During our “How We Remember” series, we’ve explored how memorialization is practiced throughout the world—across diverse geographic regions, cultures and religions. We want to explore how we are all connected in the universal experience of losing a loved one. Past articles in this series include:
- How We Remember: Japan’s Obon Festival
- How We Remember: The History of Headstones Across Cultures and Religions
- How We Remember: Cemetery Types in the United States
- How We Remember: All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day and Dia de los Muertos
This post dives into the Chinese celebration of the Festival of the Hungry Ghost (formerly named Zhongyuan). The belief in spirits and an afterlife is a universal concept, and every culture has its own way of remembering their lost loved ones. Hungry Ghost Month is celebrated in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and some parts of Indonesia during the seventh lunar month.
It is believed that on the first day of the month, Chinese ancestors are released from hell to wreak havoc on the living. To avoid their wrath, a festival is held on the 15th day (in 2021 it will fall on August 22) to feed the hungry spirits and appease them.
At the conclusion of Hungry Ghost Month, people float water lanterns down a river to lead the departed back to where they came from. Often referred to as the Chinese version of Halloween, it’s viewed as a special time for children to learn about the importance of family by celebrating and honoring their ancestors, as well as caring for those less fortunate than themselves.
The Origin of the Festival of the Hungry Ghost
Formerly known as Zhongyuan, the festival originated from both Taoist and Buddhist legends. The idea behind it is to save the unhappy spirits from purgatory by conducting acts of charity. The number of good deeds performed by the living is thought to translate into a more powerful redemption for the souls—eventually leading to reincarnation into another being.
Traditions and Celebrations
The Chinese believe that on the night of the full moon, there is a bridge between the living and the dead, so precautions must be taken to shield themselves from attacks or pranks by the ghosts. They do this by performing some of the following rituals, in hopes of being protected.
Feasting
Hungry ghosts are not happy ghosts, so one of the rites involves preparing food like roasted meats or vegetarian dishes to honor the holiday’s Buddhist roots. Leaving open places at the table for the invisible guests is a sign of respect.
Ceremonies
An appeasement ceremony is held after the main meal to leave food by the home’s curb for ghosts passing by through the night. This menu generally features items like tea, rice wine, uncooked rice and noodles, peanuts, unpeeled fruit, and uncut meats.
Entertaining
Outdoor operas and concerts are staged in the evening to entertain the ghosts. The front row seats at these street performances are reserved solely for the ghosts.
Offerings
Burning incense, clothes, simple jewelry, fake money and joss paper sculptures of luxury items is believed to allow ghosts to enjoy the finer things in life in the spirit world.
Remembrances
Placing the family’s ancestral tablets, old paintings and photos on a table shows respect for the spirits.
Taboos During Ghost Month
Part of the lore of Ghost Month isn’t just hosting activities to please the ghosts, but also avoiding symbolic elements that could bring their wrath.
Four common superstitions include:
- Don’t kill rare bugs (moths, butterflies, grasshoppers) you find in your house because they could be the spirit of an ancestor.
- Postpone home renovations because this could anger the ghost who used to live there.
- Avoid wearing the colors red or black because they attract ghosts who may want to inhabit your body.
Other Events Held During the Festival of the Hungry Ghost
Different Asian countries and regions have their own unique activities and traditions that they celebrate according to their customs. The Qiang Gu Pole Climbing competition, held across East Asia, originated from the custom of snatching the offerings after the banquet for hungry ghosts. Team members unite and help one another climb up greased pillars to the top of a 42-meter-high shed.
The Keelung Ghost Festival is an elaborate night parade where glowing water lanterns are released onto the Keelung River. The idea is the further the lantern floats, the greater the blessing will be.
Ghost festival is different from other Asian festivals like Qingming (held in spring) and Chung Yeung (held in the fall), where the living pay tribute to deceased ancestors. During Ghost Festival, the dead visit the living who are expected to show sympathy and respect toward all ghosts and spirits.
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