Festival of the Hungry Ghosts

The Festival of the Hungry Ghosts, celebrated in many East Asian cultures, honors spirits of the deceased believed to linger in the world. Held during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, it’s believed these spirits are hungry and in need of offerings to prevent them from causing trouble. People prepare food, burn incense, and make offerings at altars to appease these spirits. The festival also includes performances and ancestor rituals, fostering respect for the past and ensuring harmony between the living and the spirits. It highlights cultural beliefs about reverence for ancestors and spiritual balancing.