The Story Of Ghost Festival

中元節的由來

The West has Halloween for ghosts. Taiwan also has a holiday to fete the ghost: Ghost Festival celebrated on the 15th day

of the seventh lunar month.

Ghost Festival has origins in both Taoism and Buddhism. To the Taoists, the 15t

h day of the seventh month is the birthday of Emperor Chingshiu, a god of underworld. At this time he opens the Gates of Hades to release all the ghosts to enjoy

the sacrifice of food.

According to the Buddhists, Ghost Festival is from the story of “Mulien Saving His Mother from Hades.” In this Buddhist legend, Mulien learns that his mother’s ghost is being tortured in hell by starvation and

hanging.

He starts his journey to the underworld bringing food to his mother. He finally reached this goal by having priests offer lots of food to the “hungry ghosts” of Hade

on the 15th day of the seventh month.

This legend has been passed down through the ages, and some rites are held so that the ghosts may cross over to the salvat

ion.

Also the 15th day of the seventh month has become an occasion for teaching the

virtue of filial piety.