The Ghost Festival, also known as the Bon Festival, is the 15th day of the seventh lunar month in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. This day is considered to be the day when the gates of ghosts open, and the souls of the dead can return to the world on this day. Reunion with loved ones. On this day, every household will offer sacrifices to ancestors and gods, pray for the salvation of the souls of the dead, and pray for relatives.
However, there are also some taboos during the Hungry Ghost Festival. I will list a few of them as follows:
1. Do not go out at night: According to the custom of the Hungry Ghost Festival, you cannot go out at night. The ancients believed that during the Chinese Ghost Festival, you should not go out at night. There will be ghosts wandering around on the night of the Yuan Festival, which will be detrimental to people if they encounter them. The Ghost Festival is a festival for worshiping the souls of the dead. The souls of the dead will appear in the world at night, so it is not advisable to go out at night to avoid unexpected events. At the same time, you should pay attention to safety and ensure The safety and health of yourself and your family.
2. Do not touch the sacrifices: The Hungry Ghost Festival is a time for quiet sacrifices. It is not advisable to make noise at home so as not to disturb the peace of ancestors and the souls of the dead. During the sacrifice process, do not touch, collide or play with the sacrifices to avoid To tarnish the gods or offend the ancestors.
3. Don’t cry or yell: When worshiping, don’t cry or yell. This will incite ghosts and attract their attention. It is not suitable to eat meat. The Ghost Festival is a vegetarian day and it is not advisable to eat meat to show respect and memory for the souls of the dead.
4. Do not borrow money or things: On this day, do not borrow money or things, because the things that need to be returned may be stopped by ghosts and gods, causing subsequent trouble. It is not advisable to wear red clothes. The Ghost Festival is a festival for worshiping the souls of the dead. The color red represents auspiciousness. It is not advisable to wear red clothes to avoid disturbing the souls of the dead.
The origin of the Ghost Festival:
It can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty. At that time, folk belief believed that July 15th was the day when the souls of the dead returned to the world. In order to worship ancestors and pay tribute to the souls of the dead, To pray for blessings, people began to hold the Bon Festival on this day. This festival originally originated from Buddhism, and was later absorbed by Taoism and folk beliefs, becoming one of the indispensable festivals in traditional Chinese culture.
Summary: The Ghost Festival is an important traditional cultural festival that continues to change and evolve as people inherit it. The festival has its solemn worship rituals, but also some rules and taboos. Today, we must pay attention to the historical and cultural value of this festival, respect and inherit Chinese civilization, pay attention to safety and hygiene, and act in accordance with taboos to avoid causing Unnecessary trouble.