Hungry Ghost Festival 2021 End Date: September 22, 2021
Introduction
The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the Ghost Festival or Zhongyuan Festival, is a significant event in Chinese culture that takes place annually in the seventh month of the lunar calendar. It is believed that during this period, the gates of hell are opened, and the ghosts of deceased ancestors return to the mortal world to visit their living relatives.
History and Origins
The origins of the Hungry Ghost Festival date back to ancient Chinese beliefs about the afterlife. It is believed that the spirits of the dead reside in a realm called Diyu, which is similar to the concept of hell in Western cultures. During the seventh lunar month, the gates of Diyu are said to open, allowing the spirits to return to the mortal world.
Traditions and Customs
The Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated with a variety of traditions and customs, including:
- Offering Food and Incense: Families offer food, drink, and incense to their deceased ancestors at home and at temples.
- Burning Ghost Money: Paper money known as “ghost money” is burned to provide the spirits with financial resources in the afterlife.
- Ancestor Worship: Family members pray to their deceased ancestors, offer them food and drink, and burn incense in their honor.
- Lighting Lanterns: Lanterns are lit to guide the spirits back to the mortal world and to ward off evil spirits.
- Getai Performances: Traditional Chinese opera and other cultural performances are held to entertain the spirits.
Beliefs and Superstitions
Many beliefs and superstitions surround the Hungry Ghost Festival, including:
- It is believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors are hungry and restless during this time.
- It is considered unlucky to whistle or sing at night, as this may attract the attention of ghosts.
- It is advised to avoid swimming or going near bodies of water, as the spirits may try to drown people.
End Date
The Hungry Ghost Festival ends on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, which falls on September 22, 2021. On this day, the gates of Diyu are believed to close, and the spirits return to the afterlife.
Conclusion
The Hungry Ghost Festival is a significant event in Chinese culture that celebrates the bonds between the living and the dead. It is a time for families to remember and honor their deceased ancestors, and to help the spirits find peace and happiness in the afterlife.
