Hello Science Fans!
Did you know that we are currently “celebrating” Ghost Month right now?
Ghost Month, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is a traditional Chinese folk belief that occurs during the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This period usually falls between late July and early August in the Gregorian calendar.
Want to find out if there’s some science behind this celebration? Check out our video below:
The concept of Ghost Month is deeply rooted in Chinese Taoist and Buddhist traditions, as well as Confucian customs. It is believed that during this month, the gates of the afterlife are opened, allowing deceased ancestors and wandering spirits to visit the world of the living. These spirits are believed to be restless and hungry, seeking sustenance and solace from their living relatives.
During this time, people offer various items and food to their deceased ancestors and other wandering spirits. The offerings usually include incense, paper money (joss paper or “hell notes”), food, fruits, and other items symbolizing wealth and prosperity. These offerings are believed to help appease and provide for the spirits, ensuring their well-being in the afterlife.
Some people believe that engaging in certain activities during Ghost Month can attract negative energy or bad luck. For instance, it is considered inauspicious to get married, start a new business, or move into a new home during this period.
It is also customary for some individuals to avoid outdoor activities, especially after dark, as it is believed that malevolent spirits may be wandering during the night.
But is there any science or logic behind any of these practices?
Before we answer this question using science, let me first say hi to our new viewers.
Hello everyone, my name is Chona and I’m your resident Filipina scientist.
I’m a researcher who loves to go on field and I love hearing about unique traditions and stories in the places we visit.
I’m also a teacher who believes that by discussing science within stories makes it easier to understand and remember.
And SHE-ensya is my science communication channel where I love discussing the science in everyday things.
The concept of Ghost Month, as I described earlier, is rooted in traditional Chinese folklore, Taoist, and Buddhist beliefs. Cultural and religious beliefs may not necessarily have a scientific basis. As such, there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of wandering spirits, the opening of gates to the afterlife, or the direct impact of Ghost Month on the living.
But is that it? Ghosts are not real. The end?
It is interesting to note that Ghost Month is often celebrated in summer months in a lot of areas. Summer nights can present certain dangers and challenges that may not be as prevalent during winter nights.
Mosquitoes and other insects are more active during warm summer nights. They can carry diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, or West Nile virus, posing health risks to individuals who are bitten and infected.
Summer often brings dry and arid conditions, making vegetation more susceptible to wildfires. These fires can be unpredictable and dangerous, threatening both property and human life.
Some wildlife species are more active during the summer months, and encounters with wild animals can be dangerous, especially in areas where certain species are known to be aggressive or carry diseases.
People are more likely to engage in outdoor activities during pleasant summer nights. Activities like hiking, camping, and swimming can pose risks if proper safety measures are not followed, leading to accidents and injuries. Swimming in natural bodies of water at night can be particularly hazardous due to reduced visibility. Drowning incidents may occur if safety precautions are not followed.
Hmmm… Considering all this, ghosts or not, isn’t it then logical to minimize night time activities during this tempting season? Or to at least be more cautious to avoid accidents?
Interestingly, a lot of the activities done during Ghost Month honor ancestors, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen family bonds.
In the perspective of species and populations, maintaining strong family bonds can provide several advantages that contribute to the survival and well-being of a species or population. In the animal kingdom, many species exhibit some form of family or social bonds, and in human societies, strong family ties have played a crucial role in our evolutionary success.
Within a close-knit family group, members can cooperate to protect and defend each other from external threats. This includes defending against predators, competing groups, or adverse environmental conditions. The collective effort enhances the chances of survival for each individual within the family unit.
Family members can work together to gather food, find shelter, and obtain resources necessary for survival. Cooperation in hunting, gathering, or sharing responsibilities can increase the overall efficiency and success of resource acquisition.
Strong family bonds can enhance reproductive success. In species where parental care is essential for the survival of offspring, nurturing and protecting young ones are more effective when there is a strong family support system. Offspring that receive care and attention from multiple family members are more likely to survive and reproduce themselves, passing on their genes to the next generation.
Strong family bonds can extend to create larger social structures. Families that form alliances or communities with other families increase their collective strength and ability to cooperate. This can lead to improved competition against rival groups and increase the overall survival chances of the population.
And so in this perspective, the existence of traditions that promote close family ties can lead to evolutionary success of a species or a population.
At the end of the day, we have to critically evaluate the limitations set upon us by our traditions and beliefs. We can check the intentions behind them and implement as we see fit, after thinking critically and evaluating our unique situations.
But what do you think? Does Ghost Month really have no scientific basis? What other customs and traditions do you think needs a scientific evaluation?
Thank you so much for dropping by!
If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your resident Filipina scientist, in the comments section below.
And remember, when in doubt, always use your (con)science!
SHE-ensya 