2021-08-22
The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the Zhongyuan Festival, is an annual Chinese festival that honors the deceased. It is believed that during this month, the gates of hell are opened and the spirits of the dead are allowed to roam the earth. The festival is typically celebrated with offerings of food, drink, and incense, as well as prayers and rituals.
This year, the Hungry Ghost Festival began on August 8th and will end on August 22nd. The last day of the festival is known as the Zhongyuan Jie. On this day, it is believed that the spirits of the dead are at their most powerful. As a result, many people take extra precautions to protect themselves from ghosts on this day.
Here are some of the things that people do to protect themselves from ghosts on the last day of the Hungry Ghost Festival:
- Stay indoors after dark.
- Avoid whistling or singing at night.
- Do not burn paper money or offerings in the street.
- Do not hang clothes outside to dry.
- Do not step on or cross over offerings that have been made to the dead.
- Avoid swimming or bathing in natural bodies of water.
- Be respectful of the dead and do not speak ill of them.
In addition to the above precautions, many people also wear amulets or talismans to protect themselves from ghosts. These amulets are often made of red string or paper and are inscribed with Buddhist or Taoist symbols.
The Hungry Ghost Festival is a time to remember the dead and to show respect for their spirits. However, it is also a time to be mindful of the dangers that the spirits may pose. By taking the necessary precautions, you can help to protect yourself from ghosts and enjoy the festival safely.
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2025 Hungry Ghost Festival: How to Protect Yourself from Ghosts
Table 1: Hungry Ghost Festival Dates
| Year | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | August 8th | August 22nd |
| 2022 | August 12th | September 5th |
| 2023 | August 1st | August 29th |
| 2024 | August 19th | September 16th |
| 2025 | August 7th | August 21st |
Table 2: Hungry Ghost Festival Activities
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Making offerings of food and drink | The spirits of the dead are said to be hungry during the Hungry Ghost Festival, so it is customary to make offerings of food and drink to them. |
| Burning paper money and incense | Paper money and incense are burned as offerings to the dead. The paper money is believed to help the spirits buy what they need in the afterlife, while the incense is said to purify the air and ward off evil spirits. |
| Praying and reciting sutras | Many people pray and recite sutras during the Hungry Ghost Festival to honor the dead and to ask for their protection. |
| Performing rituals | There are many different rituals that are performed during the Hungry Ghost Festival, such as the “Ghost Dance” and the “Lantern Festival.” These rituals are believed to help the spirits to find their way back to the afterlife. |
Table 3: Precautions to Take on the Last Day of the Hungry Ghost Festival
| Precaution | Reason |
|---|---|
| Stay indoors after dark | The spirits of the dead are said to be at their most powerful on the last day of the Hungry Ghost Festival, so it is best to avoid going outside after dark. |
| Avoid whistling or singing at night | Whistling and singing are said to attract ghosts, so it is best to avoid doing these things at night during the Hungry Ghost Festival. |
| Do not burn paper money or offerings in the street | Burning paper money or offerings in the street is said to pollute the environment and attract ghosts. It is best to burn these things in a designated area, such as a temple or a cemetery. |
| Do not hang clothes outside to dry | Hanging clothes outside to dry is said to attract ghosts, so it is best to avoid doing this during the Hungry Ghost Festival. |
| Do not step on or cross over offerings that have been made to the dead | Stepping on or crossing over offerings that have been made to the dead is said to be disrespectful and can anger the spirits. It is best to avoid doing this. |
| Avoid swimming or bathing in natural bodies of water | Swimming or bathing in natural bodies of water is said to be dangerous during the Hungry Ghost Festival, as the spirits of the dead are said to be lurking in the water. It is best to avoid doing these things during the festival. |
| Be respectful of the dead and do not speak ill of them | It is important to be respectful of the dead and to avoid speaking ill of them. Doing so could anger the spirits and bring bad luck. |
Table 4: Amulets and Talismans to Protect from Ghosts
| Amulet or Talisman | Description |
|---|---|
| Red string | Red string is said to be protective against ghosts. It is often worn as a bracelet or ankle bracelet. |
| Paper money amulets | Paper money amulets are small pieces of paper that are inscribed with Buddhist or Taoist symbols. They are said to protect the wearer from ghosts by confusing them. |
| Ghost-repelling incense | Ghost-repelling incense is made from a variety of herbs and spices that are said to be effective at repelling ghosts. |
| Taoist charms | Taoist charms are small pieces of paper that are inscribed with Taoist symbols. They are said to protect the wearer from ghosts by invoking the power of the Taoist gods. |
