enjoy. Here are some pictures of what I saw on my walk to work:
August 21st will be a big day of celebration, where all the neighbors and business will be praying, burning incense and paper money, and leaving out food.
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