Travelers Beware: 10 Hotel Taboos for Taiwan's 'Ghost Month'

As the seventh lunar month, widely known as "Ghost Month," approaches on August 13th, a prominent Taiwanese numerologist has issued a list of ten essential taboos for travelers staying in hotels. Master Yang Deng-ke advises people to be aware of these customs and offers ways to mitigate potential disturbances.

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Knock three times before entering the room, wait a few seconds, then open the door. When entering, say greetings like 'Sorry! Excuse me! Sorry!'

The numerologist's recommendations aim to show respect and avoid unsettling encounters during this traditionally sensitive period. Key advice includes knocking three times before entering a hotel room and politely announcing your presence to "good brothers" or spirits. Upon entering, it is advised to do so sideways to allow any spirits to exit. Before using the toilet, one should turn on the light and fan, and flush the water to cleanse any unseen negative energies.

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Before using the toilet, turn on the toilet water and flush it to remove unseen yin and foul things.

Yang also suggests avoiding corner rooms, as they are often less occupied and may accumulate more yin energy, particularly concerning for individuals sensitive to spiritual presences. When sleeping, it is recommended to keep a small light on to enhance yang energy, or at least leave the bathroom light on. Before lying down, tapping the pillows and bedding is advised as another way to signal your presence to any spirits. For solo travelers or those using only one bed in a double room, it's suggested to avoid beds near the wall and to disturb the bedding on the unused bed, perhaps by placing luggage there, to deter spirits from sharing the sleeping space.

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When sleeping at night, do not turn off all the lights; keep a small light on to increase yang energy.

Further precautions include ensuring shoes are placed with the toes pointing away from the bed at night, preventing spirits from potentially wearing them and attaching themselves to the occupant. Travelers should also be mindful of religious texts like the Bible or Quran found in rooms; if they are already open, it might be a sign they are being used to ward off spirits, and closing them could negate this protective function. Lastly, any unusual occurrences such as flickering lights, strange odors, or unexplained noises should be reported to the front desk immediately, as they could indicate either a facility issue or spiritual activity, prompting a room change for peace of mind.

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If you find religious books in the room are already open, it might be to ward off spirits. Do not close the Bible, as it reduces its protective function.