If this is your first time organising 7th Month prayers — or you're just double-checking you've got everything right — here's a practical rundown of what's traditionally prepared, what goes on the table, and the taboos many Singaporean families still observe.
What is the 7th Month?
The 7th Month of the Chinese lunar calendar, also called the Hungry Ghost Festival or Zhong Yuan Jie, is a period when the gates of the afterlife are believed to open, allowing spirits to roam the living world. Families hold prayers to honour ancestors and appease wandering spirits, often followed by a shared meal. In 2026, the 7th Month runs from 13 August to 11 September, with the 15th night — 27 August — regarded as the most significant day.
Setting up the prayer table
Traditionally, three bowls of rice, three sets of chopsticks, and three cups of Chinese tea are placed on the altar, representing the realms of heaven, earth, and the underworld.
Common food offerings include:
- Mantou (steamed buns) — symbolising sincerity and rising fortune
- Uncut noodles — representing long life
- Roast duck, chicken, or pork belly — as generous offerings
- Fish, prawns, or crab — for variety and abundance
- Fresh, unpeeled fruit — placed whole
- Peanuts and candy — smaller traditional offerings
Families observing a more vegetarian tradition often prepare stir-fried vegetables, tofu, or mock meats instead, out of respect for Buddhist practice — temple-style spreads are typically fully vegetarian.
Do's and don'ts many families still follow
Whether or not you're superstitious, these customs are widely observed during the 7th Month in Singapore:
- Don't disturb offerings on the ground. Food, joss paper, or incense left outside homes or void decks are offerings — avoid stepping over or moving them, even by accident.
- Avoid scheduling big decisions. Weddings, signing contracts, or moving house are traditionally avoided during this period.
- Be mindful after dark. Spirits are believed to be most active at night, so many avoid unnecessary outings, especially in quiet areas.
- Skip the whistling. It's said to attract wandering spirits, particularly late at night.
- At getai performances, the front row is traditionally left empty — it's reserved for unseen guests.
These customs vary by family and dialect group, and not everyone observes all of them — but they're common enough that it's worth knowing before you plan anything during this period.
Simplifying your prayer table with catering
Between prayers, guests, and tradition to get right, cooking a full spread from scratch is often the last thing families or offices have time for. This is exactly why 7th Month buffet catering has become so common in Singapore — it covers the shared meal after prayers without adding to an already long list of things to prepare.
FattyDaddyFattyMummy's 7th Month Buffet Catering (13 August – 11 September 2026) offers both Mini Buffet and Set Up Buffet options, with islandwide delivery and 15% off if booked by 15 August.