The origins of the Ghost Festival can be traced back to Buddhist and Taoist traditions. According to legend, during the seventh lunar month, the gates of the underworld open, allowing spirits and ghosts to roam the earth for a month. To honor and appease these restless souls, people perform various rituals and ceremonies.
One of the main customs during the Ghost Festival is the offering of food and burning of incense and paper money. It is believed that these offerings provide comfort to the wandering spirits and ensure their blessings for the living. Families also set up elaborate altars in their homes and temples, adorned with fruits, sweets, and other offerings.
Another prominent feature of the Ghost Festival is the staging of elaborate performances, including opera and puppet shows. These performances often depict tales of the underworld and serve as both entertainment and religious devotion. Additionally, lanterns are lit to guide the spirits back to the underworld at the end of the month.
Over time, the Ghost Festival has evolved into a time of both reverence and celebration. While it remains rooted in ancient superstitions, modern interpretations also emphasize the importance of filial piety and honoring one's ancestors. Families gather to pay respects to deceased relatives and ancestors, offering prayers for their well-being in the afterlife.
In conclusion, the Ghost Festival is a deeply ingrained tradition in East Asian culture, steeped in rich folklore and religious significance. From its humble beginnings as a means to appease wandering spirits, it has transformed into a multifaceted celebration of heritage and remembrance. As the gates of the underworld open each year on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, communities come together to honor the past and ensure harmony between the realms of the living and the dead.