The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the Zhongyuan Festival, is an important Taoist and Buddhist festival celebrated in many East Asian countries. The festival is believed to be a time when the gates of hell are opened and the spirits of the deceased return to the living world.
When is Hungry Ghost Festival 2021?
In 2021, the Hungry Ghost Festival will be celebrated from August 8th to September 6th. The main day of the festival is August 22nd, which is the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.
Traditions of the Hungry Ghost Festival
The Hungry Ghost Festival is a time for honoring the dead and making offerings to the spirits of the deceased. Some of the common traditions of the festival include:
- Making offerings of food and drink. Food and drink are offered to the spirits of the deceased to appease their hunger and thirst. Common offerings include rice, noodles, fruits, and tea.
- Burning incense and paper money. Incense and paper money are burned as offerings to the spirits of the deceased. The smoke from the incense is believed to carry the spirits’ prayers to heaven, and the paper money is believed to provide them with money in the afterlife.
- Performing ancestor worship rituals. Many people perform ancestor worship rituals during the Hungry Ghost Festival to honor their deceased loved ones. These rituals may include praying to the ancestors, offering them food and drink, and burning incense and paper money.
- Avoiding certain activities. It is believed that certain activities should be avoided during the Hungry Ghost Festival, such as swimming, going out at night, and whistling. These activities are believed to attract the attention of the spirits of the deceased.
Offerings for the Hungry Ghost Festival
There are many different types of offerings that can be made to the spirits of the deceased during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Some of the most common offerings include:
- Food and drink. Food and drink are offered to the spirits of the deceased to appease their hunger and thirst. Common offerings include rice, noodles, fruits, and tea.
- Incense and paper money. Incense and paper money are burned as offerings to the spirits of the deceased. The smoke from the incense is believed to carry the spirits’ prayers to heaven, and the paper money is believed to provide them with money in the afterlife.
- Ancestor tablets. Ancestor tablets are small, wooden tablets that are inscribed with the names of the deceased. These tablets are placed on altars and offered food and drink during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
- Other offerings. Other offerings that may be made to the spirits of the deceased include flowers, fruits, and candles.
Conclusion
The Hungry Ghost Festival is an important Taoist and Buddhist festival that is celebrated in many East Asian countries. The festival is a time for honoring the dead and making offerings to the spirits of the deceased. There are many different traditions and offerings associated with the Hungry Ghost Festival, and it is important to be respectful of these traditions when celebrating the festival.
Additional Information
- The Hungry Ghost Festival is also known as the Ghost Month or the Seventh Month.
- It is believed that the gates of hell are opened on the first day of the seventh lunar month and closed on the last day of the month.
- Many people believe that it is important to make offerings to the spirits of the deceased during the Hungry Ghost Festival to prevent them from becoming angry or vengeful.
- Some people also believe that it is important to avoid certain activities during the Hungry Ghost Festival, such as swimming, going out at night, and whistling. These activities are believed to attract the attention of the spirits of the deceased.
