Spirits, spaces and sensible design
Ghost Month has started, and it is the season I always prepare for, second only to Christmas.
Growing up in an all-girls Catholic school, we were taught to be women of faith and women of action. Our faith should be strong enough not to fear these beliefs. In this day and age, and perhaps because of my profession, I have come to follow certain rituals to avoid bad luck during this season. It doesn’t hurt to drop a few bad habits and welcome some good ones, too.
These rituals stem from beliefs surrounding Ghost Month, which falls in the
seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Its dates change each year, and it is believed that ghosts and spirits freely roam the earth during this period. This year, Ghost Month began on August 13 and will end on September 10, with Ghost Day, considered its peak, falling on August 27.
Here are a few tips for homes, renovations, and interior design. These are based on past experiences, articles, and advice from friends in the field. You may choose to follow or ignore them.
Don’t move into a new home or start a new project
If necessary, hold a ceremonial move-in or begin construction before Ghost Month. This can mean tearing down part of a wall to be renovated or bringing a few items into the new home before August 13.
Clean your home
Declutter, reorganize storage, vacuum floors and furniture, change your sheets, clear expired food from the refrigerator, and disinfect countertops. These small gestures are believed to discourage uninvited spirits.
Keep some lights on
Brighten your home and avoid dark corners. Keep a few lights on even at night.
Use salt
Place bowls of rock salt in corners, empty bedrooms, and other spaces. It is believed to absorb negative energy.
Ensure good ventilation
Keep air flowing through your home by opening some windows during the day. This is actually also good for our well-being all year round.
Hang evil eye charms
Hang an evil eye charm by the main door or at other entry points in your home.
Burn incense
Burn incense to clear stagnant energy. Carry it carefully around your home, then make sure to extinguish it completely.
Play soothing or upbeat music
This is also a mood booster. EDM is my soothing music of choice. I guess, Metallica and Iron Maiden may not fit the season.
Wear cheerful colors
Some people say we should wear muted colors during this month, but I beg to differ. Cheerful colors may scare away spirits!
Don’t leave laundry outside
Don’t leave laundry hanging outside at night. It is said to attract visiting spirits, who may borrow your clothes.
Don’t point slippers toward the bed
Don’t leave your slippers facing the bed, as this is believed to invite visiting spirits.
Don’t get bangs
The forehead is said to have a strong force, so covering it may make us more susceptible to spiritual disturbances. I don’t think I can do this one though, but maybe placing a clip to hold my bangs will do!
The author is the founder of Chat Fores Design Studio, an award-winning and recognized interior designer known for redefining and elevating spaces. She specializes in residential, hospitality and amenity spaces for different real estate companies. Chat has also collaborated with international design firms to create residential interiors in Manila
