鬼 節 Ghost Festival
Ghost Festival Celebrated by the Chinese community
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鬼 節 5
PREFACE
引言
INTRODUCTION
CHINESE TRADITION
節日介紹
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華人傳統
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Myth and Superstitions
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Custom & Practice
Origins & Roots
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Beliefs and Taboos
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Related Activities
七月 | 鬼月
Yin & Yang Philosophy 陰陽的概念
迷信
鬼節禁忌
SIGNIFICANCE
節日慶祝
Ghost Month
鬼節的由來
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FESTIVAL CELEBRATION
習俗
節日意義
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Respect 尊敬
Filial Piety
有關活動
孝順
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Remembrance of Ancestors 祖先
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Preface
埕言
Unlike western ghost festival 'Halloween', the chinese ghosts and spirits have a special and month-long festival of their own. However, in the contemporary times we are living in today, the festival seem to take on the role of instilling fear and has heavy emphasis on taboos and superstition instead. Originally a day to honor ancestors, the festival in fact builds a cultural bridge between people and ancestors tied through perspectives that are highly valued by the Chinese community: filial piety, respect and philanthropy — it is more than just mere superstition. 'Ghost Festival' addresses the reason why the festival is celebrated and aims to re-introduce values of tradition, build awareness and improve perception to this misunderstood yet rich and meaningful cultural festival. Being able to recognize that the festival is an important part of our culture, and also helps in understanding our identity.
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Ghost Month 七月「鬼月」
The traditional Chinese calendar is based on precise astronomical observations of the sun’s longitude and the phases of the moon.
The seventh month in the Chinese calendar is known as the Ghost Month where ghosts and spirits, including deceased ancestors, would come out from the netherworld, some call it the lower realm, to visit the living. The Chinese Ghost Festival is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated by Chinese in many communities. The festival falls on the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar. It is believed on that day of the seventh month, the realms of Heaven and Hell and the living realm will be opened, allowing ghosts and spirits to roam the earth.
Like the Hebrew calendar, the Chinese calendar too is based on both the moon and the sun. The sun is associated with seasonal cyclicality and the moon with the cyclicality of the months. The day of the month signals the phase of the moon.
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農曆七月，是民俗傳說中的 “鬼月”。居多華人的国家都会慶祝
這個節日。據說每年農曆七月十五，掌管地獄的地藏王菩薩， 便會打開鬼門，放出餓鬼，一直到七月三十日才關上鬼門。
七 月 鬼 月
[left] 紙錢 A woman walks near two women burning “Hell Money,” during the Ghost Festival 標牌 [bottom] Temporary stage set up for the annually-held festival
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Origins of Festival 鬼節的由來 The origin and significance of the Ghost Festival differ between Taoists and Buddhists. The festival has its roots in Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. Taoists and Buddhists would built altars and hire monks or priests to perform rituals to appease or absolve the sufferings of the deceased. According to traditional Taoist beliefs, the fate of mankind is controlled by three deities: Tian Guan Da Di, ruler of heaven, who grants happiness; Di Guan Da Di, ruler of earth, who pardons sins; and Shui Guan Da Di, ruler of water, who alleviates dangers. Shang Yuan Jie, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and Xia Yuan Jie on the 15th day of the tenth lunar month, are the birthdays of the rulers of heaven and water respectively. Zhong Yuan Jie, which falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, is the birthday of Di Guan Da Di, who descends to earth on this day to record the good and evil deeds of each human being. During the seventh lunar month, the gates of hell are open and hungry ghosts are released from the netherworld to wander on earth among humans and look for food. Traditionally during this month, Taoist priests would perform rites and make food offerings, while devotees would visit temples to repent their sins, as well as pray for happiness and avoidance of disasters.
鬼節 —— 也稱 或
中元節 盂蘭節 根據五雜俎的記載：「道經以正月十五日為上元，七月十五日為
中元，十月十五日為下元。」修行記說： 「七月中元日 ，地官降下， 定人間善惡，道士於是夜誦經，餓節囚徒亦得解脫。」
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鬼 節 的 由
「
Taoists focus on appeasing the wandering souls released from the netherworld, while the emphasis of the Buddhists is filial piety. 」
來
Buddhists, on the other hand, have traditionally celebrated the Ghost Festival as the Yu Lan Pen Festival. Ullambana means ‘liberation from suffering’, with a special reference to the salvation of all the tormented souls in hell.
Yu lan Pen thus refers to a container filled with offerings to save one’s ancestors from being suspended in suffering in purgatory.
The festival in Buddhism developed out of the Ullambana Sutra which consists of a brief discourse given by the Buddha to the monk Maudgalyayana (Mu Lian) on the practice of filial piety. According to this sutra, having discovered his mother was reborn in the realms of pain and suffering. Mu Lian went to the netherworld to relieve her from sufferings. However. although his mother was starving, all food provided to her would turn to ashes before coming to her mouth. Realising that his own power was not enough to save her, Mu went to the Buddha who instructed him to collect various types of fruit and vegetables in Yulan basins to make offerings to the assembled members of the Buddhist Order and to request them to pray along with him. By doing so, not only his mother but his forefathers and kith and kin would be able to escape suffering and attain eternal bliss and salvation. The festival, which originated from the story of Mu Lian, commemorates his filial piety towards his mother. The legend is also believed to be the origin of the Chinese custom of making offerings and praying for one’s ancestors during this annual festival.
佛教也在這一天，舉行超渡法會，稱為「屋蘭瑪納」（印度話
ULLAMBANA）也就是 「 孟蘭會 」。孟蘭盆的意義是倒懸，人
生的痛苦有如倒掛在樹頭上的蝙蝠，懸掛著、苦不堪言。為了使 眾生免於倒懸之苦，便需要誦經，佈絕食物給孤魂野鬼。
此舉正好和中國的鬼月祭拜不
謀而合，因而中元節和孟蘭會便 同時流傳下來。
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Yin & Yang 「 Festivals to the many Taoist gods of Chinese popular religion demonstrate yin and yang cosmological conceptions. 」 An illustration of the relationship between human actions and the balancing of yin and yang are the festivals associated with the spring and autumn equinoxes, when day and night are in perfect balance. The first of these falls on the fifteenth day after the spring equinox, that is, on April 5, and is called the Pure Brightness (清明, qingming) Festival. The second falls on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month (usual in August) and is called the Ghost Festival or the Ullambana Festival (盂蘭, yulan), after a Buddhist rite for the dead.
completed its six months of ascendency and yin will begin its six months of ascendency. Yin is associated with death: the ancestors are “welcomed” at the end of the yin-dominant fall and winter, to remain close to the family and not to depart during the yangdominant spring and summer; by contrast, the ghosts are “sent off ” at the beginning of the yin- or death dominant fall and winter and asked not to return.
While momentarily in balance, Chinese cosmological concepts recognise the equinoxes in dynamic terms: whereas in spring yin has completed its six months of ascendency, in fall it is the opposite: yang has
On the Ghost Festival, offerings normally reserved for ancestors are provided to the ghosts, but with two significant differences: first, they are placed outside the main gate; second, they are left uncooked, consisting of dry rice and raw meats, and are discarded at the end of the day, as opposed to the offerings to ancestors, which are cooked and consumed by the family.
根據陰陽學說，鬼屬純陰。一年之中，春是少
對應。陰之氣，主要是寒冷，以水錶現為冷。
陽木，夏是老陽火，秋是少陰金，冬是老陰水；
按照陰陽學說，天地萬物同類相應，純陰之鬼
寒暑而言，寒是陰，暑是陽；方位之中，南是陽， 與老陰之水相一致。 北是陰。純陰之鬼應與同屬陰的冬、寒、北相
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陰 陽 水 November
金
木
July
March
土
火
根據陰陽五行學說，一年十二
萌生，到了子月即農曆十一月
此後又漸漸趨向平靜，到三月
終了的過程。申是農曆七月，子
消亡。同類相應，純陰之鬼一
月鬼旺月”，清明、中元兩大鬼
個月中，五行要經歷始生、旺盛、 是農曆十一月，辰是農曆三月。 水氣，也就是陰氣在農曆七月
達到極盛，到辰月即農曆三月 年中的活動週期就是：農曆七
月開始活躍至十一月達到極盛，
斂藏沉寂。因此有俗言 “三月七 節正是分別在農曆三月和七月。
陰陽五行
金木水火土 11
After Life Myth 生與死 It is always believed spirits and ghosts have material and monetary needs in the afterlife like their living counterparts in the living world. Zhong Yuan Jie is also celebrated because of how the Chinese people have had very practical attitude toward religion and faith. Religions, are perceived in a totally pragmatic way. In folklore and general belief, all the gods are like officials in charge of different affairs, judging people from different aspects and giving out punishments and rewards. In Buddhist books, there are vivid descriptions about the horrible hell, the torment that sinners would suffer after death. Those with the worst sins would be sent to the 18th floor of hell, which means they could never be born as a human again. And those who died of persecution, or after being wronged, would seek revenge in the living world. They would become malicious ghosts, who would bother the living and bring bad luck to people and places affected by their hatred. Classical literature also has stories about ghosts seeking justice through super-natural means. 魁 [kui] Demon (yin) 神 [shen] Spirit (yang)
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On the other hand, Taoists believe that the soul contains elements of both Yin and Yang. The yin of the soul is called kui (demon) and the yang is named shen (spirit). At death the kui should return to the earth and the shen remains in the grave, family shrine and the other world. If the dead relative’s soul is neglected by the family, it will persist as kui, eventually bringing problems to the living. The kui are therefore categorised as hungry ghosts and ancestors are categorised as shen. As the Chinese Spirit World is believed by followers to be in parallel with the living world, spirits have the same basic needs such as food, clothing and sometimes even material comforts that were once enjoyed in the living world. However, this spirit world also exists homeless and hungry souls. These souls are percieved as spiritual beggars who are driven by jealousy of the living hence are deemed to cause mischief in the realm of the living.
迷 信
Superstitions
迷信
China has a very old culture which has allowed them time to develop many colorful and flavorful superstitions. Chinese people pay a lot of attention to symbols, or signs, considered to be good or bad luck.
Singaporean terms: “Ban Dang”
As the Ghost Month is known to be an inauspicious time of the year in the Chinese lunar calendar, there are do’s and don’t’s that people would follow in order to keep themselves safe and appease ghosts and spirits at the same time.
信 人 +
言
這個月，人們紛紛避免旅行，搬遷或購買新房，創業，舉行
婚禮，游泳。他們也避免天黑後出門。若不聽從是不吉利的， 而並可能帶來霉運。
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Beliefs and Taboos 禁忌 Do’s and don’t’s during Ghost Festival
During the Ghost Month, people are advised not to sit or place a child on the altar or offering table meant for ghosts and spirits. Sitting on the altar or offering table is unacceptable because the person is unintentionally making himself as an ‘offering’ to the spirits. There are a few legends of people who mistakenly leave a small child to sit on altars and offering tables only to find the child is lifeless. Alcohol consumption has to be limited during the Ghost Month because it is believed alcohol makes a person ‘weak’, allowing ghosts or spirits to possess or harass him easily. It is advisable not to look under the altar or offering table during a praying session because one is likely to encounter with a spirit or ghost that does not like to be disturbed. Homes, secluded places, offices and alleys must be well lit to ward off ghosts and spirits as it is believed they do not like bright areas. Some people are advised to wear talismans or carry amulets to avoid harm and misfortune throughout the Ghost Month. Walking or leaning against walls during Ghost Month is a recipe for trouble because one may unintentionally pick up a ghost or spirit that ‘sticks’ and follow the person home. The same goes with standing under trees where ghosts are believed to lurk in waiting to pick its victim. Camping trips and hiking must be avoided as it is believed
鬼月的禁忌也很多，不穿帶自己名的衣服、不拍別人肩膀、不吹 口哨、小孩老人體弱者夜晚不外出等等。
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禁 忌
one is more vulnerable to possession, injuries and death during Ghost Month. If one has to drive due to work, it is advisable to drive carefully and not to speed because the roads would be filled with wandering spirits during Ghost Month where they look for victims to take their places, allowing them to reincarnate. It is advisable to not cover one’s forehead because the forehead is believed to have yang energy that helps to keep spirits away. The less yang energy a person has, the chances of crossing paths with spirits increase. If one finds a coin or money note lying on the ground, it is best not to pick it up because it will allow the person take home some bad luck. Some people during Ghost Month use the coin or money note to pray to spirits or ‘chase away’ bad luck. If one finds a piece of hell bank note on the ground, one must leave it alone and not pick it up in order to not offend the spirits. According to tradition, a hell bank note is not a toy and is only meant as an offering for spirits.
During the festival people customarily close their shops in order to leave the streets to the spirits of the dead.
會形成農曆七月諸事不宜的文化習俗，是因往年七月是一串天災 人禍頻傳的日子，容易使人對這段時間心存恐懼，現今社會，許
多的禁忌已漸漸禁不起時代的考驗，但仍有些卻是科學仍無法解 釋的事。
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Custom & Practice 習俗
Prayer ceremonies are held by priests of various temples to alleviate the pain of these wandering ghosts, while helping to fulfill their unmet desires when still alive. One of the main activities during Ghost Festival is ancestor worship where living descendants pay their respects to their deceased relatives. Families also pay respects to wandering ghosts and spirits to ensure the ghosts will not disturb or bring misfortune to them. 每逢農曆七月，華族必定會隆重舉行 " 慶贊中元 "，全國各地，無論是商
業區或是組屋區，都可以看到慶中元的紅色招紙，張燈結彩、設壇、酬神。 寺廟也分別建醮。
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普渡
[above] The monks chant psalms understood only by the spirits.
廟會
[right] Taoists attend a service at a makeshift alter in Hongkong.
紙錢
貢品
[left | below] A couple burn paper money or locally known as “Hell Money” In the middle of every street is placed an altar with offerings of fresh fruit. These offerings are all believed to give a form of earthly enjoyment to the ghosts and spirits.
七月份時，人們會在街道和墓地填滿了世俗的商品和紙張紙幣。到了晚上， 所謂的紙錢並會成堆在怪異黑暗的柴堆中集群被燃燒。
Apart from elaborate rituals and ceremonies by Taoists and Buddhists, local people also prepare ritualistic food offerings, burning incense and papier-mâché forms of material items such as clothes, fold and other find goods for the returning spirits of the ancestors. Elaborate meals are served with empty seats for each of the deceased in the family, treating them as though they were still alive.
由於這樣的普渡含有祈禱平安的意味，所以民間除了在七月十五
中元節用豐盛的祭品祭拜各方 “好兄弟” 外，也請戲班演戲酬神， 並大開流水席宴賓客。如今提倡節約，改良民俗，雖然仍有普渡 活動，卻精簡多了。
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習俗之 入廟祈福
準備素齋果品去寺廟，施佛及僧，誦 讀地藏王經捲和咒語，報答父母恩 情，為去世的先人祈福。
地藏 dì zàng
入廟 祈福
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[top] When the Hungry Ghosts Festival begins, an altar and a chair are built for the Buddhist priests at the entrances to the streets and villages. In front of the chair is placed a sculpture of Di Zang, the King of Hell.
[right] A worshiper burns incense at a makeshift altar during the Ghost Festival in Hong Kong
紙人
銅錢
[above | top-right] Paper servants are seen during the Ghost Festival at a old district in Hong Kong. [right] An elderly collects counterfeit ancient coins from an altar, which are representing gold coins to ward off evil spirit away during the Ghost Festival.
習俗之 “燒街衣”
習俗 “避小人
這是香港自開埠以來一直保存至今的民間風俗。
整體來說陰曆七月份大家都要格外注意小人和口舌
一踏入農曆七月，人們都會於入黑後，帶備香燭、
要避小人。據說本日如果能避小人，一整年都會運
金銀衣紙和一些祭品如豆腐、白飯在路邊拜祭
一番。人們 “燒街衣” 的目的是讓那些無依的孤 魂有衣物禦寒，有食物裹腹。
是非，無端發生一些事情會讓諸位心灰意冷，所以 氣暢通，小人一年均不得見。港台人士對此深信不疑， 經常作些避小人的活動，例如拜佛、求吉、穿小人 衣服、打小人等等，化解不利。
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RELATED ACTIVITIES
有關活動
Operas / Ge Tai 歌台表演 Getai, literally meaning song stage is a live stage performance held during Ghost festival.
It is commonly held in Chinese communities in Singapore and Malaysia as well as Taiwan and Hong Kong. Getai performances are usually lively and boisterous. A temporary wooden stage is usually erected in an open space such as a field or within the confines of a temple or building. The stage would be painted in bright colours and compounded by strobe lights. When a getai is held during Hungry Ghost Festival, one tradition is observed where a row of front chairs are kept vacant as it is believed the chairs are for the exclusive use of the spirits. It is considered taboo to seat in the front row because it would be offensive to the spirits that are known as the “special guests” of the getai.
街頭巷尾上演地方戲曲或歌台助興，呈現一幅熱鬧非凡的景象。
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Getai performers, veterans and newcomers, would wear glittery and loud clothing while performing to a live band. Songs that are performed on a getai are in Mandarin and other Chinese dialects such as Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese. A getai stage has a host who engages the audience with humour, often peppered with crude references, in Mandarin and other local Chinese dialects. Any member of the public can watch a getai as all performances are free.
film references Getai has been referenced in two films, 881 (2007) and 12 Lotus (2008), both directed by Singaporean film director Royston Tan. To those who have not heard or seen a getai, one could watch a getai performance online in the comfort of one’s home or fly to Southeast Asia to see a real getai performed on stage.
襨柔
[left | top right ] Chinese opera actors and actresses preparing for their performance
[bottom right] Local residents wait for Chinese opera performance at a makeshift theater
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RELATED ACTIVITIES
有關活動
Water Lanterns 放河燈
In many places of South China and Taiwan, people used to make paper boats on each of which a lit candle is placed. They would put these little lanterns into the river and let them float down the water. Children would try to follow the paths of their lanterns from the riverbank to see whose lantern could go the farthest. One folk story said this custom is to send the lanterns as a guide for the spirits of their loved ones, to show them the road back home. Another tale said these lanterns are to send away the spirits of those who died of drowning. It is believed that these spirits, "drowned ghosts", will suffer in the water until someone else comes to take their place.
每年七月除了行“普渡”禮外，還在路旁多燒些冥紙，以廣結冥福。 後來演變成 “放河燈”、“敬好兄弟” 的習俗。
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Of the many festivals held around Taiwan during the month, Keelung's Ghost Festival is one of the most spectacular.
Water Lanterns in Keelung, Taiwan 基隆，台灣
The release of water lanterns is the climax of Taiwan’s Keelung Ghost Festival. Lanterns of various shapes such as ships, houses, and temples, are paraded around the city on glittering floats accompanied by folk performances. Each float is hung with a plaque showing the name of the family who has provided the lantern. The lantern is not only a symbol of the family’s offering, but also provides a chance for families to compete, replacing the gory fights between clans in the early days. At the end of the parade the lanterns are released into the sea. The water lanterns are believed to be guiding lights for water ghosts, showing them the way to the offerings on land. It is also believed that the farther off a family’s lantern floats, the luckier and more prosperous that family will be in the coming year.
習俗之 “放河燈” 放河燈有這樣一種說法，說是很多溺水而亡的孤鬼，為了投胎， 往往會拉人下水讓其溺死，來換取自己投胎的資格。民間就用 “放
河燈” 的方式為它們超度，希望這些水鬼能不再受苦早日投胎， 免的危害人間。傳說二是，人間的河與豐都鬼城的河相連，人們
把對先人的思念以及對地藏王菩薩說的話都通過河燈，帶到陰間。
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Respect 尊敬 Ghost Month is a time where the living show respect to deceased spirits. One must not curse or swear during Ghost Month because it may incur the wrath of a spirit or ghost.
During the Ghost Month, it is advisable to be home by sunset as it is believed staying out at night will increase the chances of crossing paths with a spirit or ghost, especially a malicious or a mischievous type, that may bring harm or misfortune. Singing or whistling at night must be avoided during Ghost Month because it will attract the attention of the wandering spirits. When speaking about ghosts or deceased spirits, the word ‘ghost’ cannot be mentioned to avoid offending them. The term ‘buddies’ or ‘brothers’ in Mandarin and other Chinese dialects are used to signify respect to the spirits during Ghost Month. People tend to avoid getting married, signing new contracts, starting new businesses, moving houses, travelling and hosting important events around the Ghost Festival time. It is because Ghost Month is considered the most inauspicious time of the year to start something new or host a happy occasion. Swimming is another activity to avoid during Ghost Month because it is believed rivers, lakes, swimming pools and seas have spirits that would try to drown a person. Stepping on or kicking praying items and temporary altars by the roadside or graveyard is considered disrespectful to the deceased spirits. However, if it is done accidentally, one needs to apologise immediately. One should not complain or pass comments about the smell of burning incense or joss paper to avoid appearing rude to the spirits. Food and offerings meant for the spirits must not be eaten or taken to avoid offending both ghosts and spirits. Empty front row seats at a traditional Chinese opera or live getai performance are best kept empty as they are meant for wandering spirits and ghosts watching the live performances. However, some people believe sitting in those empty seats meant for those ‘special guests’ makes a person likely to become possessed by a disgruntled spirit.
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尊 敬
The Seventh Month brings the Weaving Maiden her only chance to cross the celestrial stream that separates her from the Cowherd, just as the Ghost Festival brings into
bringing the bridge that allows the ghostly inhabitants of the yin world to return to their loved ones in the yang world.
The unnecessary fear and many taboos related to the festival may be due to the lack of proper understanding and social influence especially from entertainment media. In fact, the month was not feared by the Chinese or Taoists in ancient time. There are many auspicious festivals within the lunar 7th month. For example, the 7th of the 7th lunar month is the “Chinese Valentines’ Day” (Festival of the Cowherd and Weaving Girl; 七夕節 Qi Xi Jie). Living in a secular state with a multi-racial and religious society, we uphold mutual understanding and respect for all religions, with the understanding that in all religions there are certain elements and components in them that are unable to explain by science. It should not be a factor used to dismiss religions or traditions as mere “superstitious” because all religions work on the basis of “faith” and “spirituality”. The Ghost Festival also serves its function to instil moral values in mankind. Therefore it should be viewed in another perspective with respect.
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Filial Piety 孝順 Family is viewed as a closely united group of living and dead relatives.
Unity of the group is reinforced through ancestor veneration, offering of various kinds help to keep the ancestors happy in the spiritual world, who, in return, will bless the family.
Ancestor worship is a religious practice based on the belief that deceased family members have a continued existence, that the spirits of deceased ancestors will look after the family, take an interest in the affairs of the world, and possess the ability to influence the fortune of the living. Ancestor worshipping is not asking for favours, but to fulfil one’s filial duties. The act is a way to respect, honour and look after ancestors in their afterlives guaranteeing the ancestors’ well-being and positive disposition towards the living, as well as possibly seeking the ancestors’ wisdom, guidance or assistance for their living descendants. One has to pay respect and homage to the ancestors, honour the deeds and memories of the deceased, since the ancestors are the ones having brought the descendants into the world, nourished them and having prepared the conditions under which the descendants grew up, hence ancestor veneration is a pay back of spiritual debts.
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&
孝
Remembrance of Ancestors
順
祖先
祖 先
Being an important aspect of the Chinese culture, the social or nonreligious function of ancestor worship is to cultivate kinship values like filial piety, family loyalty, and continuity of the family lineage. Ancestor worship is a family affair, it is held in homes and temples and consists of offering joss stick, serving as communication and greetings to the deceased, prayers and offering items before tablets. In homes, the shrines can be a shelf on the wall, a table or an altar like architectural structure, integrated in the structure of the house or even an entire room, depending on the financial status of the family. The shrine will show a tablet with the ancestor’s name inscribed on it, as well as a picture or photograph. Most likely, the patrilineal ancestors and their wives will be honoured. The shrine will have an incense stick holder, at times with a Golden Flower, and plates for food offerings, some might feature glasses or a set of tea cups for quenching the ancestors’ thirst. Some shrines show symbolic objects or objects honoured by the deceased. Flowers offerings, most likely fresh ones or sometimes in form of a garland, can be found as well. Small offerings are always placed throughout the year to honour deceased family members.
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孝 順
祖 先
Originally a day to honor ancestors, the Ghost Festival builds an invincible cultural bridge between people and ancestors tied through cultural perspectives that are highly valued by the Chinese community. With the dialogue with the ancestors, people speak out their wishes for happy family and escape of disasters, pray for good harvest and good fortune in the coming year. In Chinese tradition, value on loss of life, respect for ancestors, and worship is the concrete expression of filial piety, the core traditional Chinese thought. Through celebrating Ghost Festival, people show their grief and respect to ancestors, who embodies the Chinese paying respect to ancestors and give back kindness to them. It also shows people are gratitude to their ancestors. At the same time, people also stick to education about their family tradition and ancestors’ stories during this Ghost Festival ceremony in memory of their ancestors. It tends to educate the future generations with the example of ancestors. In addition, through a series of activities such as receiving, serving and sending ancestors, Ghost Festival on July 15th builds an invisible bridge between people and the ancestors, and realizes the combination between profane and sacred entities. With the dialogue with the ancestors, people speak out their wishes for happy family and escape of disasters, and pray for good harvest and good animals in the coming years. In the face of the hardships of social life, through the blessing of ancestors, people can adapt their attitude and get comfort from it.
從有關中元節的傳說中，可深切體認到中元節的祭祀具有雙重的
意義在，一是闡揚懷念祖先的孝道，一是發揚推已及人，樂善好
施的義舉。這全是從慈悲的角度出發，很有人情味。所以，我們 在慶贊中元的同時，應該跳脫鬼的角度，期勉互愛。
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Reference Books Teiser, S. (1988). The ghost festival in medieval China. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press. Nadeau, R. (2014). Asian religions: A cultural perspective. Google eBook. 高, 洪. (2005). 中國鬼節與陰陽五行：從清明節和中元節說起. Retrieved April
17, 2015, from http://www.baohuasi.org/e_book/xz-12909.pdf Web Resources
http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/taoism_ ancestor_worship.htm http://www.paranormal.org.sg/forum/portal.php/archive/letter-to-thelocal-print-media-zhong-yuan-jie-is-not-hungry-ghost-festival/ http://chinesecommunity.org.nz/site/topics/show/431-getai http://www.afs.org/blog/icl/?p=5324
Photography by Vincent Yu, Hongkong Eugene Yeh, Taiwan
COLOPHON Xie Xiuyun First edition, April 2015. Printed in Singapore DV2004 TYPOGRAPHY II Bilingual Book Design Asian Culture (Festivals) Study