We're stepping into the Ghost Month in Taiwan... According to the legend, this is a time when the gates of the underworld are open. The highlight is the Ghost Festival (中元節) on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. On the day, people hold ceremonies offering food to the spirits who don’t have a home (Pudu 普渡). You might also witness the beautiful yet solemn tradition of releasing the lanterns on water to guide lost souls. Tune in to learn the essential Tai-gi words for you to get through the month!

●Words to Know:

1. 鬼月 kuí-gue̍h (n.) Ghost Month

2. 鬼門 kuí-mn̂g (n.) the gates of the underworld

3. 中元節 Tiong-guân-tseh (n.) Ghost Festival

4. 普渡 phóo-tōo (v.) to offer food to the spirits who don’t have a home (Pudu)

5. 放水燈 pàng-tsuí-ting (phr.) to release water lanterns

●Idiom of the week:

七月半鴨仔，毋知死活。 Tshit-gue̍h-puànn ah-á, m̄ tsai sí-ua̍h.

(A duck on the Ghost Festival, unaware of its fate.)