The Ghost festival also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, this festival is on the 14th night of the 7th lunar month. In Chinese tradition, the 7th month in general is regarded as the Ghost Month, in which ghosts and spirits, including those of the deceased ancestors, come out from the lower realm.
On the 14th day the realms of Heaven and Hell and the realm of the living are open and both Taoists and Buddhists would perform rituals to transmute and absolve the sufferings of the deceased. Families would also offer food offerings, burning of underworld money and bags containing cloth for the visiting spirits of ancestors. Kinds of meals would be served with empty seats left for deceased in the family.
Burning of hungry ghost.
During evening, incense is burnt in front of the doors of each household for paying tribute to other wandering and homeless souls so that they won't bring misfortune and bad luck. To make sure that all ghost back to heaven, people would flew water lanterns on the river, which in shape of lotus.
In some East Asian countries today, live performances are held and everyone is invited to attend. The first row of seats are always empty as this is where the ghosts sit. The shows are always put on at night and at high volumes as the sound is believed to attract the ghosts. Some shows include Chinese opera and dramas.
A temporary stage of Ghost Festival.
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