In various places, customs and traditions differed, as did the skills and reputations of the Ghost Walkers. However, their habits were quite similar. It was their custom to walk among the villages, where they often gained considerable prestige. Now, taking advantage of the New Year, they had received the altar decree to lead the local people in incense-burning ceremonies. This became such a normal occurrence that no one found it unusual, nor would anyone question the propriety of Ghost Walkers undertaking this task.
Of course, the scale varied. Some Ghost Walkers with great prestige led their entire village, or even neighboring villages, in the rites. Those with lesser renown brought the thirty to fifty families whom they had helped and who believed in them. Some only led three to five families, or even just their own family members—young and old—setting up the incense table, burning memorial scriptures, presenting offerings, and worshipping devoutly, each in their own way.
