Hidden Truths Behind Lunar July Offerings? Feng Shui Master Declares 'I Never Perform Ghost Month Rituals, Nor Eat the Offerings': Over 10 Nearby Stores That Held Ceremonies Have Closed

With the opening of the Ghost Gate on the first day of the seventh lunar month, the Zhongyuan Festival marks a vibrant season when businesses, shops, and individuals actively prepare offerings for rituals. However, Feng Shui expert Master Xiao Meng recently shared a contrasting personal view on his Facebook fan page, openly stating that he never performs Zhongyuan Festival offerings and strictly forbids his company employees from holding any ritual ceremonies. This practice stands out notably in Taiwan’s society, where folk customs and worship are widely observed.

Is Ghost Month offering truly necessary? A Feng Shui expert debunks myths and reveals unique insights

Master Xiao Meng explains that performing rituals during the middle of the seventh lunar month is akin to voluntarily opening one’s own door and inviting external spiritual entities into the home. He particularly emphasizes that these spirits are not one’s relatives or ancestors, but unknown 'good brothers' from outside. For those seeking peace or business success, he argues, 'If you truly want to pray, it's better to properly honor your ancestors during the Qingming Festival.' Paying respect to one’s own family, he believes, is the right path.

When neighboring shops invited him to join their rituals, he shocked many by revealing, 'Over 10 stores nearby that held rituals have already closed down.'

Master Xiao Meng’s company is located in Taipei’s Xinyi District, surrounded by numerous businesses. During the Ghost Month offering season, nearby shops often consult him about ritual procedures and precautions. Upon noticing that his company prepares no altars or offerings, some well-meaning neighbors have even offered to share a portion of their offerings for joint worship—offers he instantly declines with alarm.

Regarding the impact of not holding rituals on business operations, Master Xiao Meng shares his personal observations. He reveals, 'I’ve observed this carefully—after Qingming Festival, over 10 stores in our area have closed down. All of them performed rituals, but we didn’t. Yet, we’re still doing just fine.' He uses this experience to illustrate that not holding ritual ceremonies has had no negative impact on his company’s operations.

Can Ghost Month offerings be eaten? Food safety concerns under high temperatures

In addition to not holding rituals, Master Xiao Meng maintains an extremely cautious attitude toward food used in offerings. He states he almost never consumes any food that has been used in rituals, primarily due to practical concerns such as weather conditions and food safety.

Master Xiao Meng analyzes that the Zhongyuan Festival falls during the hottest part of summer, when fruits, cooked dishes, and unpackaged foods are exposed to intense sunlight outdoors for extended periods, inevitably leading to spoilage or deterioration. Consuming such heat-affected food, he warns, can burden the digestive system and harm physical health. Unless the food is canned or sealed and thus less prone to spoilage, he chooses not to eat it at all, avoiding potential health risks.