The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as Zhong Yuan Jie, falls on the Lunar 7th month. The Chinese Lunar 7th month is like the “Halloween” of the Americans. It is believe that the Gate of Hell will be open on 15th day of the 7th lunar month to free the ghosts to wander on earth to seek food and visit their family.

The Hungry Ghost Festival was a Taoist festival originated from the Southern Song Dynasty. During this period, many people worship their ancestors and appease the restless spirits.

Today, the festival is still taken seriously by the Chinese throughout the world. The Chinese celebrates by offering food, wine, joss sticks, paper money and clothes to their ancestors and the homeless spirits in hope for good fortune and luck. There are also series of activates carried out during the month to pleased the wandering ghosts. Activities are always carried out in the night like the wayang shows, outdoor performance and donations feast. The first performance of the wayang is meant for the wandering ghosts. All sits are left empty for them.

Thought out the month, people observed their speech, avoiding words like “ghosts” and “death”. Certain activities are avoided such as swimming, moving house and buying furniture. In addition, many people avoid late nights and children are advice not to wander around alone in the night as the wandering ghost might possess them.

In Buddhism, the Lunar 15th day of the 7th month is a significant day for children to practice filial piety towards our parents. This day is called the Sangha Pravarana Day. There is a touching story behind this practice. It is about a filial son who was a disciple of the Buddha, Mu Jian Lian (Venerable Maudgalyayana).

Mu Jian Lian’s mother became a hungry ghost after death due to her sinful karma. When the son discovers her suffering and could not do anything to save the mother, Mu seeks the Buddha’s advice. Under the guidance of the Buddha, Mu prepares the best daily necessities and offers them on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. The merit and virtues of this offering is incredible. Not only the parents of past lives be liberated but also our present parents who are still alive will be blessed with good health and longevity. This day is indeed the Day of Filial Piety!