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What is the Zhongyuan Festival?
Zhongyuan Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival or Ghost Month, is a traditional Taoist and Buddhist holiday celebrated across East Asia, particularly in China. It falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month (usually mid-to-late August in the Gregorian calendar).
Core Concepts
Origin and Meaning
Rooted in both Taoist and Buddhist traditions.
Taoism: Called Zhongyuan Jie (中元节), it honors the "Officer of Earth" who pardons sins and judges the dead.
Buddhism: Known as Yulanpen Jie (盂兰盆节), it derives from the tale of Maudgalyayana saving his mother from hell through offerings to monks.
Purpose
To pay respect to deceased ancestors and appease wandering spirits.
It is believed that the gates of the afterlife open during this month, allowing spirits to visit the living world.
Traditions and Customs
Ancestor Worship: Families offer food, incense, and paper money (joss paper) at altars or gravesites.
Burning Joss Paper: Paper replicas of money, goods, and even modern items like smartphones are burned to send "provisions" to the deceased.
River Lanterns: Floating lanterns on rivers or lakes to guide lost spirits and symbolize letting go of misfortune.
Emptying Seats: Some leave empty chairs at dinner tables as a symbolic gesture for ancestral spirits to join the family meal.
Taboos: Avoid activities like swimming (risk of spirit interference), whistling at night (may attract ghosts), or marrying during Ghost Month.
Cultural Significance
Emphasizes filial piety and the continuity of family bonds beyond death.
Reflects a blend of religious beliefs (Taoism/Buddhism) and folk superstitions.
In modern times, eco-friendly alternatives (e.g., virtual offerings) are gaining popularity to reduce fire hazards and pollution.