Hungry Ghost Festival (中元节)
August 5, 2005At about 11p.m. yesterday, the Hell gates were ‘officially’ opened. And, as the name implies, it mark the start of the one-month long hungry ghost festival. So what is this Hungry Ghost Festival all about? In short, it is the Chinese equivalent of the Western’s Halloween. During this seventh month of the Lunar calender, the Chinese believe that the gates of hell are opened to free the hungry ghost who will wander on Earth to search for food. Hence, we will offer food to the ghosts to ward off bad luck. Furthermore, we’ll also burn hell notes, and stuff such as paper cars, houses etc, to our deceased relatives so as to help them live comfortably in the other world.
So what should we not do in a month where ghosts are allowed to roam freely on Earth? Here is a list of things that should/should not do in this month.
=> Do not go for swimming
=> Not suppose to speak vulgar/foul language
=> Reach home by 5 pm (for children)
=> Keep our laundry by 5 pm
Click here to read more about this festival…
