The document discusses the Chinese Ghost Month, which occurs during the 7th lunar month. It has three important days where ghosts are believed to visit the living world - the 1st day marks the opening of the gates of hell, the 15th day involves releasing lotus lanterns into rivers in remembrance of the deceased, and the 30th day marks the closing of the gates of hell and ghosts returning to the underworld. Customs during this time include making offerings to ancestors and ghosts, avoiding dangerous activities, and entertaining ghosts with performances. The document asks how Chinese Ghost Month compares to Halloween and which festival seems scarier.
2. gu yu
? 7th month of lunar calendar
? Three important days:
- 1st day
th day
- 15
th day
- 30
3. st
1
day of the
th
7
Lunar month
? Gate of Hell opens
? Ghosts or spirits from underworld are allowed
to visit the living world
? Things ghosts might do:
- visit families
- feast
- look for victim
4. th
15
day of the
th
7
Lunar month
? Called Ԫ zhngyun ji or gu ji
? Also calledm yln ji for Buddhists
? Activity: Releasing lotus lanterns into rivers
and praying for the deceased
5. th
30
day of the
th
7
lunar month
? Gates of Hell closes
? Ghosts must return to the underworld
? Activity: Grappling with ghosts
6. Customs and practices
? Honor ancestors with offerings of food,
incense, ghost money and other items
? Make offerings to ghosts without families
? Entertain ghosts with performances
9. Customs and practices (contd)
? Avoid activities perceived as dangerous,
e.g. evening strolls, swimming
? Avoid having important events during the
month, e.g. traveling, house moving,
wedding, starting business
10. Discussion
? How different is Halloween from Chinese
ghost festival?
? Which festival do you think is scarier?
