Zhongyuan Festival rituals

The Zhongyuan Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is a traditional Chinese celebration held on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. It honors deceased ancestors and spirits. During this festival, families prepare meals, burn incense, and make offerings of food and paper money to appease wandering spirits. Rituals include lighting lanterns, setting off fireworks, and holding communal feasts to invite the spirits to join in. These practices aim to ensure peace for the deceased and prevent misfortune for the living, reflecting the deep respect for family and the importance of remembering one's ancestors.