The Ghost Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival of the Dead or the Qingming Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month in Chinese culture. Here is an English introduction to its origins, legends, and customs:

**Origins and Legends:**
The Ghost Festival is believed to have originated from ancient Chinese beliefs about the afterlife and the cycle of life and death. According to folklore, the 15th day of the seventh lunar month is the day when the gates of hell open, allowing spirits to return to the world of the living.
One of the most famous legends associated with the Ghost Festival is the story of the hungry ghosts. It is said that during this time, ghosts are particularly hungry and in need of food and offerings. The story of the hungry ghosts is often told through the tale of a man named Li Mu Bai, who was transformed into a ghost due to his greed and misdeeds. He wandered the world, searching for food, and was eventually saved by a kind-hearted woman who offered him food and compassion.
**Customs:**
The Ghost Festival is marked by various customs and traditions aimed at honoring the spirits of the deceased and ensuring their well-being in the afterlife. Some of the most common customs include:
1. **Offerings:** Families typically prepare offerings of food, such as fruits, vegetables, rice, and tea, which are placed on an altar or a table. Paper money and other symbolic items, like paper houses and cars, are also burned to provide the spirits with wealth and material goods in the afterlife.
2. **Fires:** In some areas, people light bonfires or candles to guide the spirits back to their homes and to keep them warm during their visit.
3. **Performances:** Traditional performances, such as operas, dances, and dragon and lion dances, are held to entertain the spirits and ensure their happiness.
4. **Prayer and Meditation:** Many people visit temples or participate in meditation and prayer sessions to seek blessings for their ancestors and to honor their memory.
5. **Wearing of Garlic:** Some people wear garlic or carry garlic leaves to ward off evil spirits and protect themselves from harm.
6. **Feeding the Ghosts:** In some regions, people prepare special food called "ghost meal" and leave it outside for the spirits to consume.
The Ghost Festival is a time for reflection and remembrance, as well as a celebration of the bond between the living and the deceased. It is an important cultural event that reflects the deep respect and reverence that Chinese society holds for its ancestors.
「点击下面查看原网页 领取您的八字精批报告☟☟☟☟☟☟」
侵权及不良内容联系邮箱:seoserver@126.com,一经核实,本站将立刻删除。