Ghost Month: A time for life, family, and well-being

Ghost Month plays a significant role in Filipino- Chinese culture. It’s a time when families slow down, reflect, and connect more deeply with their heritage and the memories of loved ones who have passed.

Thoughtful reflection

Growing up in this tradition, I saw how homes would mellow during August, quieting down, filling the house with the scent of incense, and becoming places of thoughtful reflection.

August to September was a time of quiet reverence in the neighborhoods where I spent much of my childhood. Families would gather to prepare offerings for their ancestors, believing that during these months, the gates of the afterlife opened, allowing spirits to visit the living. I vividly recall how my family would set up an altar, carefully arranging food, incense, and paper offerings to ensure our ancestors felt honored. It was a moment of reconnection, a beautiful acknowledgment of those who came before us.

While many focus on the taboos and superstitions surrounding Ghost Month, like avoiding weddings, major business decisions, or even home renovations, this period has a deeper, positive aspect. It encourages a sense of humility and reflection. People take this time to clean and declutter their homes to welcome positive energy and create a harmonious environment.

These months’ focus on remembrance reminds us of the fleeting nature of existence and the importance of cherishing the people in our lives. In my experience, these reflection points have strengthened my ties with loved ones and the community, providing a sense of healing and continuity that bridges the past and the present.

Embracing spirituality

Welcoming the spiritual world can lead to profound personal growth and inner peace. The period invites a deeper exploration of one’s beliefs and a reconnection with spiritual practices that may have been neglected in the busyness of everyday life.

For me, this meant revisiting rituals that honor my ancestors and exploring how these traditions can inform and enrich my work in architecture and real estate, where creating spaces that resonate with clients’ spiritual and cultural beliefs is essential and deeply rewarding.

Mindfulness, preparedness

Ghost Month also cultivates mindfulness in decision-making and financial management. It’s a time when we can develop a sense of preparedness and stability by considering choices carefully.

This approach aligns well with the careful planning required in my profession. Every decision considers practical and spiritual factors, from site selection to design elements, empowering us to create spaces that are not just functional but also spiritually enriching.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this tradition is how it brings the community together. Participating in community events or rituals, such as theater performances dedicated to entertaining spirits, fosters a sense of connection and positivity. These gatherings, rich in tradition, are a way to honor the spirits and a joyful celebration of culture and community.

I appreciate how Ghost Month offers a unique perspective on time and progress. It encourages a slower pace and a moment to pause and ensure that our paths in life and work align with our values and the respect we owe to those who came before us.

The rest offers a much-needed breath, a chance to honor the past while thoughtfully planning for what lies ahead in an industry that often rushes toward the future.

The author (at www.ianfulgar.com) is a leading architect with an impressive portfolio of local and international clients. His team elevates hotels and resorts, condominiums, residences, and commercial and mixed-use township development projects with innovative, cutting-edge design and business solutions that have garnered industry recognition, making him the go-to expert for clients seeking to transform their real estate ventures