HUNGRY GHOST

The Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated throughout the whole of the seventh lunar month. According to Chinese folklore, the ghosts are released from the gates of hell on the first day of the seventh lunar month. Marking this day of the festival, Chinese burn joss paper and make-believe money near their homes and businesses, to give the ghosts some money they need for their special month.

 

On the fifteenth day, these wandering ghost are believed to be famished, and to appease these ghosts, many Chinese believe in offering a feast and lots of joss paper. Marking the last day of this festival, many burn more paper money and clothes for the ghosts to use these items when they return to hell society. Another belief is the gates of heaven are also opened during this month, and the Hungry Ghost month is one of several traditional festivals which many Chinese use to commemorate and worship their ancestors.