Culture Insider: China's Ghost Festival
Time:2024-05-21 13:02:12 Source:politicsViews(143)
[Photo/VCG]
The Zhongyuan Festival, also known as Ullambana Festival among Buddhists, falls on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, on Aug 30 this year.
Since ancient times, the Chinese have believed that the gates of hell open on that day and so people hold all kinds of activities to honor the ghosts. Therefore, the festival is also called the Ghost Festival.
There are two other festivals in China to honor departed spirits of ancestors: Qingming Festival (in spring) and the Chung Yeung Festival (in autumn). In both, living descendants pay homage to their deceased ancestors. Zhongyuan Festival is distinct from these, as the deceased are believed to visit the living.
Buddhist doctrine says that by offering articles on the festival day, deceased parents and relatives can be saved from bad situations in the after life. The Ullambana Festival of Buddhism has two meanings. One is to persuade people to provide for Buddhist monks. The other is to convince people to do more charitable deeds to release departed souls from sin and advocate family devotion.
Previous:'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes
Next:Verona confirms Serie A status for another year after beating Salernitana
You may also like
- Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf is spotted on the streets of Gavin and Stacey's hometown Barry
- In Pics: 2023 China Internet Conference in Beijing
- Couples Get Married on Qixi Festival in China
- Heritage Protection Breathes New Life into China's Millennia
- Biden says Brown v. Board of Education ruling was about more than education
- Apps simplify expense steps for foreign users
- Improved Rural Living Environment Boosts Rural Revitalization in North China
- Opening Ceremony of Traditional Lhasa Shoton Festival
- 'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes