Since the early days of starting our pet cremation service, we’ve observed an interesting pattern: a noticeable increase in the number of pet farewells during the Hungry Ghost Festival. It’s something we’re often asked about. Is there a real connection between this traditional event and a rise in pet deaths?
Understandably, for many loving pet owners, such timing can stir anxiety or lead to questions shaped by cultural stories and long-held beliefs. Let’s explore this together with empathy and clarity.
Misinterpretation of Rituals
The Hungry Ghost Festival, observed in many parts of Asia, especially among the Chinese community, is a time when families make offerings to honour wandering spirits, typically food, joss sticks, and paper effigies. These gestures are rooted in centuries of tradition, meant to bring peace and balance between the living and the unseen.
However, these rituals are sometimes misunderstood. Some may believe that these practices attract negative energy or bring harm to those nearby, including pets. In reality, these offerings are symbolic acts of respect and remembrance, not summoning or dangerous rituals. As noted in cultural guides like Reeracoen Singapore, there is no factual basis to the idea that such rituals invite misfortune or directly affect animal well-being.
Superstition and Folklore
Like many cultural festivals, the Hungry Ghost Festival is steeped in folklore. Stories passed down through generations often carry warnings about what to avoid during this “open gates” period, such as not whistling at night, not swimming, or not leaving clothes outside. Among these, some believe that pets, being more spiritually sensitive, may be at greater risk.
These beliefs, while deeply embedded in tradition, should be understood as cultural narratives rather than medical or scientific truths. While folklore helps preserve identity and community values, it is equally important to separate myth from reality, especially when it comes to our cherished animal companions.
Here are some folkloric ideas or superstitions that touch on pets and the Hungry Ghost Festival:
1. Animals See What Humans Cannot
A common belief in Chinese folklore is that animals, especially cats and dogs, are more spiritually sensitive and can see spirits or ghosts. During the Hungry Ghost Festival (7th lunar month), when it’s said that the gates of the underworld open, pets may be more easily startled or unsettled because of their ability to sense the supernatural.
Linked superstition: If a dog barks or a cat stares at something unseen during this time, it’s thought they may be reacting to spirits.
Cautionary tale: If a pet becomes sick or passes away during this period, some may attribute it to a ghost encounter or spiritual disturbance.
2. Black Cats and Bad Luck
In some traditional beliefs, black cats are seen as omens or spirit carriers. If a black cat crosses a funeral altar or is around during spirit offerings, it is sometimes feared to bring spiritual imbalance or to invite death into the home.
During the Hungry Ghost Festival, if a black cat is unusually vocal or behaves oddly, some may see this as an ill omen.
This is similar to Western superstitions, though not necessarily widespread in modern Chinese culture.
3. Pets as Spirit Mediums or Protectors
There’s also the belief that pets can act as protective spirits or absorb misfortune meant for the household. In this view, if a pet passes away during Hungry Ghost Month, some may believe it has sacrificed itself to protect its owner from harm.
This belief is bittersweet — while it may comfort some grieving pet owners, it is based entirely in spiritual folklore, not fact.
4. Avoid Bringing Pets to Ritual Sites
Another tradition says you should not bring pets to temples, roadside offerings, or ritual burnings during the Hungry Ghost Festival. These places are considered spiritually “hot” or active, and pets might get spiritually disturbed or “followed” by wandering spirits.
Some also advise:
Avoid walking pets near joss paper offerings or under trees at night.
Don’t let pets eat food offerings, as it’s believed to be “claimed” by spirits.
5. Accidents as Spirit Interference
If a pet suffers an accident during this month, some may blame it on mischievous or vengeful spirits. This ties into the broader belief that the Hungry Ghost Month is a time of greater spiritual risk for both humans and animals.
These folklores are part of cultural storytelling and belief systems — they are not supported by science. Most pet deaths during this time are coincidental and due to natural causes such as age, illness, or heat-related conditions.
The Truth: No Scientific Evidence
Despite the seasonal trend we’ve noticed in our own service, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that more pets pass away during the Hungry Ghost Festival than at other times of the year. Pet deaths generally occur due to natural causes such as ageing, chronic illness, or accidents. The clustering of such events around certain periods is more likely coincidence than causation.
What often happens is a cognitive bias. When a time of increased emotional or cultural sensitivity, such as during this festival, causes us to notice and remember pet losses more vividly, it may seem like they are happening more frequently. But this is not supported by data.
A Reminder to Honour, Not Fear
While it is essential to respect the cultural beliefs and spiritual practices of all communities, it’s equally important not to let superstition add to the grief or guilt that many pet owners already feel. The Hungry Ghost Festival is, at its heart, about remembrance, peace, and honouring those who have passed. It can be a time to reflect on the love and memories we’ve shared with our pets, rather than to fear for them.
Whether your pet is still with you or has recently crossed the rainbow bridge, this time can be an opportunity to light a candle, say a prayer, or simply hold space for their memory. The bond between human and animal is sacred, and it deserves the same care and reverence we give our human relationships.
Love Your Pet In Life and In Passing
At the core of what we do is a deep belief in the power of love. The love we feel for our pets, and the love they give us so freely and unconditionally, is profound. Whether during the Hungry Ghost Festival or any time of year, we encourage all pet families to cherish every moment, provide comfort in illness, and ensure dignity in farewell.
Love your pet wholeheartedly. And when the time comes, let that love guide the way they are remembered. Every creature deserves a gentle goodbye and a legacy of love.
