👻 Secrets of the Unknown: Rituals to See (and Not See) Ghosts Around Asia
Halloween the Asian Way
It’s become something of a ritual for us to talk about ghosts at this time of year. Year after year, we notice that our readers enjoy hearing about the kind of mysteries that have fascinated humankind for centuries, those whispers in the dark, shadows at the edge of vision, and stories that linger between the realms of the living and the dead.
So, in the spirit of Halloween, we once again open the door (just slightly!) to the unseen world. For the daring hearts amongst you, tread carefully. These rituals may not be for the faint-hearted. And whether they truly work or not, well, that’s for you to prove.
Thailand — The Temple Peek
In Thailand, there’s an old temple legend that says if you wish to see spirits, visit a temple at night and bend over and look back between your legs. Yes, literally. Stand with your back to the main hall, bend forward, and peer through your legs if you dare. The belief is that you will catch a glimpse of something from the other side watching you back.
Indonesia — Jailangkung
Indonesia’s eerie folk ritual for summoning spirits is similar in practice to a séance. Participants craft a small doll, called a Jailangkung, and invite a wandering soul to possess it. “Jailangkung, Jailangkung, play here for a moment,” they chant, as the effigy begins to move on its own. Messages from the spirit world are communicated via the doll through knocking, or pointing to letters set on a tabletop, or even through writing. It’s strongly advised to always dismiss your ghostly guest before you leave.
Japan — Ushimitsu-doki and The Mirror Game
In Japan, the ‘hour of the ox’ (ushimitsu-doki), between 2 and 3 a.m., is believed to be when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. Similar in practice to the ancient method of divination known as scrying in the west, Japan’s Mirror Game involves the brave (or reckless) lighting a candle in a darkened room and staring into a mirror and calling out to spirit. If the person’s reflection starts to appear differently, changed somewhat, starting to look like someone else…you might not be alone.
China — Crossroads and Incense
During the Ghost Festival (the 7th month of the lunar calendar), when spirits are said to wander freely, people in China and across Chinese communities around the world will leave offerings of food, joss paper or spirit money, and incense at crossroads or by the roadside. Some folks may also set a rice bowl with chopsticks to invite hungry ghosts to dine, but never, ever look back once you’ve made your offering!
India — Bhoot Chaturdashi in Bengal
In Bengal, the night before Diwali is Bhoot Chaturdashi or ‘The night of Ghosts’. Families will light fourteen lamps around the home to guide their ancestors and ward off evil spirits. It’s a night of remembrance but also one when it’s said the restless spirits roam most freely. Daring thrill seekers might head to old cremation grounds or banyan trees to spot a spirit as it is said that here, ghosts are believed to linger on The Night of Ghosts.
Philippines — Ghost Festival Offerings
Filipino-Chinese communities also observe the Ghost Festival by placing offerings of food, incense, and paper money to appease wandering spirits. Some say you can glimpse a ghost during this time at cemeteries or near water, though elders advise against going out late at night.
Singapore — Ghost Tours in Ghost Festival
In Singapore, ghost tours during Ghost Festival have become a spooky urban tradition. While a sighting of a ghost is never guaranteed, wandering through haunted cemeteries, disused hospitals, or old colonial mansions under the flicker of candlelight might just give you that chill you were looking for.
For those who prefer a peaceful night’s sleep, there are rituals too.
Across Asia, travelers have long practiced a variety of customs to keep unseen energies at peace and ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. Knocking before entering a strange room, placing a coin on the nightstand, sprinkling a little salt over the left shoulder for protection, or shifting the bed slightly to ‘claim’ the space can all help to keep the spirits from banging around and disturbing your night’s sleep. Whether or not you believe in spirits, these simple gestures are a way of showing respect to the unseen and ensuring you a restful night wherever your journey takes you. A simple truth endures, never disrespect the unseen, and they will rarely disturb you.
So, whether you seek the thrill of the unknown or prefer the comfort of light and laughter, may this Halloween bring you stories worth telling and your sleep undisturbed.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL
