🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 152 (from laksa149)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa152.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival","crawl_time":1775864972,"first_indexed_time":1375978912,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,wikipedia!en,\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival s443","src_root_hash":"17790707453426894952","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Ghost Festival - Wikipedia","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"This article is about the Chinese festival and its related traditions. For the festival in the Thai province of Loei, see\nPhi Ta Khon\n. For the festival in Nepal, see\nGhost Festival (Nepal)\n.\nGhost Festival\nA paper effigy of the\nGuanyin\nin\nShatin\n, Hong Kong.\nOfficial name\nZhongyuan Festival (\nTaoism\n)\nYulanpen Festival (\nBuddhism\n)\nAlso called\nSpirit Festival\nObserved by\nBuddhists\nConfunianists\nTaoists\nSignificance\nTo commemorate the opening of the gates of\nHell\nand Heaven, and spiritual realm permitting all spirits and souls to receive sustenance, money, and other offerings.\nObservances\nAncestor worship\n, offering food, burning\njoss paper\n, chanting of scriptures\nDate\n15th day of the 7th Chinese lunisolar month\n2025 date\n6 September\n2026 date\n27 August\n2027 date\n16 August\n2028 date\n3 September\nRelated to\nObon\n(in Japan)\nBaekjung\n(in Korea)\nVu Lan\n(in Vietnam)\nPchum Ben\n(observed by\nKhmer people\n) and\nSen Kbal tek\n, សែនក្បាលទឹក (observed by Chinese-Cambodians)\n(in Cambodia)\nBoun Khao Padap Din\n(in Laos)\nMataka dānēs\n(in Sri Lanka)\nSat Thai\n(in Thailand)\nGhost Festival\nFood offerings for the Ghost Festival\nTraditional Chinese\n中元節\nSimplified Chinese\n中元节\nLiteral meaning\nmid-origin festival\nTranscriptions\nStandard Mandarin\nHanyu Pinyin\nzhōng yuán jié\nBopomofo\nㄓㄨㄥ ㄩㄢˊㄐㄧㄝˊ\nWade–Giles\nchung yüan\n2\nchieh\n2\nYale Romanization\njūng ywán jyé\nHakka\nPha̍k-fa-sṳ\nChûng-ngièn-chiet\nYue: Cantonese\nYale Romanization\njūng yùhn jit\nJyutping\nzung\n1\njyun\n4\nzit\n3\nSouthern Min\nHokkien\nPOJ\nTiong-goân-cheh \/ Tiong-goân-choeh \/ Tiong-goân-chiat\nTâi-lô\nTiong-guân-tseh \/ Tiong-guân-tsueh \/ Tiong-guân-tsiat\nTeochew\nPeng'im\nDong\n1\nnguêng\n5\n\/nguang\n5\nzoih\n4\nEastern Min\nFuzhou\nBUC\nDṳ̆ng-nguòng-cáik\nAlternative Chinese name\nTraditional Chinese\n盂蘭盆節\nSimplified Chinese\n盂兰盆节\nTranscriptions\nStandard Mandarin\nHanyu Pinyin\nYú lán pén jié\nBopomofo\nㄩˊㄌㄢˊㄆㄣˊㄐㄧㄝˊ\nWade–Giles\nyü\n2\nlan\n2\np'ên\n2\nchieh\n2\nYale Romanization\nyú-lán-pén-jyé\nYue: Cantonese\nYale Romanization\nyùh làahn pùhn jit\nJyutping\njyu\n4\nlaan\n4\npun\n4\nzit\n3\nEastern Min\nFuzhou\nBUC\nUò-làng-buòng\nSecond alternative Chinese name\nChinese\n七月半\nTranscriptions\nHakka\nPha̍k-fa-sṳ\nChhit-ngie̍t-pan\nSouthern Min\nHokkien\nPOJ\nChhit-goe̍h-poàⁿ\nTâi-lô\nTshit-gue̍h-puànn\nTeochew\nPeng'im\nCig\n4\nghuêh\n8\nbuan\n3\nThe\nGhost Festival\nor\nHungry Ghost Festival\n, also known as the\nZhongyuan Festival\nin\nTaoism\nand the\nYulanpen Festival\nin\nBuddhism\n, is a traditional festival held in certain\nEast\nand\nSoutheast Asian\ncountries. According to the\ntraditional Chinese lunisolar calendar\n, the Ghost Festival is on the 15th night of the seventh month (14th in parts of southern China).\n[\n1\n]\n[\n2\n]\n: 4, 6 \n[\nnote 1\n]\nIn\nChinese culture\n, the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the traditional Chinese calendar is called\nGhost Day\nor (especially in Taiwan)\nPudu\n(\nChinese\n:\n普渡\n;\npinyin\n:\nPǔdù\n;\nPe̍h-ōe-jī\n:\nPhó͘-tō͘\n)\n[\n3\n]\nand the seventh month is generally regarded as the\nGhost Month\n, in which ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased ancestors, come out from the\nlower realm\n(\nDiyu\nor\nPreta\n). Distinct from both the\nQingming Festival\n(or Tomb Sweeping Day, in spring) and\nDouble Ninth Festival\n(in autumn) in which living descendants pay homage to their deceased ancestors, during Ghost Festival, the deceased are believed to visit the living.\n[\n4\n]\nOn the fifteenth day the realms of Heaven and Hell and the realm of the living are open, and both\nTaoists\nand\nBuddhists\nwould perform rituals to transmute and absolve the sufferings of the deceased. Intrinsic to the Ghost Month is\nveneration of the dead\n, where traditionally the filial piety of descendants extends to their ancestors even after their deaths. Activities during the month would include preparing ritualistic food offerings, burning\nincense\ncontain\nStyrax benzoin\n, and burning\njoss paper\n, a\npapier-mâché\nform of material items such as clothes, gold, and other fine goods for the visiting spirits of the ancestors. Elaborate meals (often vegetarian) would be served with empty seats for each of the deceased in the family, treating the deceased as if they are still living. Ancestor worship is what distinguishes Qingming Festival from Ghost Festival, because the latter includes paying respects to all deceased, including the same and younger generations, while the former only includes older generations. Other festivities may include\nbuying\nand releasing miniature paper boats and\nlanterns\non water, which signifies giving directions to the lost ghosts and spirits of the ancestors and other deities.\n[\n5\n]\nA Chinese wood cut of Mulian asking the Buddha to save his mother, who has turned into a hungry ghost from hell.\nThe name relates to the concept of the\nhungry ghost\n, the Chinese translation of the term\npreta\nin\nBuddhism\n. It plays a role in\nChinese Buddhism\nand\nTaoism\nas well as in\nChinese folk religion\n, and represents beings who were originally living people, who have died, and who are driven by intense emotional needs in an\nanimalistic\nway.\n[\n6\n]\n[\n7\n]\n[\n8\n]\nAs a Taoist festival: Taoism has the \"Three Yuan\" theory (representing the\nThree Great Emperor-Officials\n), which the name \"Zhong Yuan\" comes from.\n[\n9\n]\n: 195–196 \nThe festival flourished during the\nTang dynasty\n, whose rulers were partial to Taoism; and \"Zhongyuan\" became well established as the holiday's name.\n[\n10\n]\nAs a Buddhist festival: The origin story of the modern Ghost Festival, ultimately originated from\nancient India\n, deriving from the\nMahayana\nscripture\nknown as the\nYulanpen or Ullambana Sutra\n.\n[\n11\n]\n: 301, 302 \n[\nnote 2\n]\nThe sutra records the time when\nMaudgalyāyana\nachieves\nabhijñā\nand uses his newfound powers to search for his deceased parents.  Maudgalyayana discovers that his deceased mother was reborn into the\npreta\nor hungry ghost realm.  She was in a wasted condition and Maudgalyayana tried to help her by giving her a bowl of rice.  Unfortunately as a preta, she was unable to eat the rice as it was transformed into burning coal.  Maudgalyayana then asks the Buddha to help him; whereupon Buddha explains how one is able to assist one's current parents and deceased parents in this life and in one's past seven lives by willingly offering food, etc., to the\nsangha\nor monastic community during\nPravarana\n(the end of the monsoon season or\nvassa\n), which usually occurs on the 15th day of the seventh month whereby the monastic community transfers the merits to the deceased parents, etc.,\n[\n12\n]\n: 185 \n[\nnote 3\n]\n[\n11\n]\n: 293 \n[\nnote 4\n]\n[\n13\n]\n: 286 \n[\nnote 5\n]\nThe\nTheravadan\nforms of the festival in\nSouth\nand\nSoutheast Asia\n(including\nCambodia\n's\nPchum Ben\n) are much older, deriving from the\nPetavatthu\n, a\nscripture\nin the\nPali Canon\nthat probably dates to the 3rd\n \ncentury\n \nBC.\n[\n14\n]\nThe Petavatthu account is broadly similar to that later recorded in the\nYulanpen Sutra\n, although it concerns the disciple\nSāriputta\nand his family rather than\nMoggallāna\n.\nChinese lotus lanterns floating in a river.\nThe Ghost Festival is held during the seventh month of the\nChinese calendar\n. It also falls at the same time as a full moon, the new season, the fall harvest, the peak of Buddhist monastic asceticism, the rebirth of ancestors, and the assembly of the local community.\n[\n15\n]\nDuring this month, the gates of\nhell\nare opened up and ghosts are free to roam the earth where they seek food and entertainment. These ghosts are believed to be spirits of those without descendants (or, traditionally, without descendants in the male line) or whose descendants did not pay tribute to them after they died.\n[\n16\n]\n[\n17\n]\nThey are desperately hungry, thirsty, and restless as a result.\n[\n16\n]\n[\n17\n]\nFamily members offer food and drink to the ghosts and burn\nhell bank notes\nand other forms of\njoss paper\n.\n[\n18\n]\nJoss paper items are believed to have value in the afterlife, considered to be very similar in some aspects to the material world. Families pay tribute to wandering ghosts of strangers so that these homeless souls do not intrude on their lives and bring misfortune. A large feast is held for the ghosts on the day of the ghost festival or thereabouts, when people bring samples of food and place them on an altar or outside a temple or house, to please the ghosts and ward off bad luck.\n[\n17\n]\n[\n9\n]\n: 196–197 \nLotus\n-shaped lanterns are lit and set afloat in rivers to symbolically guide lost\nsouls\nto the\nafterlife\n.\n[\n19\n]\nIn some East Asian countries today, live performances are held and everyone is invited to attend. The first row of seats are always empty as this is where the ghosts sit. The shows are always put on at night and at high volumes as the sound is believed to attract and please the ghosts. Some shows include\nChinese opera\n, dramas, and in some areas, even\nburlesque\nshows. Traditionally Chinese opera was the main source of entertainment but the newer shows, concerts, dramas, wars, and so forth are referred to as\nGetai\n.\n[\n20\n]\nThese acts are better known as \"Merry-making\".\n[\n21\n]\nFor rituals,\nChinese Buddhists\nand\nTaoists\nhold ceremonies to relieve ghosts from suffering, many of them holding ceremonies in the afternoon or at night (as it is believed that the ghosts are released from hell when the sun sets). Altars are built for the deceased and priests and monks alike perform rituals for the benefit of ghosts. Monks and priests often throw rice or other small foods into the air in all directions to distribute them to the ghosts.\n[\n21\n]\nAn example of such a ritual is the Chinese Buddhist\nYujia Yankou\nrite, which is performed to facilitate the physical and spiritual nourishment of all\nsentient beings\nin\nsaṃsāra\n, including the hungry ghosts.\n[\n22\n]\nDuring the evening,\nincense\nis burnt in front of the doors of households.\n[\n19\n]\nIncense stands for prosperity in Chinese culture, so families believe that there is more prosperity in burning more incense.\n[\n21\n]\nDuring the festival, some shops are closed as they want to leave the streets open for the ghosts. In the middle of each street stands an altar of incense with fresh fruit and sacrifices displayed on it.\n[\n21\n]\nFourteen days after the festival, to make sure all the hungry ghosts find their way back to hell, people float water lanterns and set them outside their houses. These lanterns are made by setting a lotus flower-shaped lantern on a paper boat. The lanterns are used to direct the ghosts back to the underworld, and when they go out, it symbolizes that they have found their way back.\n[\n21\n]\nCelebrations in other parts of Asia\n[\nedit\n]\nA Getai Performance in Singapore.\nSingapore and Malaysia\n[\nedit\n]\nDuring the 1800s to 1980s in\nSingapore\n, temples and various organisations would hire opera troupes to perform\nstreet opera\nfor the wandering ghosts and residents alike.\n[\n23\n]\nMalaysian Chinese\nwould also celebrate the festival with street opera. With the decline of street opera in both Singapore and Malaysia, modern concert-like performances became a prominent feature of the Ghost Festival. Those live concerts are popularly known as\nGetai\nin\nMandarin\n(\nsimplified Chinese\n:\n歌台\n;\ntraditional Chinese\n:\n歌臺\n;\npinyin\n:\ngētái\n) or\nKoh-tai\n(\nHokkien\nChinese\n:\n歌臺\n;\nPe̍h-ōe-jī\n:\nko-tâi\n) meaning song stages.\n[\n24\n]\nThey are performed by groups of singers, dancers, entertainers, and opera troops or puppet shows on a temporary stage that is set up within a residential district. The festival is usually funded by the temples or organisations of each individual district. During these\nGetai\nthe front row is left empty for the special guests—the ghosts.\n[\n25\n]\nIt is known to be bad luck to sit on the front row of red seats, if anyone were to sit on them, they would become sick or similarly ailed.\nA man throws the\nHell notes\nduring Hungry Ghost Festival in\nVihara Gunung Timur\n,\nMedan\n, Indonesia.\nIn Indonesia, the festival is popularly known as\nChit Gwee Pua\n(\nHokkien\nChinese\n:\n七月半\n;\nPe̍h-ōe-jī\n:\nChhit-goe̍h-pòaⁿ\n) or\nChit Nyiat Pan\n(\nHakka\nChinese\n:\n七月半\n;\nPha̍k-fa-sṳ\n:\nChhit-ngie̍t-pan\n),\nCioko\n, or\nSembahyang Rebutan\nin\nIndonesian\n(Scrambling prayer). Observers gather around temples and bring an offering to a spirit who died in an unlucky way, and after that, they distribute it to the poor. The way people scramble the offerings is the origin of the festival name, and the festival is mostly known in\nJava Island\n. Other areas like\nNorth Sumatra\n,\nRiau\n, and\nRiau islands\nalso conduct live concerts known as\nGetai\n(\nMandarin\nsimplified Chinese\n:\n歌台\n;\ntraditional Chinese\n:\n歌臺\n;\npinyin\n:\ngētái\n) like those in Malaysia and Singapore, and there are also times when observers conduct Tomb sweeping known as\nSembahyang Kubur\nto respect ancestor spirits and garner luck. This is done by buying\nhell notes\nor\nKim Cua\n(\nHokkien\nChinese\n:\n金紙\n;\nPe̍h-ōe-jī\n:\nkim-chóa\n) and paper-based goods like paper house, paper horse, paper car, etc., which will end up being burned as it is believed that burned goods will be sent to help the spirits feel better in afterlife.\nIn the\nPhilippines\n, the occasion is more popularly known as\nGhost Month\n, as it affects the entire seventh lunisolar month of the\nChinese calendar\naround August to September (which coincided with the months of the\nImmaculate Heart of Mary\nand the Feast of\nOur Lady of Sorrows\nrespectively). The month-long observances are mostly traditionally practiced and originated by\nChinese Filipinos\nwhich its observance has since spread to other Filipinos that have become aware of it, since it reverberates economically through the\nstock market\nas a sizable amount of investors stop investing and put off their investments for later dates past the occasion.\n[\n26\n]\nGenerally, those who observe it find it to be a very unlucky time of the year, as traditional belief states that the souls of dead relatives, wandering souls or vengeful spirits roam the earth during the month-long occasion. This means that practitioners take extra precautions and caution others of making important decisions when it comes to relationships, professions, businesses, and finances. People avoid practices like, making life-changing decisions, getting married or engaged, starting new businesses, moving to a new home, traveling, signing contracts, making impulsive major financial decisions, committing to big professional projects, inaugurations, buying or selling off high priced possessions such as cars, phones, or real estate properties, staying late out at night especially kids and elderlies, making noise or whistling at night, leaving food or hanging clothes out after sunset and leaving them overnight since their human-like shape may invite spirits, or even taking pictures at night, wearing black clothes, tapping people on the head or shoulders as it may affect their luck, picking up coins or strange items you find since these may belong to the dead, or even constantly talking to oneself, or going to cemeteries alone, or answering unknown whispers or sobbing, or being constantly close to bodies of water, or constantly talking about ghosts or death. Besides these many avoidances, practitioners also make offerings and prayers for the souls of the dead, such as burning\nspirit money\n, lighting\nincense\n, and laying out food like fruits and drinks on home or temple altars or cemetery tombs or graves or mausoleums of deceased relatives that people during this month also start to visit. Some people also start to hold memorial services to deceased relatives or ancestors held either at home or at a Chinese temple or\nfuneral home\n.\n[\n27\n]\n[\n28\n]\n[\n29\n]\n[\n30\n]\nDue to occasion being held around the months of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, many Filipino Catholics and other Christians had tend to focus on the devotion of the\nVirgin Mary\nat home or at a church instead as a result of responsas by Catholic and Christian authorities.\nThe Ghost Festival being celebrated in the\nBangka Lungshan Temple\nin Taiwan.\nTraditionally, it is believed that ghosts haunt the island of\nTaiwan\nfor the entire seventh lunisolar month, when the mid-summer\nGhost Festival\nis held.\n[\n31\n]\nThe month is known as\nGhost Month\n.\n[\n32\n]\nThe first day of the month is marked by opening the gate of a temple, symbolizing the gates of hell. On the twelfth day, lamps on the main altar are lit. On the thirteenth day, a procession of lanterns is held. On the fourteenth day, a parade is held for releasing water lanterns. Incense and food are offered to the spirits to deter them from visiting homes and\nspirit paper money\nis also burnt as an offering.\n[\n33\n]\nDuring the month, people avoid surgery, buying cars, swimming, moving house, marrying, whistling, and going out or taking pictures after dark.\n[\n34\n]\n[\n35\n]\n[\n36\n]\n[\n37\n]\nVarious food items being offered for the wandering souls in\nTháng Cô Hồn\n [\nvi\n]\n.\nThis festival is known as\nTết Trung Nguyên\n[\n38\n]\nand is viewed as a time for the pardoning of condemned souls who are released from hell. The \"homeless\" should be \"fed\" and appeased with offerings of food. Merits for the living are also earned by the release of birds and fish. The lunisolar month in which the festival takes place is colloquially known as\nTháng Cô Hồn\n- the month of lonely spirits, and believed to be haunted and particularly unlucky.\nInfluenced by\nBuddhism\n, this holiday coincides with\nVu Lan\n, the Vietnamese transliteration for Ullambana.\nIn modern times, Vu Lan is also seen as Parents' Day.\n[\n39\n]\nPeople with living parents would bear a red rose and would give thanks while those without can choose to bear a white rose; and attend services to pray for the deceased.\nBuddhist traditions\n[\nedit\n]\nA kantong (container made from leaves with flowers and offering) for floating on water during Pchum Ben Day in Cambodia.\nIn Asian\nTheravadin Buddhist\ncountries, related traditions, ceremonies, and festivals also occur. Like its\nUllambana Sutra\n-origins in Mahayana Buddhist countries, the Theravada scripture, the\nPetavatthu\ngave rise to the idea of offering food to the hungry ghosts in the Theravada tradition as a form of merit-making. In stories published in the\nPetavatthu\nMaudgalyayana\n, who also plays the central role in the rise of the concept in the Mahayana tradition, along with\nSariputta\nalso play a role in the rise of the concept in the Theravada tradition.\n[\n40\n]\n[\n41\n]\n[\n42\n]\nSimilarly to the rise of the concept in Mahayana Buddhism, a version of\nMaudgalyayana Rescues His Mother\n, where Maudgalyayana is replaced by Sariputta is recorded in the\nPetavatthu\nand is in part the basis behind the practice of the concept in Theravadin societies.\n[\n43\n]\nThe concept of offering food to the hungry ghosts is also found in early Buddhist literature, in the\nTirokudda Kanda\n.\n[\n44\n]\nIn Cambodia, a fifteen-day-long annual festival known as\nPchum Ben\noccurs generally in September or October. Cambodians pay their respects to deceased relatives up to seven generations. The gates of hell are believed to open during this period and many people make offerings to these hungry ghosts.\n[\n45\n]\nIn Laos, a festival known as,\nBoun khao padap din\nusually occurs in September each year and goes on for two weeks. During this period, it is believed that hungry ghosts are freed from hell and enter the world of the living. A second festival known as\nBoun khao salak\noccurs directly after the conclusion of\nBoun khay padab din\n. During this period, food offerings are made to the hungry ghosts.\n[\n46\n]\nIn Sri Lanka, food offerings are made to Buddhist monks as a way for indirectly offering them to their relatives who might have been born as a hungry ghost. This is typically offered on the seventh day, three months and one year after the death day of a deceased person. It is a ceremony conducted after death as part of traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist funeral rites and is known as\nmataka dānēs\nor\nmatakadānaya\n.\n[\n47\n]\n[\n48\n]\n[\n49\n]\nThe offerings that are made acquire\nmerit\nwhich are then transformed back into the equivalent goods in the world of the hungry ghosts.\n[\n47\n]\nThe offering that is offered on the seventh day, comes a day after personalized food offerings are given in the garden to the spirit of the deceased relative, which occurs on the sixth day.\n[\n50\n]\n[\n51\n]\nThe deceased who do not reach the proper afterworld, the\nHungry Ghost realm\n, are feared by the living as they are believed to cause various sicknesses and disasters to the living. Buddhist monks are called upon to perform\npirit\nto ward off the floating spirits. The rite is also practiced in Thailand and Myanmar and is also practiced during the Ghost Festival that is observed in other Asian countries.\n[\n52\n]\nIn Thailand, a fifteen-day-long annual festival known as\nSat Thai\nis celebrated between September and October in Thailand especially in southern Thailand, particularly in the province of\nNakhon Si Thammarat\n.\n[\n53\n]\nLike related festivals and traditions in other parts of Asia, the deceased are believed to come back to earth for fifteen days and people make offerings to them. The festival is known as\nSat Thai\nto differentiate it from the Chinese Ghost Festival which is known as\nSat Chin\nin the\nThai language\n.\n[\n54\n]\nJapanese volunteers perform\ntōrō nagashi\n: placing candle-lit lanterns for the dead into flowing water during\nObon\n, in this case into the\nSasebo River\n.\nChūgen\n(中元), also\nOchūgen\n(\nお中元\n)\n, is an annual event in Japan on the 15th day of the 7th month, when people give gifts, especially to their superiors.\n[\n55\n]\n[\n56\n]\nOriginally it was an annual event for giving gifts to the ancestral spirits.\nOne of the three days that form the\nsangen\n(\n三元\n)\nof\nDaoism\n, it is sometimes considered a\nzassetsu\n, a type of\nseasonal day\nin the\nJapanese calendar\n.\nObon\n(sometimes transliterated\nO-bon\n), or simply\nBon\n, is the Japanese version of the Ghost Festival.\n[\n57\n]\nIt has since been transformed over time into a family reunion holiday during which people from the big cities return to their home towns and visit and clean the resting places of their ancestors.\n[\n58\n]\n[\n59\n]\nTraditionally including a dance called\nBon Odori\n,\n[\n57\n]\nObon has existed in Japan for more than 500 years. In modern Japan, it is held on July 15 in the eastern part (\nKantō\n) and on August 15 in the western part (\nKansai\n).\nIn\nOkinawa\nand the\nAmami Islands\n, it is celebrated as in China, on the 15th day of the 7th lunisolar month. This festival is known as\nBun\n\/\nUsōrō\n.\nPitri Paksha rites being performed on the banks of the\nHooghly River\nat Jagannath Ghat in\nKolkata\n.\nThe performance of\nShraddha\nby a son during\nPitru Paksha\nis regarded as compulsory by\nHindus\n, to ensure that the soul of the ancestor goes to\nheaven\n. In this context, the scripture\nGaruda Purana\nsays, \"there is no salvation for a man without a son\". The scriptures preach that a householder should propitiate ancestors\n(Pitris)\n, along with the gods\n(devas)\n, ghosts\n(bhutas)\n, and guests. The scripture\nMarkandeya Purana\nsays that if the ancestors are content with the shraddhas, they will bestow health, wealth, knowledge and longevity, and ultimately heaven and salvation (\nmoksha\n) upon the performer.\n[\n60\n]\nIn\nBali\nand some parts of Indonesia, particularly among the\nindigenous Hindus\nof Indonesia, ancestors who have died and cremated are said to return to visit their former homes. This day is known as\nHari Raya Galungan\nand celebrations typically last over two weeks, often in the form of specific food and religious offerings along with festivities.\n[\n61\n]\n[\n62\n]\nThe festival date is often calculated according to the\nBalinese pawukon calendar\nand typically occurs every 210 days.\n[\n63\n]\nAll Souls' Day\nBuddhist art\nChinese ghosts\nLantern Festival\nNine Emperor God\n\/\nFestival of Nine Emperor God\n(Chinese:\n九皇\n, Hokkien: Kow Ong Yah, Cantonese: Kow Wong Yeh)\nPhi Ta Khon\nTōrō nagashi\nNotes on references\n[\nedit\n]\n^\nChow, page 4, quoting 1783 Qianlong era \"Annals of Guishan County\" (\n歸善縣志\n) Scroll 15 - Customs:\n'\n鬼節原是農曆七月十五，但元末明初之際，有言客家為了躲避元兵，提前一日過節，以便南下走難，自此鬼節就變成七月十四，流傳至今。\n'\nEnglish translation:\n'The Ghost Festival originally was on the 15th day of the 7th month in the Chinese calendar, but during the late\nYuan\nto early\nMing\nperiod, it's said that the\nHakkas\nin order to escape the Yuan troops, celebrated the Ghost Festival one day earlier, in order to escape disaster they fled southward.  Since that time and continuing today, the date of the Ghost Festival changed to the 14th day of the 7th [lunisolar] month' [in parts of Southern China].\n^\nKarashima:\nOn p. 302 'Although this sutra has often been regarded as apocryphal [Japanese version has in recent times], the contents and ideas in it are well rooted in India as we have seen above.  In addition to that, the vocabulary and usage of Chinese words are more archaic, compared with Kumārajīva's corpus (401-413 CE), while they resemble greatly the translations by Dharmarakṣa (fl. 265?-311 CE).  Moreover, the transliteration\n鉢和羅\n(EH pat γwa la > MC pwât γwâ lâ} of Skt. pravāra (ṇā), which only occurs in this sutra and its adaptation, i.e. the\nBaoen Fengpen jing\n報恩奉盆經\n(T. 16, no. 686, 780a20), indicates clearly that this sutra is not apocryphal but a genuine translation, because only somebody who knew the original Indian form was able to transliterate it thus correctly into Chinese. In conclusion, I assume that [<-preceding 3 words missing in Japanese version] this sutra is not apocryphal, but a translation from an Indian text translated by Dharmarakṣa or somebody else in pre-Kumārajīva times [Japanese version has 3rd to 4th century CE]. [c.f. p 189 for equivalent in Japanese version]\nc.f. p 301 for derivation of Yulan from Middle Indic (Gandhari) *olana.\n^\nKarashima:\n'\n東アジアの盂蘭盆と東南アジアのワン・オ一クパンサーなどは、いずれも、釈尊の時代に規定された様に七月十五日の自恣の日を祝っているのだが（日本ではこのことはすでに意識されていない）、東南アジアでは古代インドの暦に基づいて行われるのに対し、東アジアでは、中国の太陰暦に従っているので、ニケ月の差があり、これらが同一の行事ということに気付く人は少ない。\n'\nEnglish Translation:\n'Both the East Asian Urabon [Yulanpen] and Southeast Asian Wan Ok Phansa [Thai name for Pravāraṇā] are celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month, the day of Pravāraṇā just as it was promulgated in Lord Buddha's time (in Japan, this matter is not known to people). In Southeast Asian countries, they use the ancient Indian calendar [or\nBuddhist calendar\n] as opposed to East Asian countries where they use the\nChinese calendar\n.  As there is a two month difference between the two calendars, few people realized that the two are [in fact] the same event.'\n^\nKarashima:\nPravāraṇā (Pāli Pavāraṇā) zizi\n自恣\nand suiyi\n隨意\nin Chinese, is a ceremony held at the end of the three-month rainy season retreat [also called vassa] by Buddhist monks.  In Theravada Buddhism and in Nepal, it was and is still held on the full moon day of the seventh or eight month. i.e. Āśvina (September–October) or Kārttika (October–November) respectively.\n^\nKarashima:\n'對佛教徒來說，自古印度年曆（元旦相當於公曆三月中至四月中）四月十五日（公曆六至七月）或五月十五日（公曆七至八月）開始的三個月是雨安居。直至今天，西藏、尼泊爾、東南亞地區的僧人依然在此期間行雨安居。這一習俗也傳到沒有雨季的中國大陸中原地域，年曆和數字被原封不動地保留下來，但由印度年曆變為中國太陰曆。在中國、日本、朝鮮半島等東亞地區，雨安居從陰曆四月（公曆五月）開始，持續三個月。\n'\nEnglish Translation: 'From the Buddhist viewpoint, based on the Ancient Indian calendar [or Buddhist calendar] (New Years is in the middle of March to the middle of April [in the Gregorian calendar]) the 15th day of the fourth month [Āṣāḍha] (June to July [in the Gregorian calendar]) or the 15th day of the fifth month [Śrāvaṇa] (July to August [in Gregorian calendar]) is the start of three month period called vassa.  From ancient times to even today, the monastic community of Tibet, Nepal and Southeast Asia still follow this schedule to observe vassa. This custom was also transmitted to China which does not have a rainy season, the calendar and dates preserved unchanged from the original but instead of using the ancient Indian calendar, the lunisolar Chinese calendar is used. In China, Japan, the Korean peninsula and other East Asian regions, vassa starts on the fourth month of the lunisolar Chinese calendar (May (in the Gregorian calendar) and lasts 3 months.' [n.b. Since the start of vassa is fixed in East Asia in the fourth month, Pravāraṇā is also fixed to the 15th day of the seventh month].\n^\n\"Zhongyuan festival\"\n.\nChina.org.cn\n. China Internet Information Center.\nArchived\nfrom the original on October 19, 2017\n. Retrieved\nNovember 1,\n2017\n.\n^\nChow 2015\n^\n\"Ghost Festival\"\n.\nOFTaiwan\n. August 22, 2017\n. Retrieved\nFebruary 15,\n2024\n.\n^\n\"Culture insider - China's ghost festival\"\n. China Daily. August 8, 2014.\nArchived\nfrom the original on November 7, 2017\n. Retrieved\nNovember 1,\n2017\n.\n^\n\"Chinese Ghost Festival - \"the Chinese Halloween\"\n\"\n. Peoples Daily (English). October 30, 2009.\nArchived\nfrom the original on November 7, 2017\n. Retrieved\nNovember 1,\n2017\n.\n^\nVenerable Yin-shun.\nThe Way to Buddhahood\n. Massachusetts: Wisdom Publications: 1998.\n^\n\"目次：冥報記白話\"\n.\nwww.bfnn.org\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on December 4, 2018\n. Retrieved\nFebruary 25,\n2023\n.\n^\nEberhard, Stephen F.\nThe Ghost Festival in Medieval China\n. New Jersey: Princeton University Press: 1988. Hungry ghosts, by contrast, are a much more exceptional case, and would only occur in very unfortunate circumstances, such as if a whole family were killed or when a family no longer venerated their ancestors.\n^\na\nb\n中國節日的故事\n(in Chinese) (1st ed.). Taipei: 將門文物出版社. 2001.\nISBN\n \n957-755-300-1\n.\n^\n\"中元节是中国的\"鬼节\"吗？听听民俗学家怎么说\"\n.\n澎湃新闻\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on March 26, 2023\n. Retrieved\nMarch 26,\n2023\n.\n^\na\nb\nKarashima 2013a\n^\nKarashima 2013b\n^\nKarashima 2014\n^\nLanger (2007)\n, p. 276.\n^\nTeiser (1988)\n.\n^\na\nb\nEberhard, Wolfram\n(1952). \"The Feast of the Souls\".\nChinese Festivals\n. New York: H. Wolff. pp. \n129–\n133.\n^\na\nb\nc\nStepanchuk, Carol (1991).\nMooncakes and Hungry Ghosts: Festivals of China\n. San Francisco: China Books & Periodicals. pp. \n71–\n79.\nISBN\n \n0-8351-2481-9\n.\n^\n\"Hungry Ghost Festival\". Essortment, 2002. Retrieved 20 October 2008.\nEssortment Articles.\nArchived\nFebruary 23, 2009, at the\nWayback Machine\n^\na\nb\nWei, Liming (2010).\nChinese Festivals: Traditions, Customs and Rituals\n(Second ed.). Beijing. pp. \n46–\n49.\nISBN\n \n9787508516936\n.\n{{\ncite book\n}}\n:  CS1 maint: location missing publisher (\nlink\n)\n^\n\"Chinese Culture: Hungry Ghost Festival\"\nModern China\nArchived\nFebruary 3, 2009, at the\nWayback Machine\n^\na\nb\nc\nd\ne\n\"Ghost Festival\" ChinaVoc 2001–2007,\nOnline Store.\nArchived\n8 June 2009 at the\nWayback Machine\n^\nLye, Hun Yeow, Department of Religious Studies, University of Virginia.\n\"Feeding Ghosts: A Study of the Yuqie Yankou Rite\"\n.\nlibraetd.lib.virginia.edu\n. Retrieved\nMay 13,\n2025\n.\n{{\ncite web\n}}\n:  CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (\nlink\n)\n^\nSoon, Lee Tong (2000).\n\"Professional Chinese Opera Troupes and Street Opera Performance in Singapore\"\n.\nAsian Music\n.\n31\n(2):\n35–\n70.\ndoi\n:\n10.2307\/834397\n.\nISSN\n \n0044-9202\n.\nJSTOR\n \n834397\n.\n^\n\"Hungry Ghost Festival\"\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on July 26, 2018\n. Retrieved\nJuly 26,\n2018\n.\n^\n\"Hungry Ghost Festival\"\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on July 26, 2018\n. Retrieved\nJuly 26,\n2018\n.\n^\n\"Why August is called the \"Ghost Month\"\n\"\n.\nSecurity Bank Financial Blog\n. July 18, 2022.\n^\nDy-Zulueta, Dolly (January 5, 2024).\n\"Lifestyle: The Budgetarian: Money Do's and Don'ts during Ghost Month\"\n.\nPhilstar.com\n.\n^\nBeltran, Cito (October 27, 2023).\n\"Opinion: Filipino Hungry Ghost Month\"\n.\nThe Philippine Star\n.\n^\n\"Lifestyle: Why Does *Everything* Seem To Stop During Ghost Month?\"\n.\nCosmopolitan Philippines\n. August 16, 2023.\n^\n\"Starweek Magazine: Ghost Month\"\n.\nThe Philippine Star\n. August 12, 2018.\n^\nMid-Summer Ghost Festival\nArchived\nJanuary 18, 2011, at the\nWayback Machine\n,\nChina Town Connection\nArchived\nSeptember 19, 2010, at the\nWayback Machine\n.\n^\nGhost Month\nArchived\n3 December 2010 at the\nWayback Machine\n,\nGhost Festival\nArchived\n29 December 2010 at the\nWayback Machine\n,\nGovernment Information Office\nArchived\n3 April 2005 at the\nWayback Machine\n,\nTaiwan\n.\n^\nTaiwan's Ghost Festival and Other Religious Events\nArchived\nOctober 29, 2010, at the\nWayback Machine\n,\nGo2Taiwan.net\nArchived\nAugust 31, 2010, at the\nWayback Machine\n.\n^\n\"13 unlucky taboos to evade during Ghost Month in Taiwan\"\n.\nTaiwan News\n. July 28, 2022.\nArchived\nfrom the original on March 26, 2023\n. Retrieved\nMarch 26,\n2023\n.\n^\nLoh, Lainey.\n\"Hungry Ghost Festival 2022: 7 Things You Shouldn't Do\"\n.\nTatler Asia\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on March 26, 2023\n. Retrieved\nMarch 26,\n2023\n.\n^\n\"Ghost Month effects cause Taiwan car sales to plunge in August\"\n.\nTaiwan News\n. September 8, 2018.\nArchived\nfrom the original on March 26, 2023\n. Retrieved\nMarch 26,\n2023\n.\n^\n\"Taiwan Quick Take: Ghost Month fuels surgeries\"\n.\nTaipei Times\n. July 24, 2006.\nArchived\nfrom the original on March 26, 2023\n. Retrieved\nMarch 26,\n2023\n.\n^\nFanchette, Sylvie; Stedman, Nicholas (2009).\nDiscovering Craft Villages in Vietnam: Ten Itineraries Around Hà Nội\n. IRD Editions. p. 149.\nISBN\n \n978-2-7099-1671-4\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on August 30, 2023\n. Retrieved\nMarch 26,\n2023\n.\n^\nPaine, Crispin (January 10, 2019).\nGods and Rollercoasters: Religion in Theme Parks Worldwide\n. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 153.\nISBN\n \n978-1-350-04628-3\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on August 30, 2023\n. Retrieved\nMarch 26,\n2023\n.\n^\nPearce, Callum (2013). \"Buddhist funeral cultures of Southeast Asia and China\".\nMortality\n.\n18\n(4):\n388–\n389.\ndoi\n:\n10.1080\/13576275.2013.843512\n.\nS2CID\n \n144383079\n.\n^\nSchober, Juliane (2002).\nSacred Biography in the Buddhist Traditions of South and Southeast Asia\n. Motilal Banarsidass Publ.\nISBN\n \n9788120818125\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on February 12, 2017\n. Retrieved\nFebruary 11,\n2017\n.\n^\nHecker, Hellmuth,\nMaha-Moggallana\n,\narchived\nfrom the original on February 18, 2006\n, retrieved\nFebruary 11,\n2017\n^\n\"StackPath\"\n(PDF)\n.\nArchived\n(PDF)\nfrom the original on February 11, 2017\n. Retrieved\nFebruary 11,\n2017\n.\n^\nGouin, Margaret (September 10, 2012).\nTibetan Rituals of Death: Buddhist Funerary Practices\n. Routledge.\nISBN\n \n9781136959172\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on December 20, 2016\n. Retrieved\nDecember 7,\n2016\n.\n^\nHolt, John Clifford (April 2012).\n\"Caring for the Dead Ritually in Cambodia\"\n(PDF)\n.\nSoutheast Asian Studies\n.\n1\n(1):\n3–\n75.\nArchived\n(PDF)\nfrom the original on April 20, 2019\n. Retrieved\nSeptember 3,\n2018\n.\n^\nLadwig, Patrice (2012).\n\"Visitors from hell: transformative hospitality to ghosts in a Lao Buddhist festival\"\n.\nJournal of the Royal Anthropological Institute\n.\n18\n:\nS90–\nS102.\ndoi\n:\n10.1111\/j.1467-9655.2012.01765.x\n.\nISSN\n \n1359-0987\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on May 10, 2017\n. Retrieved\nDecember 5,\n2017\n.\n^\na\nb\nLanger (2007)\n, pp. 153, 155, 173, 187, 191.\n^\nBuswell, Robert E (2004).\nEncyclopedia of Buddhism\n. Macmillan Reference USA. p. 21.\nISBN\n \n978-0028659107\n.\n^\nWilliams, Paul (2005).\nBuddhism: Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia\n. Taylor & Francis.\nISBN\n \n9780415332330\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on August 30, 2023\n. Retrieved\nOctober 4,\n2020\n.\n^\nHarding, John S (June 17, 2013).\nStudying Buddhism in Practice\n. Routledge.\nISBN\n \n9781136501883\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on December 20, 2016\n. Retrieved\nDecember 7,\n2016\n.\n^\n\"Archived copy\"\n(PDF)\n. Archived from\nthe original\n(PDF)\non May 27, 2016\n. Retrieved\nDecember 7,\n2016\n.\n{{\ncite web\n}}\n:  CS1 maint: archived copy as title (\nlink\n)\n^\n\"Ancestors - Dictionary definition of Ancestors | Encyclopedia.com: FREE online dictionary\"\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on February 6, 2017\n. Retrieved\nFebruary 6,\n2017\n.\n^\n\"Sat Thai Festival - Bangkok 101\"\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on February 7, 2017\n. Retrieved\nFebruary 6,\n2017\n.\n^\n\"Thailand Events & Festivals of October\"\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on February 6, 2017\n. Retrieved\nFebruary 6,\n2017\n.\n^\n\"Japanese Culture - Etiquette\"\n.\nCultural Atlas\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on March 26, 2023\n. Retrieved\nMarch 26,\n2023\n.\n^\nDavies, Roger J.; Ikeno, Osamu (June 14, 2011).\nJapanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture\n. Tuttle Publishing.\nISBN\n \n978-1-4629-0051-0\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on August 30, 2023\n. Retrieved\nMarch 26,\n2023\n.\n^\na\nb\nMorton, Lisa (September 15, 2015).\nGhosts: A Haunted History\n. Reaktion Books.\nISBN\n \n978-1-78023-537-0\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on August 30, 2023\n. Retrieved\nMarch 26,\n2023\n.\n^\nCar, Nikki Van De (March 14, 2023).\nRitual: Magical Celebrations of Nature and Community from Around the World\n. Running Press.\nISBN\n \n978-0-7624-8143-9\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on August 30, 2023\n. Retrieved\nMarch 26,\n2023\n.\n^\nPh.D, Helen J. Baroni (January 15, 2002).\nThe Illustrated Encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism\n. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. p. 247.\nISBN\n \n978-0-8239-2240-6\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on August 30, 2023\n. Retrieved\nMarch 26,\n2023\n.\n^\nSastri, S. M. Natesa (1988).\nHindu feasts, fasts and ceremonies\n. Asian Educational Services. pp. \n15–\n17.\nISBN\n \n978-81-206-0402-5\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on August 30, 2023\n. Retrieved\nOctober 4,\n2020\n.\n^\n\"Galungan and Kuningan in Bali - Bali Magazine\"\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on July 3, 2019\n. Retrieved\nJuly 3,\n2019\n.\n^\n\"Balinese ceremonies: Galungan and Kuningan\"\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on July 3, 2019\n. Retrieved\nJuly 3,\n2019\n.\n^\n\"The calendars of Bali\"\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on July 3, 2019\n. Retrieved\nJuly 3,\n2019\n.\nGeneral and cited bibliography\n[\nedit\n]\nBandō, Shōjun, ed. (2005), \"The Ullambana Sutra (Taishō Vol. 16, No. 685)\",\nApocryphal Scriptures\n(PDF)\n, Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai English Tripitaka Series, Berkeley: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, pp. \n17–\n44,\nISBN\n \n978-1-886439-29-0\n, archived from\nthe original\n(PDF)\non February 10, 2013\n.\nChow, Shu Kai (\n周樹佳\n) (2015),\n鬼月鉤沉-中元、盂蘭、餓鬼節\n[\nInvestigation of Ghost Month - Zhong Yuan, Ullambana and Hungry Ghost Festivals\n] (in Traditional Chinese), Hong Kong: Chung Hwa Books (Hong Kong),\nISBN\n \n9789888366392\nLanger, Rita (2007),\nBuddhist Rituals of Death and Rebirth: Contemporary Sri Lankan Practice and Its Origins\n, Abingdon: Routledge,\nISBN\n \n9781134158720\n.\nKarashima, Seishi (2013a), \"The Meaning of Yulanpen\n盂蘭盆\n\"Rice Bowl\" On Pravāraṇā Day\",\nAnnual Report of the International Research Institute for Advance Buddhology at Soka University for the Academic Year 2012\n,\nXVI\n:\n289–\n305\nKarashima, Seishi (\n辛嶋静志\n) (2013b),\n「盂蘭盆」の本当の意味 ―千四百間の誤解を解く\n[The Real Meaning of Urabon [Yulanpen] –The Solution to a 1400 Year Misunderstanding],\n大法輪\n(The Great Wheel of the Dharma)\n(in Japanese):\n182–\n189\n{{\ncitation\n}}\n:  CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (\nlink\n)\nKarashima, Seishi (\n辛嶋静志\n)(in Chinese as\n辛島靜志\n) (2014),\n盂蘭盆之意-自恣日的“飯鉢”\n[The Meaning of Yulanpen\n盂蘭盆\n\"Rice Bowl\" On Pravāraṇā Day],\n中華文史論叢\n(Journal of Chinese Literature and History)\n(in Traditional Chinese) (114), translated by Qiu, Yun Qing (\n裘雲青\n):\n279–\n301\n{{\ncitation\n}}\n:  CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (\nlink\n)\nMair, Victor H. (1989),\nT'ang Transformation Texts\n,\nCambridge\n: Harvard University Press,\nISBN\n \n9780674868151\n.\nTeiser, Stephen F. (1988),\nThe Ghost Festival in Medieval China\n,\nPrinceton\n: Princeton University Press,\nISBN\n \n978-0-691-02677-0\n.\nThe Bristol University Buddhist Death Ritual Project\nImages and a documentary film by Ingmar Heise and Han Zhang \"The Spirit's Happy Days: Buddhist Festivals for the Dead in Southeast China\" can be downloaded there.\nZhong Yuan Jie (Hungry Ghost Festival) - INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE\nZhongyuan Festival\nChinese Ghost Culture\nHong Kong University Library Digital Archives Oral History Project of Hong Kong\nWaters, Dan (2004).\n\"The Hungry Ghosts Festival in Aberdeen Street, Hong Kong\"\n(PDF)\n.\nJournal of the Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Branch\n.\n44\n:\n41–\n55.","attrs_markdown":"[Jump to content](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#bodyContent)\n\nMain menu\n\nMain menu\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nNavigation\n\n- [Main page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page \"Visit the main page [z]\")\n- [Contents](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contents \"Guides to browsing Wikipedia\")\n- [Current events](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Current_events \"Articles related to current events\")\n- [Random article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Random \"Visit a randomly selected article [x]\")\n- [About Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:About \"Learn about Wikipedia and how it works\")\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contact_us \"How to contact Wikipedia\")\n\nContribute\n\n- [Help](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Contents \"Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Learn to edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Introduction \"Learn how to edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Community portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Community_portal \"The hub for editors\")\n- [Recent changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChanges \"A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard \"Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia\")\n- [Special pages](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:SpecialPages \"A list of all special pages [q]\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/icons\/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page)\n\n[Search](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Search \"Search Wikipedia [f]\")\n\nAppearance\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/donate.wikimedia.org\/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en)\n- [Create account](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Ghost+Festival \"You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory\")\n- [Log in](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Ghost+Festival \"You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. 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[o]\")\n\n## Contents\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\n- [(Top)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival)\n- [1 Origins](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Origins)\n- [2 Observance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Observance)\n- [3 Celebrations in other parts of Asia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Celebrations_in_other_parts_of_Asia)\n  Toggle Celebrations in other parts of Asia subsection\n  - [3\\.1 Singapore and Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Singapore_and_Malaysia)\n  - [3\\.2 Indonesia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Indonesia)\n  - [3\\.3 Philippines](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Philippines)\n  - [3\\.4 Taiwan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Taiwan)\n  - [3\\.5 Vietnam](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Vietnam)\n- [4 Related traditions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Related_traditions)\n  Toggle Related traditions subsection\n  - [4\\.1 Buddhist traditions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Buddhist_traditions)\n    - [4\\.1.1 Cambodia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Cambodia)\n    - [4\\.1.2 Laos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Laos)\n    - [4\\.1.3 Sri Lanka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Sri_Lanka)\n    - [4\\.1.4 Thailand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Thailand)\n    - [4\\.1.5 Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Japan)\n      - [4\\.1.5.1 *Chūgen*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Ch%C5%ABgen)\n      - [4\\.1.5.2 *Bon*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Bon)\n    - [4\\.1.6 Ryukyu Islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Ryukyu_Islands)\n  - [4\\.2 Hindu traditions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Hindu_traditions)\n    - [4\\.2.1 India](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#India)\n    - [4\\.2.2 Indonesia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Indonesia_2)\n- [5 See also](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#See_also)\n- [6 Notes on references](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Notes_on_references)\n- [7 References](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#References)\n- [8 General and cited bibliography](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#General_and_cited_bibliography)\n- [9 External links](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#External_links)\n\nToggle the table of contents\n\n# Ghost Festival\n35 languages\n\n- [العربية](https:\/\/ar.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D9%85%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%86_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A8%D8%AD_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B9 \"مهرجان الشبح الجائع – Arabic\")\n- [Asturianu](https:\/\/ast.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Festival_de_les_pantasmes \"Festival de les pantasmes – Asturian\")\n- [Azərbaycanca](https:\/\/az.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ruh_festival%C4%B1 \"Ruh festivalı – Azerbaijani\")\n- [閩東語 \/ Mìng-dĕ̤ng-ngṳ̄](https:\/\/cdo.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ch%C3%A9k-ngu%C5%8Fk-bu%C3%A1ng \"Chék-nguŏk-buáng – Mindong\")\n- [Deutsch](https:\/\/de.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tag_der_wandernden_Seelen \"Tag der wandernden Seelen – German\")\n- [Ελληνικά](https:\/\/el.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%CE%A6%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%B2%CE%AC%CE%BB_%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD_%CF%86%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%AC%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD \"Φεστιβάλ των φαντασμάτων – Greek\")\n- [Español](https:\/\/es.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Festival_de_los_fantasmas \"Festival de los fantasmas – Spanish\")\n- [فارسی](https:\/\/fa.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D8%B9%DB%8C%D8%AF_%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AD \"عید ارواح – Persian\")\n- [Français](https:\/\/fr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/F%C3%AAte_des_fant%C3%B4mes \"Fête des fantômes – French\")\n- [客家語 \/ Hak-kâ-ngî](https:\/\/hak.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chhit-ngie%CC%8Dt-pan \"Chhit-ngie̍t-pan – Hakka Chinese\")\n- [Հայերեն](https:\/\/hy.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D5%88%D6%82%D6%80%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B6%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%AB_%D6%83%D5%A1%D5%BC%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%B8%D5%B6 \"Ուրվականների փառատոն – Armenian\")\n- [Bahasa Indonesia](https:\/\/id.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Festival_Hantu \"Festival Hantu – Indonesian\")\n- [Italiano](https:\/\/it.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ullambana \"Ullambana – Italian\")\n- [日本語](https:\/\/ja.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%83 \"中元 – Japanese\")\n- [ភាសាខ្មែរ](https:\/\/km.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E1%9E%94%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%9A%E1%9E%9C%E1%9E%8F%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%8F%E1%9E%B7%E1%9E%94%E1%9E%BB%E1%9E%8E%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%99%E1%9E%97%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%87%E1%9E%BB%E1%9F%86%E1%9E%94%E1%9E%B7%E1%9E%8E%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%8C \"ប្រវត្តិបុណ្យភ្ជុំបិណ្ឌ – Khmer\")\n- [한국어](https:\/\/ko.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%EB%B0%B1%EC%A4%91%EB%82%A0 \"백중날 – Korean\")\n- [മലയാളം](https:\/\/ml.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%B4%97%E0%B5%8B%E0%B4%B8%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B1%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B1%E0%B5%8D_%E0%B4%AB%E0%B5%86%E0%B4%B8%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B1%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B1%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%B5%E0%B5%BD \"ഗോസ്റ്റ് ഫെസ്റ്റിവൽ – Malayalam\")\n- [Bahasa Melayu](https:\/\/ms.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Perayaan_Hantu_Lapar \"Perayaan Hantu Lapar – Malay\")\n- [Nederlands](https:\/\/nl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Geestenfeest \"Geestenfeest – Dutch\")\n- [Norsk bokmål](https:\/\/no.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sp%C3%B8kelsesfesten \"Spøkelsesfesten – Norwegian Bokmål\")\n- [Polski](https:\/\/pl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%C5%9Awi%C4%99to_Duch%C3%B3w \"Święto Duchów – Polish\")\n- [Português](https:\/\/pt.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Festival_dos_Fantasmas \"Festival dos Fantasmas – Portuguese\")\n- [Русский](https:\/\/ru.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%A4%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C_%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D1%8B%D1%85_%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B2 \"Фестиваль голодных духов – Russian\")\n- [Simple English](https:\/\/simple.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival \"Ghost Festival – Simple English\")\n- [Српски \/ srpski](https:\/\/sr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%A4%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BB_%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0 \"Фестивал духова – Serbian\")\n- [Svenska](https:\/\/sv.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sp%C3%B6kfesten \"Spökfesten – Swedish\")\n- [తెలుగు](https:\/\/te.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%B0%98%E0%B1%8B%E0%B0%B8%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%9F%E0%B1%8D_%E0%B0%AB%E0%B1%86%E0%B0%B8%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%9F%E0%B0%BF%E0%B0%B5%E0%B0%B2%E0%B1%8D \"ఘోస్ట్ ఫెస్టివల్ – Telugu\")\n- [ไทย](https:\/\/th.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%99 \"วันสารทจีน – Thai\")\n- [Tagalog](https:\/\/tl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buwan_ng_Multo \"Buwan ng Multo – Tagalog\")\n- [Українська](https:\/\/uk.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%A4%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C_%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%85_%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%85%D1%96%D0%B2 \"Фестиваль голодних духів – Ukrainian\")\n- [Oʻzbekcha \/ ўзбекча](https:\/\/uz.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ullam-bana_festivali \"Ullam-bana festivali – Uzbek\")\n- [Tiếng Việt](https:\/\/vi.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vu-lan \"Vu-lan – Vietnamese\")\n- [閩南語 \/ Bân-lâm-gí](https:\/\/zh-min-nan.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chhit-goe%CC%8Dh-p%C3%B2a%E2%81%BF \"Chhit-goe̍h-pòaⁿ – Minnan\")\n- [粵語](https:\/\/zh-yue.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E7%9B%82%E8%98%AD%E7%AF%80 \"盂蘭節 – Cantonese\")\n- [中文](https:\/\/zh.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%83%E7%AF%80%E8%88%87%E7%9B%82%E8%98%AD%E7%9B%86%E7%AF%80 \"中元節與盂蘭盆節 – Chinese\")\n\n[Edit links](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q696781#sitelinks-wikipedia \"Edit interlanguage links\")\n\n- [Article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival \"View the content page [c]\")\n- [Talk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Talk:Ghost_Festival \"Discuss improvements to the content page [t]\")\n\nEnglish\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival)\n- [Edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit \"Edit this page [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=history \"Past revisions of this page [h]\")\n\nTools\n\nTools\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nActions\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival)\n- [Edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit \"Edit this page [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=history)\n\nGeneral\n\n- [What links here](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:WhatLinksHere\/Ghost_Festival \"List of all English Wikipedia pages containing links to this page [j]\")\n- [Related changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChangesLinked\/Ghost_Festival \"Recent changes in pages linked from this page [k]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_Upload_Wizard \"Upload files [u]\")\n- [Permanent link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&oldid=1347300754 \"Permanent link to this revision of this page\")\n- [Page information](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=info \"More information about this page\")\n- [Cite this page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CiteThisPage&page=Ghost_Festival&id=1347300754&wpFormIdentifier=titleform \"Information on how to cite this page\")\n- [Get shortened URL](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UrlShortener&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FGhost_Festival)\n\nPrint\/export\n\n- [Download as PDF](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:DownloadAsPdf&page=Ghost_Festival&action=show-download-screen \"Download this page as a PDF file\")\n- [Printable version](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&printable=yes \"Printable version of this page [p]\")\n\nIn other projects\n\n- [Wikimedia Commons](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Ghost_Festival)\n- [Wikidata item](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q696781 \"Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]\")\n\nAppearance\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia\n\nTraditional Buddhist and Taoist festival\n\nThis article is about the Chinese festival and its related traditions. For the festival in the Thai province of Loei, see [Phi Ta Khon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Phi_Ta_Khon \"Phi Ta Khon\"). For the festival in Nepal, see [Ghost Festival (Nepal)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival_\\(Nepal\\) \"Ghost Festival (Nepal)\").\n\n| Ghost Festival |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/5d\/HK_ShatinYuLanFestival_KingOfGhost.JPG\/250px-HK_ShatinYuLanFestival_KingOfGhost.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:HK_ShatinYuLanFestival_KingOfGhost.JPG)A paper effigy of the [Guanyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guanyin \"Guanyin\") in [Shatin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shatin \"Shatin\"), Hong Kong. |   |\n| Official name | Zhongyuan Festival ([Taoism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoism \"Taoism\")) Yulanpen Festival ([Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism \"Buddhism\")) |\n| Also called | Spirit Festival |\n| Observed by | [Buddhists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhists \"Buddhists\")   [Confunianists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Confunianists&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Confunianists (page does not exist)\")   [Taoists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoists \"Taoists\") |\n| Significance | To commemorate the opening of the gates of [Hell](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hell \"Hell\") and Heaven, and spiritual realm permitting all spirits and souls to receive sustenance, money, and other offerings. |\n| Observances | [Ancestor worship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ancestor_worship \"Ancestor worship\"), offering food, burning [joss paper](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Joss_paper \"Joss paper\"), chanting of scriptures |\n| Date | 15th day of the 7th Chinese lunisolar month |\n| 2025 date | 6 September |\n| 2026 date | 27 August |\n| 2027 date | 16 August |\n| 2028 date | 3 September |\n| Related to | [Obon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bon_Festival \"Bon Festival\") (in Japan) [Baekjung](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Miryang_Baekjung_Festival \"Miryang Baekjung Festival\") (in Korea) [Vu Lan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Vu_Lan&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Vu Lan (page does not exist)\") (in Vietnam) [Pchum Ben](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pchum_Ben \"Pchum Ben\") (observed by [Khmer people](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Khmer_people \"Khmer people\")) and [Sen Kbal tek](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Sen_Kbal_tek&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Sen Kbal tek (page does not exist)\"), សែនក្បាលទឹក (observed by Chinese-Cambodians) (in Cambodia) [Boun Khao Padap Din](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Laos) (in Laos) [Mataka dānēs](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Sri_Lanka) (in Sri Lanka) [Sat Thai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sat_Thai \"Sat Thai\") (in Thailand) |\n\n| Ghost Festival |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/87\/Ancestor_worship003.JPG\/250px-Ancestor_worship003.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Ancestor_worship003.JPG)Food offerings for the Ghost Festival |   |\n| [Traditional Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_characters \"Traditional Chinese characters\") | [中元節](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%83%E7%AF%80 \"wikt:中元節\") |\n| [Simplified Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simplified_Chinese_characters \"Simplified Chinese characters\") | [中元节](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%83%E8%8A%82 \"wikt:中元节\") |\n| Literal meaning | mid-origin festival |\n| Transcriptions |   |\n| [Standard Mandarin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standard_Chinese \"Standard Chinese\") |   |\n| [Hanyu Pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanyu_Pinyin \"Hanyu Pinyin\") | zhōng yuán jié |\n| [Bopomofo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bopomofo \"Bopomofo\") | ㄓㄨㄥ ㄩㄢˊㄐㄧㄝˊ |\n| [Wade–Giles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wade%E2%80%93Giles \"Wade–Giles\") | chung yüan2 chieh2 |\n| [Yale Romanization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yale_romanization_of_Mandarin \"Yale romanization of Mandarin\") | jūng ywán jyé |\n| [Hakka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hakka_Chinese \"Hakka Chinese\") |   |\n| [Pha̍k-fa-sṳ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pha%CC%8Dk-fa-s%E1%B9%B3 \"Pha̍k-fa-sṳ\") | Chûng-ngièn-chiet |\n| [Yue: Cantonese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cantonese \"Cantonese\") |   |\n| [Yale Romanization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese \"Yale romanization of Cantonese\") | jūng yùhn jit |\n| [Jyutping](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jyutping \"Jyutping\") | zung1 jyun4 zit3 |\n| [Southern Min](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southern_Min \"Southern Min\") |   |\n| [Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkien \"Hokkien\") [POJ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\") | Tiong-goân-cheh \/ Tiong-goân-choeh \/ Tiong-goân-chiat |\n| [Tâi-lô](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiwanese_Romanization_System \"Taiwanese Romanization System\") | Tiong-guân-tseh \/ Tiong-guân-tsueh \/ Tiong-guân-tsiat |\n| [Teochew](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Teochew_dialect \"Teochew dialect\") [Peng'im](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guangdong_Romanization#Teochew \"Guangdong Romanization\") | Dong1 nguêng5\/nguang5 zoih4 |\n| [Eastern Min](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eastern_Min \"Eastern Min\") |   |\n| [Fuzhou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fuzhou_dialect \"Fuzhou dialect\") [BUC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Foochow_Romanized \"Foochow Romanized\") | Dṳ̆ng-nguòng-cáik |\n| Alternative Chinese name |   |\n| [Traditional Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_characters \"Traditional Chinese characters\") | [盂蘭盆節](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E7%9B%82%E8%98%AD%E7%9B%86%E7%AF%80 \"wikt:盂蘭盆節\") |\n| [Simplified Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simplified_Chinese_characters \"Simplified Chinese characters\") | [盂兰盆节](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E7%9B%82%E5%85%B0%E7%9B%86%E8%8A%82 \"wikt:盂兰盆节\") |\n| Transcriptions |   |\n| [Standard Mandarin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standard_Chinese \"Standard Chinese\") |   |\n| [Hanyu Pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanyu_Pinyin \"Hanyu Pinyin\") | Yú lán pén jié |\n| [Bopomofo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bopomofo \"Bopomofo\") | ㄩˊㄌㄢˊㄆㄣˊㄐㄧㄝˊ |\n| [Wade–Giles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wade%E2%80%93Giles \"Wade–Giles\") | yü2 lan2 p'ên2 chieh2 |\n| [Yale Romanization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yale_romanization_of_Mandarin \"Yale romanization of Mandarin\") | yú-lán-pén-jyé |\n| [Yue: Cantonese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cantonese \"Cantonese\") |   |\n| [Yale Romanization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese \"Yale romanization of Cantonese\") | yùh làahn pùhn jit |\n| [Jyutping](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jyutping \"Jyutping\") | jyu4 laan4 pun4 zit3 |\n| [Eastern Min](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eastern_Min \"Eastern Min\") |   |\n| [Fuzhou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fuzhou_dialect \"Fuzhou dialect\") [BUC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Foochow_Romanized \"Foochow Romanized\") | Uò-làng-buòng |\n| Second alternative Chinese name |   |\n| [Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_language \"Chinese language\") | [七月半](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%83%E6%9C%88%E5%8D%8A \"wikt:七月半\") |\n| Transcriptions |   |\n| [Hakka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hakka_Chinese \"Hakka Chinese\") |   |\n| [Pha̍k-fa-sṳ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pha%CC%8Dk-fa-s%E1%B9%B3 \"Pha̍k-fa-sṳ\") | Chhit-ngie̍t-pan |\n| [Southern Min](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southern_Min \"Southern Min\") |   |\n| [Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkien \"Hokkien\") [POJ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\") | Chhit-goe̍h-poàⁿ |\n| [Tâi-lô](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiwanese_Romanization_System \"Taiwanese Romanization System\") | Tshit-gue̍h-puànn |\n| [Teochew](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Teochew_dialect \"Teochew dialect\") [Peng'im](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guangdong_Romanization#Teochew \"Guangdong Romanization\") | Cig4 ghuêh8 buan3 |\n\n|   |\n|---|\n| Part of [a series](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Buddhism_in_China \"Category:Buddhism in China\") on |\n| [Chinese Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Buddhism \"Chinese Buddhism\") |\n| [![Liao dynasty statue of the Eleven Headed Guanyin in Dule Temple in Tianjin, China.](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Guanyin_-_panoramio.jpg\/250px-Guanyin_-_panoramio.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Guanyin_-_panoramio.jpg \"Liao dynasty statue of the Eleven Headed Guanyin in Dule Temple in Tianjin, China.\") Liao dynasty statue of the Eleven Headed [Guanyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guanyin \"Guanyin\") in [Dule Temple](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dule_Temple \"Dule Temple\") in [Tianjin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tianjin \"Tianjin\"), [China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/China \"China\"). |\n| [History](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/History_of_Chinese_Buddhism \"History of Chinese Buddhism\") [Buddhism in Central Asia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Central_Asia \"Buddhism in Central Asia\") [Silk Road transmission](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Silk_Road_transmission_of_Buddhism \"Silk Road transmission of Buddhism\") [Dunhuang manuscripts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dunhuang_manuscripts \"Dunhuang manuscripts\") [White Lotus society](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/White_Lotus_society \"White Lotus society\") [Bureau of Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bureau_of_Buddhist_and_Tibetan_Affairs \"Bureau of Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs\") [Four Buddhist Persecutions in China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Four_Buddhist_Persecutions_in_China \"Four Buddhist Persecutions in China\") [Religion in the Song dynasty](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Religion_in_the_Song_dynasty \"Religion in the Song dynasty\") [Transmission to the US](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_the_United_States \"Buddhism in the United States\") |\n| Main Traditions [Chan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chan_Buddhism \"Chan Buddhism\") [Five Houses of Chan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Five_Houses_of_Chan \"Five Houses of Chan\") [Linji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Linji_school \"Linji school\") [Caodong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caodong_school \"Caodong school\") [Guiyang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guiyang_school \"Guiyang school\") [Fayan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fayan_school \"Fayan school\") [Yunmen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yunmen_school \"Yunmen school\") [Oxhead](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oxhead_school \"Oxhead school\") [Hongzhou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hongzhou_school \"Hongzhou school\") [Heze](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heze_School \"Heze School\") [East Mountain Teaching](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/East_Mountain_Teaching \"East Mountain Teaching\") [Tiantai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tiantai \"Tiantai\") [Huayan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Huayan_school \"Huayan school\") [Pure Land](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pure_Land_Buddhism \"Pure Land Buddhism\") [Vinaya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dharmaguptaka \"Dharmaguptaka\") [Nanshan Vinaya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Nanshan_Vinaya&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Nanshan Vinaya (page does not exist)\") [Weishi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/East_Asian_Yog%C4%81c%C4%81ra \"East Asian Yogācāra\") [Sanlun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/East_Asian_M%C4%81dhyamaka \"East Asian Mādhyamaka\") [Zhenyan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhenyan \"Zhenyan\") [Humanistic Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Humanistic_Buddhism \"Humanistic Buddhism\") [Chengshi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chengshi_school&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Chengshi school (page does not exist)\") [Niepan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nirvana_School \"Nirvana School\") |\n| Important Figures **Han dynasty to Northern and Southern dynasties (202 BC – 589 AD)** [An Shigao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/An_Shigao \"An Shigao\") [Lokakṣema](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lokaksema_\\(Buddhist_monk\\) \"Lokaksema (Buddhist monk)\") [Kang Senghui](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kang_Senghui \"Kang Senghui\") [Zhu Zixing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhu_Zixing \"Zhu Zixing\") [Zhi Qian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhi_Qian \"Zhi Qian\") [Po-Srimitra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Po-Srimitra \"Po-Srimitra\") [Fotu Cheng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fotu_Cheng \"Fotu Cheng\") [Zhi Dun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhi_Dun \"Zhi Dun\") [Lushan Huiyuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lushan_Huiyuan \"Lushan Huiyuan\") [Faxian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Faxian \"Faxian\") [Kumārajīva](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kum%C4%81raj%C4%ABva \"Kumārajīva\") [Sengzhao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sengzhao \"Sengzhao\") [Daosheng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daosheng \"Daosheng\") [Dharmakṣema](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dharmak%E1%B9%A3ema \"Dharmakṣema\") [Baozhi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Baozhi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Baozhi (page does not exist)\") [Sengyou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sengyou \"Sengyou\") [Emperor Wu of Liang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Emperor_Wu_of_Liang \"Emperor Wu of Liang\") [Tanluan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tan-luan \"Tan-luan\") [Dazu Huike](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dazu_Huike \"Dazu Huike\") [Sengcan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sengcan \"Sengcan\") [Fu Dashi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fu_Dashi \"Fu Dashi\") [Paramartha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paramartha_\\(Chinese_monk\\) \"Paramartha (Chinese monk)\") [Song Yun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Song_Yun \"Song Yun\") [Huisheng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Huisheng_\\(monk\\) \"Huisheng (monk)\") [Nanyue Huisi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nanyue_Huisi \"Nanyue Huisi\") [Jingying Huiyuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jingying_Huiyuan \"Jingying Huiyuan\") [Zhiyi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhiyi \"Zhiyi\") [Bodhidharma](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bodhidharma \"Bodhidharma\") [Master Yuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Master_Yuan \"Master Yuan\") [Bodhiruci](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bodhiruci \"Bodhiruci\") [Budai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Budai \"Budai\") **Sui dynasty to Tang dynasty (581 - 907)** [Jizang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jizang \"Jizang\") [Dayi Daoxin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dayi_Daoxin \"Dayi Daoxin\") [Daochuo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daochuo \"Daochuo\") [Guanding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guanding \"Guanding\") [Daoxuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daoxuan \"Daoxuan\") [Daman Hongren](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daman_Hongren \"Daman Hongren\") [Zhiyan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhiyan \"Zhiyan\") [Xuanzang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xuanzang \"Xuanzang\") [Yuquan Shenxiu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuquan_Shenxiu \"Yuquan Shenxiu\") [Shandao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shandao \"Shandao\") [Huaigan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Huaigan \"Huaigan\") [Woncheuk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Woncheuk \"Woncheuk\") [Kuiji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kuiji \"Kuiji\") [Yijing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yijing_\\(monk\\) \"Yijing (monk)\") [Li Tongxuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Li_Tongxuan \"Li Tongxuan\") [Huineng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Huineng \"Huineng\") [Fazang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fazang \"Fazang\") [Śubhakarasiṃha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%C5%9Aubhakarasi%E1%B9%83ha \"Śubhakarasiṃha\") [Vajrabodhi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vajrabodhi \"Vajrabodhi\") [Cimin Huiri](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cimin_Huiri \"Cimin Huiri\") [Yi Xing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yi_Xing \"Yi Xing\") [Shenhui](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shenhui \"Shenhui\") [Jianzhen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jianzhen \"Jianzhen\") [Amoghavajra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amoghavajra \"Amoghavajra\") [Mazu Daoyi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mazu_Daoyi \"Mazu Daoyi\") [Zhanran](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhanran \"Zhanran\") [Baotang Wuzhu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baotang_Wuzhu \"Baotang Wuzhu\") [Wukong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wukong_\\(monk\\) \"Wukong (monk)\") [Wulong Shaokang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wulong_Shaokang \"Wulong Shaokang\") [Chengguan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chengguan_\\(monk\\) \"Chengguan (monk)\") [Layman Pang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Layman_Pang \"Layman Pang\") [Huiguo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Huiguo \"Huiguo\") [Fazhao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fazhao \"Fazhao\") [Wu Yantong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wu_Yantong \"Wu Yantong\") [Zhenzhou Puhua](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhenzhou_Puhua \"Zhenzhou Puhua\") [Moheyan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Moheyan \"Moheyan\") [Guifeng Zongmi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guifeng_Zongmi \"Guifeng Zongmi\") [Linji Yixuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Linji_Yixuan \"Linji Yixuan\") [Zhaozhou Congshen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhaozhou_Congshen \"Zhaozhou Congshen\") [Daosui](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daosui \"Daosui\") [Guanxiu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guanxiu \"Guanxiu\") [Yunmen Wenyan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yunmen_Wenyan \"Yunmen Wenyan\") [Hanshan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanshan_\\(poet\\) \"Hanshan (poet)\") [Shide](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shide_\\(monk\\) \"Shide (monk)\") [Fenggan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fenggan \"Fenggan\") **Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms to Song dynasty (907 - 1279)** [Yongming Yanshou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yongming_Yanshou \"Yongming Yanshou\") [Siming Zhili](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Siming_Zhili \"Siming Zhili\") [Ciyun Zunshi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ciyun_Zunshi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Ciyun Zunshi (page does not exist)\") [Dānapāla](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/D%C4%81nap%C4%81la \"Dānapāla\") [Devasantika](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Devasantika&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Devasantika (page does not exist)\") [Changshui Zixuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Changshui_Zixuan&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Changshui Zixuan (page does not exist)\") [Jinshui Jingyuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Jinshui_Jingyuan&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Jinshui Jingyuan (page does not exist)\") [Furong Daokai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Furong_Daokai \"Furong Daokai\") [Gushan Zhiyuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Gushan_Zhiyuan&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Gushan Zhiyuan (page does not exist)\") [Renyue Jingjue](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Renyue_Jingjue&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Renyue Jingjue (page does not exist)\") [Qingshui](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Patriarch_Ching_Chwee \"Patriarch Ching Chwee\") [Yuanzhao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuanzhao \"Yuanzhao\") [Yuanwu Keqin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuanwu_Keqin \"Yuanwu Keqin\") [Hongzhi Zhengjue](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hongzhi_Zhengjue \"Hongzhi Zhengjue\") [Zhenxie Qingliao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhenxie_Qingliao \"Zhenxie Qingliao\") [Yuanwu Keqin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuanwu_Keqin \"Yuanwu Keqin\") [Foyan Qingyuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Foyan_Qingyuan \"Foyan Qingyuan\") [Dahui Zonggao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dahui_Zonggao \"Dahui Zonggao\") [Mao Ziyuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mao_Ziyuan \"Mao Ziyuan\") [Pu'an Yinsu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pu%27an_Yinsu&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pu'an Yinsu (page does not exist)\") [Ji Gong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ji_Gong \"Ji Gong\") [Zongxiao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zongxiao \"Zongxiao\") [Wansong Xingxiu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wansong_Xingxiu \"Wansong Xingxiu\") [Wumen Huikai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wumen_Huikai \"Wumen Huikai\") **Yuan dynasty to Ming dynasty (1271 - 1644)** [Yuanmeng Yunze](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Yuanmeng_Yunze&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Yuanmeng Yunze (page does not exist)\") [Zhongfeng Mingben](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhongfeng_Mingben \"Zhongfeng Mingben\") [Tianru Weize](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Tianru_Weize&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Tianru Weize (page does not exist)\") [Biefeng Datong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Biefeng_Datong&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Biefeng Datong (page does not exist)\") [Shiwu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shiwu \"Shiwu\") [Yao Guangxiao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yao_Guangxiao \"Yao Guangxiao\") [Li Zhi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Li_Zhi_\\(philosopher\\) \"Li Zhi (philosopher)\") [Yunqi Zhuhong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yunqi_Zhuhong \"Yunqi Zhuhong\") [Zibo Zhenke](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zibo_Zhenke \"Zibo Zhenke\") [Hanshan Deqing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanshan_Deqing \"Hanshan Deqing\") [Youxi Chuandeng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Youxi_Chuandeng \"Youxi Chuandeng\") [Miyun Yuanwu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Miyun_Yuanwu \"Miyun Yuanwu\") [Yuan Hongdao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuan_Hongdao \"Yuan Hongdao\") [Ouyi Zhixu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ouyi_Zhixu \"Ouyi Zhixu\") [Yinyuan Longqi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yinyuan_Longqi \"Yinyuan Longqi\") **Qing dynasty to modern period (1644 - present)** [Poshan Haiming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Poshan_Haiming \"Poshan Haiming\") [Tianxi Shoudeng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Tianxi_Shoudeng&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Tianxi Shoudeng (page does not exist)\") [Zhangxue Tongzui](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhangxue_Tongzui \"Zhangxue Tongzui\") [Hong Ren](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Ren \"Hong Ren\") [Kun Can](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kun_Can \"Kun Can\") [Bada Shanren](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bada_Shanren \"Bada Shanren\") [Shitao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shitao \"Shitao\") [Yulin Tongxiu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Yulin_Tongxiu&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Yulin Tongxiu (page does not exist)\") [Baiting Xufa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Baiting_Xufa&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Baiting Xufa (page does not exist)\") [Datian Tongli](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Datian_Tongli&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Datian Tongli (page does not exist)\") [Peng Shaosheng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Peng_Shaosheng \"Peng Shaosheng\") [Jixing Chewu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jixing_Chewu \"Jixing Chewu\") [Yang Wenhui](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yang_Wenhui \"Yang Wenhui\") [Xuyun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xuyun \"Xuyun\") [Yinguang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yinguang \"Yinguang\") [Zhuan Dao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhuan_Dao \"Zhuan Dao\") [Tanxu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tanxu \"Tanxu\") [Yuanying](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuanying \"Yuanying\") [Hong Yi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Yi \"Hong Yi\") [Su Manshu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Su_Manshu \"Su Manshu\") [Nenghai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nenghai \"Nenghai\") [Taixu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taixu \"Taixu\") [Guang Qin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guang_Qin \"Guang Qin\") [Charles Luk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Charles_Luk \"Charles Luk\") [Yin Shun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yin_Shun \"Yin Shun\") [Benhuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Benhuan \"Benhuan\") [Hong Choon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Choon \"Hong Choon\") [Dongchu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dongchu \"Dongchu\") [Zhao Puchu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhao_Puchu \"Zhao Puchu\") [Ho Yuen Hoe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ho_Yuen_Hoe \"Ho Yuen Hoe\") [Mengcan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mengcan&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Mengcan (page does not exist)\") [Chan Yun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chan_Yun \"Chan Yun\") [Hsuan Hua](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hsuan_Hua \"Hsuan Hua\") [Nan Huai-Chin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nan_Huai-Chin \"Nan Huai-Chin\") [Sik Kok Kwong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sik_Kok_Kwong \"Sik Kok Kwong\") [Ashin Jinarakkhita](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ashin_Jinarakkhita \"Ashin Jinarakkhita\") [Yicheng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yicheng_\\(monk\\) \"Yicheng (monk)\") [Chin Kung](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chin_Kung \"Chin Kung\") [Hsing Yun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hsing_Yun \"Hsing Yun\") [Wei Chueh](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wei_Chueh \"Wei Chueh\") [Sheng-yen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sheng-yen \"Sheng-yen\") [Cheng Yen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cheng_Yen \"Cheng Yen\") [Red Pine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Red_Pine_\\(author\\) \"Red Pine (author)\") [Hsin Tao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hsin_Tao \"Hsin Tao\") [Martin Verhoeven](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Martin_Verhoeven \"Martin Verhoeven\") [Heng Sure](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heng_Sure \"Heng Sure\") [Richard Hunn](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Upasaka_Wen_Shu \"Upasaka Wen Shu\") [Haiyun Jimeng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Haiyun_Jimeng&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Haiyun Jimeng (page does not exist)\") [Chi Chern](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chi_Chern \"Chi Chern\") [Yifa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yifa \"Yifa\") [Shi Yan Ming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shi_Yan_Ming \"Shi Yan Ming\") [Imee Ooi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Imee_Ooi \"Imee Ooi\") [Yinshun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shi_Yinshun \"Shi Yinshun\") |\n| Major Texts **Buddhist Canons** [Chinese Buddhist canon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Buddhist_canon \"Chinese Buddhist canon\") [Taishō Tripiṭaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taish%C5%8D_Tripi%E1%B9%ADaka \"Taishō Tripiṭaka\") [Panjiao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Panjiao \"Panjiao\") **Major Sūtras and Mantras** [Heart Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heart_S%C5%ABtra \"Heart Sūtra\") [Large Prajñāpāramitā Sūtras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Large_Praj%C3%B1%C4%81p%C4%81ramit%C4%81_S%C5%ABtras \"Large Prajñāpāramitā Sūtras\") [Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/A%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%ADas%C4%81hasrik%C4%81_Praj%C3%B1%C4%81p%C4%81ramit%C4%81_S%C5%ABtra \"Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra\") [Diamond Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Diamond_S%C5%ABtra \"Diamond Sūtra\") [Lotus Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lotus_S%C5%ABtra \"Lotus Sūtra\") [Avataṃsaka Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Avata%E1%B9%83saka_S%C5%ABtra \"Avataṃsaka Sūtra\") [Amitābha Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amit%C4%81bha_S%C5%ABtra \"Amitābha Sūtra\") [Pure Land Rebirth Mantra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amitabha_Pure_Land_Rebirth_Dharani \"Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Dharani\") [Amitāyus Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Amit%C4%81yus_Sutra \"The Amitāyus Sutra\") [Amitāyus Contemplation Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amit%C4%81yus_Contemplation_S%C5%ABtra \"Amitāyus Contemplation Sūtra\") [Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mah%C4%81y%C4%81na_Mah%C4%81parinirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a_S%C5%ABtra \"Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra\") [Śūraṅgama Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%C5%9A%C5%ABra%E1%B9%85gama_S%C5%ABtra \"Śūraṅgama Sūtra\") [Sūtra of Perfect Enlightenment](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S%C5%ABtra_of_Perfect_Enlightenment \"Sūtra of Perfect Enlightenment\") [Platform Sūtra of the Sixth Patriarch](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Platform_Sutra \"Platform Sutra\") [Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/La%E1%B9%85k%C4%81vat%C4%81ra_S%C5%ABtra \"Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra\") [Vimalakirti Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vimalakirti_Sutra \"Vimalakirti Sutra\") [Śrīmālādevī Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%C5%9Ar%C4%ABm%C4%81l%C4%81dev%C4%AB_S%C5%ABtra \"Śrīmālādevī Sūtra\") [Śūraṅgama Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%C5%9A%C5%ABra%E1%B9%85gama_S%C5%ABtra \"Śūraṅgama Sūtra\") [Śūraṅgama mantra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%C5%9A%C5%ABra%E1%B9%85gama_mantra \"Śūraṅgama mantra\") [Medicine Buddha Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Medicine_Buddha \"Medicine Buddha\") [Kṣitigarbha Pūrvapraṇidhāna Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/K%E1%B9%A3itigarbha_Bodhisattva_P%C5%ABrvapra%E1%B9%87idh%C4%81na_S%C5%ABtra \"Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva Pūrvapraṇidhāna Sūtra\") [Daśacakra Kṣitigarbha Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Da%C5%9Bacakra_K%E1%B9%A3itigarbha_S%C5%ABtra&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Daśacakra Kṣitigarbha Sūtra (page does not exist)\") [Mahāvairocana Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mahavairocana_Sutra \"Mahavairocana Sutra\") [Vajraśekhara Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vajrasekhara_Sutra \"Vajrasekhara Sutra\") [Susiddhikara Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Susiddhikara_S%C5%ABtra \"Susiddhikara Sūtra\") [Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/K%C4%81ra%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Davy%C5%ABha_S%C5%ABtra \"Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra\") [Cundī Dhāraṇī](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cundi_\\(Buddhism\\)#Cund%C4%AB_Dh%C4%81ra%E1%B9%87%C4%AB \"Cundi (Buddhism)\") [Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/O%E1%B9%83_ma%E1%B9%87i_padme_h%C5%AB%E1%B9%83 \"Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ\") [Great Compassionate Dhāraṇī Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/N%C4%ABlaka%E1%B9%87%E1%B9%ADha_Dh%C4%81ra%E1%B9%87%C4%AB \"Nīlakaṇṭha Dhāraṇī\") [Uṣṇīṣa Vijaya Dhāraṇī Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/U%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87%C4%AB%E1%B9%A3a_Vijaya_Dh%C4%81ra%E1%B9%87%C4%AB#U%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87%C4%AB%E1%B9%A3a_Vijaya_Dh%C4%81ra%E1%B9%87%C4%AB_S%C5%ABtra \"Uṣṇīṣa Vijaya Dhāraṇī\") [Cintāmaṇicakra Dhāraṇī Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cint%C4%81ma%E1%B9%87icakra \"Cintāmaṇicakra\") [Mahāmayūrī Vidyārājñī Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mahamayuri_Vidyarajni_Sutra \"Mahamayuri Vidyarajni Sutra\") [Dhāraṇī of Avalokiteśvara Ekadaśamukha Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eleven-Faced_Avalokitesvara_Heart_Dharani_Sutra \"Eleven-Faced Avalokitesvara Heart Dharani Sutra\") [Humane King Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Humane_King_Sutra \"Humane King Sutra\") [Golden Light Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Golden_Light_Sutra \"Golden Light Sutra\") [Ghanavyūha Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghanavy%C5%ABha_S%C5%ABtra \"Ghanavyūha Sūtra\") [Ullambana Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yulanpen_Sutra \"Yulanpen Sutra\") [Samantabhadra Meditation Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samantabhadra_Meditation_Sutra \"Samantabhadra Meditation Sutra\") [Sandhinirmocana Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sandhinirmocana_Sutra \"Sandhinirmocana Sutra\") [Daśabhūmika Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ten_Stages_Sutra \"Ten Stages Sutra\") [Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mah%C4%81ratnak%C5%AB%E1%B9%ADa_S%C5%ABtra \"Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra\") [Karuṇāpuṇḍarīka Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Karu%E1%B9%87%C4%81pu%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Dar%C4%ABka_S%C5%ABtra&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Karuṇāpuṇḍarīka Sūtra (page does not exist)\") [Sūtra of Forty-two Chapters](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sutra_of_Forty-two_Chapters \"Sutra of Forty-two Chapters\") [Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sūtra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pratyutpanna_Sam%C4%81dhi_S%C5%ABtra \"Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sūtra\") [The Collation and Annotation of Saṃyuktāgama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Collation_and_Annotation_of_Sa%E1%B9%83yukt%C4%81gama \"The Collation and Annotation of Saṃyuktāgama\") [Ten Small Mantras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ten_Small_Mantras \"Ten Small Mantras\") [Vajrasattva Hundred Syllable Mantra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vajrasattva#Hundred_Syllable_Mantra \"Vajrasattva\") **Major Sāstras and Treatises** [Discourse on the Pure Land](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Discourse_on_the_Pure_Land \"Discourse on the Pure Land\") [Awakening of Faith in the Mahāyāna](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Awakening_of_Faith_in_the_Mahayana \"Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana\") [Abhidharmakośa-bhāsya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Abhidharmako%C5%9Ba-bh%C4%81sya \"Abhidharmakośa-bhāsya\") [Triṃśikā-vijñaptimātratā](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tri%E1%B9%83%C5%9Bik%C4%81-vij%C3%B1aptim%C4%81trat%C4%81 \"Triṃśikā-vijñaptimātratā\") [Mūlamadhyamakakārikā](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/M%C5%ABlamadhyamakak%C4%81rik%C4%81 \"Mūlamadhyamakakārikā\") [Yogācārabhūmi-Śāstra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yog%C4%81c%C4%81rabh%C5%ABmi-%C5%9A%C4%81stra \"Yogācārabhūmi-Śāstra\") [Tattvasiddhi Śāstra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tattvasiddhi_%C5%9A%C4%81stra \"Tattvasiddhi Śāstra\") [Ratnagotravibhāga](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ratnagotravibh%C4%81ga \"Ratnagotravibhāga\") [Cheng Weishi Lun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cheng_Weishi_Lun \"Cheng Weishi Lun\") [Da Zhidu Lun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Da_Zhidu_Lun \"Da Zhidu Lun\") [Mohe Zhiguan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mohe_Zhiguan \"Mohe Zhiguan\") [Mouzi Lihuolun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mouzi_Lihuolun \"Mouzi Lihuolun\") **Major Chan Manuals, Monastic Codes and Gong'an Collections** [Two Entrances and Four Practices](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Two_Entrances_and_Four_Practices \"Two Entrances and Four Practices\") [Zuochan Yi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zuochan_Yi \"Zuochan Yi\") [Chanzong Yongjia ji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chanzong_Yongjia_ji \"Chanzong Yongjia ji\") [Chanyuan Qinggui](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chanyuan_Qinggui \"Chanyuan Qinggui\") [Wumenguan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wumenguan \"Wumenguan\") [Biyan lu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Biyan_lu \"Biyan lu\") [Congrong lu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Book_of_Equanimity \"Book of Equanimity\") [Zhengfa Yanzang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhengfa_Yanzang \"Zhengfa Yanzang\") **Major Histories** [The History of the Temples of Luoyang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yang_Xuanzhi#Works \"Yang Xuanzhi\") [Records of the Western Regions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Records_of_the_Western_Regions \"Records of the Western Regions\") [Nanhai Jigui Neifa Zhuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/A_Record_of_Buddhist_Practices_Sent_Home_from_the_Southern_Sea \"A Record of Buddhist Practices Sent Home from the Southern Sea\") [Ennin's Diary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ennin%27s_Diary \"Ennin's Diary\") [Transmission of the Lamp](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Jingde_Record_of_the_Transmission_of_the_Lamp \"The Jingde Record of the Transmission of the Lamp\") [Anthology of the Patriarchal Hall](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anthology_of_the_Patriarchal_Hall \"Anthology of the Patriarchal Hall\") [Memoirs of Eminent Monks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Memoirs_of_Eminent_Monks \"Memoirs of Eminent Monks\") [Fozu Tongji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Fozu_Tongji&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Fozu Tongji (page does not exist)\") **Literature** [Xiaodao Lun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xiaodao_Lun \"Xiaodao Lun\") [Xin Ming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xin_Ming \"Xin Ming\") [Xinxin Ming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xinxin_Ming \"Xinxin Ming\") [Cantongqi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cantongqi_\\(Buddhism\\) \"Cantongqi (Buddhism)\") [Baojing Sanmei Ge](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Song_of_the_Precious_Mirror_Samadhi \"Song of the Precious Mirror Samadhi\") |\n| Practices and Rituals **Initiation and Precepts** [Three Refuges](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Refuge_in_Buddhism \"Refuge in Buddhism\") [Buddhist initiation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_initiation \"Buddhist initiation\") [Śīla](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_ethics \"Buddhist ethics\") [Bodhisattva vow](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bodhisattva_vow \"Bodhisattva vow\") [Five Precepts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Five_Precepts \"Five Precepts\") [Eight Precepts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eight_Precepts \"Eight Precepts\") [Bodhisattva Precepts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bodhisattva_Precepts \"Bodhisattva Precepts\") [Pratimokṣa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pratimok%E1%B9%A3a \"Pratimokṣa\") **Specific Practices** [Nianfo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nianfo \"Nianfo\") [Chan meditation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dhyana_in_Buddhism \"Dhyana in Buddhism\") [Hua Tou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hua_Tou \"Hua Tou\") [Gong'an](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Koan \"Koan\") [Walking meditation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Walking_meditation \"Walking meditation\") [Samādhi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samadhi \"Samadhi\") [Buddha contemplation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddha_contemplation \"Buddha contemplation\") [Dhāraṇī](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dh%C4%81ra%E1%B9%87%C4%AB \"Dhāraṇī\") [Transfer of merit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Transfer_of_merit \"Transfer of merit\") [Buddhist devotion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_devotion \"Buddhist devotion\") [Jingxiang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jingxiang \"Jingxiang\") [Sutra copying](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sutra_copying \"Sutra copying\") [Fangsheng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Life_release \"Life release\") **Rituals and Ceremonies** [Puja](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/P%C5%ABj%C4%81_\\(Buddhism\\) \"Pūjā (Buddhism)\") [Fanbai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fanbai \"Fanbai\") [Chinese Buddhist liturgy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_liturgy#Chinese_Buddhist_liturgy_\\(chaomu_kesong\\) \"Buddhist liturgy\") [Offerings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Offering_\\(Buddhism\\) \"Offering (Buddhism)\") [Prostration](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prostration_\\(Buddhism\\) \"Prostration (Buddhism)\") [Music](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_music#Chinese_Buddhist_music \"Buddhist music\") [Homa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homa_\\(ritual\\) \"Homa (ritual)\") [Yujia Yankou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yujia_Yankou \"Yujia Yankou\") [Shuilu Fahui](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shuilu_Fahui \"Shuilu Fahui\") [Repentance rituals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Repentance_rituals&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Repentance rituals (page does not exist)\") [*Liang Huang Bao Chan*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_legends_about_Emperor_Wu_of_Liang#Repentance_Ritual_of_the_Emperor_of_Liang \"Buddhist legends about Emperor Wu of Liang\") [*Dabei Chan*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dabei_Chan \"Dabei Chan\") [*Yaoshi Bao Chan*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yaoshi_Bao_Chan \"Yaoshi Bao Chan\") [*Li Fo Da Chan Hui Wen*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eighty-eight_Buddhas_Great_Repentance_Text \"Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance Text\") [Kaiguang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddh%C4%81bhi%E1%B9%A3eka \"Buddhābhiṣeka\") [Uposatha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Uposatha \"Uposatha\") [Ghost Festival]() **Lineage and Culture** [Tiyong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tiyong \"Tiyong\") [Buddhist surname](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_surname \"Buddhist surname\") [Dharma name](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dharma_name#China \"Dharma name\") [Dharma transmission](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dharma_transmission \"Dharma transmission\") |\n| Temples and Architecture **List of Monasteries and Temples** [List of Buddhist architecture in China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Buddhist_architecture_in_China \"List of Buddhist architecture in China\") [National Key Buddhist Temples in Han Chinese Area](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Key_Buddhist_Temples_in_Han_Chinese_Area \"National Key Buddhist Temples in Han Chinese Area\") [List of Chinese Buddhist temples in Taiwan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Buddhist_temples_in_Taiwan \"List of Buddhist temples in Taiwan\") [List of Chinese Buddhist temples in Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Buddhist_temples_in_Singapore#Mahayana \"List of Buddhist temples in Singapore\") [List of Buddhist temples in Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Buddhist_temples_in_Malaysia \"List of Buddhist temples in Malaysia\") **Buildings and Halls** [Shanmen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shanmen \"Shanmen\") [Daxiong Baodian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daxiongbao_Dian \"Daxiongbao Dian\") [Guanyin Dian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guanyin_Dian \"Guanyin Dian\") [Dizang Dian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dizang_Dian \"Dizang Dian\") [Yaoshi Dian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yaoshi_Dian \"Yaoshi Dian\") [Tianwang Dian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tianwang_Dian \"Tianwang Dian\") [Zushi Dian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Patriarchs%27_Hall \"Patriarchs' Hall\") [Luohan Dian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Luohan_Dian \"Luohan Dian\") [Zangjing Ge](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zangjing_Ge \"Zangjing Ge\") [Fatang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fatang \"Fatang\") [Dharani pillar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dharani_pillar \"Dharani pillar\") [Pagoda](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pagoda \"Pagoda\") [Stupa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Stupa \"Stupa\") **Architectural Elements** [Chinese architecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_architecture \"Chinese architecture\") [Ancient Chinese wooden architecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ancient_Chinese_wooden_architecture \"Ancient Chinese wooden architecture\") [Traditional Chinese roofing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_roofing \"Traditional Chinese roofing\") [Paifang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paifang \"Paifang\") [Chinese glazed roof tile](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_glazed_roof_tile \"Chinese glazed roof tile\") [Chinese guardian lions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_guardian_lions \"Chinese guardian lions\") [Chiwen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chiwen \"Chiwen\") [Dougong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dougong \"Dougong\") [Xieshan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/East_Asian_hip-and-gable_roof \"East Asian hip-and-gable roof\") [Caihua](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caihua \"Caihua\") [Caisson](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caisson_\\(Asian_architecture\\) \"Caisson (Asian architecture)\") [Spirit tablet](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spirit_tablet \"Spirit tablet\") [Shigandang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shigandang \"Shigandang\") [Chinese garden](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_garden \"Chinese garden\") **Architectural Works** [Yingzao Fashi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yingzao_Fashi \"Yingzao Fashi\") [Standard Design for Buddhist Temple Construction](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standard_Design_for_Buddhist_Temple_Construction \"Standard Design for Buddhist Temple Construction\") |\n| Sacred Sites [Mount Wutai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mount_Wutai \"Mount Wutai\") [Mount Emei](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mount_Emei \"Mount Emei\") [Mount Jiuhua](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mount_Jiuhua \"Mount Jiuhua\") [Mount Putuo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mount_Putuo \"Mount Putuo\") [Mount Lu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mountain_Lu \"Mountain Lu\") [Tiantai Mountain](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tiantai_Mountain \"Tiantai Mountain\") [Mount Xuedou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mount_Xuedou&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Mount Xuedou (page does not exist)\") [Fanjingshan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fanjingshan \"Fanjingshan\") [Mount Heng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mount_Heng_\\(Hunan\\) \"Mount Heng (Hunan)\") [Mount Song](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mount_Song \"Mount Song\") [Five Mountain System](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Five_Mountain_System \"Five Mountain System\") [White Horse Temple](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/White_Horse_Temple \"White Horse Temple\") [Dunhuang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dunhuang \"Dunhuang\") [Mogao Grottoes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mogao_Grottoes \"Mogao Grottoes\") [Yulin Caves](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yulin_Caves \"Yulin Caves\") [Five Temple Caves](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Five_Temple_Caves \"Five Temple Caves\") [Western Thousand Buddha Caves](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Western_Thousand_Buddha_Caves \"Western Thousand Buddha Caves\") [Eastern Thousand Buddha Caves](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eastern_Thousand_Buddha_Caves \"Eastern Thousand Buddha Caves\") [Dazu Rock Carvings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dazu_Rock_Carvings \"Dazu Rock Carvings\") [Anyue Rock Carvings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Anyue_Rock_Carvings&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Anyue Rock Carvings (page does not exist)\") [Longmen Grottoes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Longmen_Grottoes \"Longmen Grottoes\") [Yungang Grottoes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yungang_Grottoes \"Yungang Grottoes\") [Maijishan Grottoes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maijishan_Grottoes \"Maijishan Grottoes\") [Tianlongshan Grottoes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tianlongshan_Grottoes \"Tianlongshan Grottoes\") [Shizhongshan Grottoes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shizhongshan_Grottoes&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shizhongshan Grottoes (page does not exist)\") [Bingling Temple Grottoes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bingling_Temple \"Bingling Temple\") [Feilai Feng Grottos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lingyin_Temple#Feilai_Feng_grottos \"Lingyin Temple\") [Tiantishan Caves](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tiantishan_Caves \"Tiantishan Caves\") [Shihong Temple Caves](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shihong_Temple_Caves \"Shihong Temple Caves\") |\n| Culture and Arts [Cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_cuisine \"Buddhist cuisine\") [Influences on tea culture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_tea_culture#Buddhism_and_tea \"Chinese tea culture\") [Chinese Buddhist art](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_art#China \"Buddhist art\") [Chinese Buddhist sculpture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Buddhist_sculpture \"Chinese Buddhist sculpture\") [Shuilu ritual paintings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shuilu_ritual_paintings \"Shuilu ritual paintings\") [Martial arts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shaolin_Kung_Fu \"Shaolin Kung Fu\") |\n| Organizations & Movements [Buddhist Association of China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_Association_of_China \"Buddhist Association of China\") [Hong Kong Buddhist Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Kong_Buddhist_Association \"Hong Kong Buddhist Association\") [Fo Guang Shan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fo_Guang_Shan \"Fo Guang Shan\") [Fo Guang University](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fo_Guang_University \"Fo Guang University\") [Woodenfish Foundation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Woodenfish \"Woodenfish\") [Buddha's Light International Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddha%27s_Light_International_Association \"Buddha's Light International Association\") [Dharma Drum Mountain](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dharma_Drum_Mountain \"Dharma Drum Mountain\") [Dharma Drum University](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dharma_Drum_University&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Dharma Drum University (page does not exist)\") [Tzu Chi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tzu_Chi \"Tzu Chi\") [Tzu Chi Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tzu_Chi_Singapore \"Tzu Chi Singapore\") [Chung Tai Shan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chung_Tai_Shan \"Chung Tai Shan\") [Dharma Realm Buddhist Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dharma_Realm_Buddhist_Association \"Dharma Realm Buddhist Association\") [Chinese Sangha of Thailand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chinese_Sangha_of_Thailand&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Chinese Sangha of Thailand (page does not exist)\") [Singapore Buddhist Lodge](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Singapore_Buddhist_Lodge \"Singapore Buddhist Lodge\") [Malaysian Buddhist Institute](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malaysian_Buddhist_Institute \"Malaysian Buddhist Institute\") |\n| Related Transmissions [Buddhism in India](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_India \"Buddhism in India\") [Buddhism in Korea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Korea \"Buddhism in Korea\") [Buddhism in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Japan \"Buddhism in Japan\") [Buddhism in Vietnam](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Vietnam \"Buddhism in Vietnam\") [Buddhism in Sri Lanka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Sri_Lanka \"Buddhism in Sri Lanka\") [Buddhism in Thailand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Thailand \"Buddhism in Thailand\") [Buddhism in Myanmar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Myanmar \"Buddhism in Myanmar\") [Buddhism in Cambodia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Cambodia \"Buddhism in Cambodia\") [Buddhism in Laos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Laos \"Buddhism in Laos\") [Buddhism in Indonesia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Indonesia \"Buddhism in Indonesia\") [Buddhism in the Philippines](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_the_Philippines \"Buddhism in the Philippines\") [Buddhism in Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Malaysia \"Buddhism in Malaysia\") [Buddhism in Tibet](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Tibet \"Buddhism in Tibet\") [Buddhism in Mongolia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Mongolia \"Buddhism in Mongolia\") [Buddhism in Nepal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Nepal \"Buddhism in Nepal\") [Buddhism in Bhutan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Bhutan \"Buddhism in Bhutan\") |\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Chinese_Buddhism \"Template:Chinese Buddhism\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Chinese_Buddhism \"Template talk:Chinese Buddhism\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Chinese_Buddhism \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Chinese Buddhism\") |\n\n|   |\n|---|\n| Part of [a series](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Confucianism \"Category:Confucianism\") on |\n| [Confucianism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confucianism \"Confucianism\") |\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/2\/23\/%E6%9C%A8%E9%90%B8_---_Confucian_wooden-clapper_bell.svg\/120px-%E6%9C%A8%E9%90%B8_---_Confucian_wooden-clapper_bell.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:%E6%9C%A8%E9%90%B8_---_Confucian_wooden-clapper_bell.svg) |\n| Early history [Spring and Autumn period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spring_and_Autumn_period \"Spring and Autumn period\") [Confucius](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confucius \"Confucius\") [Warring States period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Warring_States_period \"Warring States period\") [Mencius](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mencius \"Mencius\") [Xunzi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xunzi_\\(philosopher\\) \"Xunzi (philosopher)\") [Western Han](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Western_Han \"Western Han\") [Dong Zhongshu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dong_Zhongshu \"Dong Zhongshu\") [Gongsun Hong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gongsun_Hong \"Gongsun Hong\") |\n| Fundamental concepts *[Tian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tian \"Tian\")* [*Ganying*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Interactions_Between_Heaven_and_Mankind \"Interactions Between Heaven and Mankind\") [*Zhengming*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rectification_of_names \"Rectification of names\") [*Xiao*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Filial_piety \"Filial piety\") [*Sangang Wuchang*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Three_Fundamental_Bonds_and_Five_Constant_Virtues \"Three Fundamental Bonds and Five Constant Virtues\") [*Li*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Li_\\(Confucianism\\) \"Li (Confucianism)\") [*Ren*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ren_\\(Confucianism\\) \"Ren (Confucianism)\") [*Xin*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xin_\\(heart-mind\\) \"Xin (heart-mind)\") [*Yi*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yi_\\(Confucianism\\) \"Yi (Confucianism)\") |\n| Schools [Xuanxue](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xuanxue \"Xuanxue\") [Neo-Confucianism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Neo-Confucianism \"Neo-Confucianism\") [Han Learning](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Han_Learning \"Han Learning\") [Taigu school](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taigu_school \"Taigu school\") [Lingnan Confucianism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lingnan_Confucianism \"Lingnan Confucianism\") [New Confucianism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Confucianism \"New Confucianism\") [Progressive Confucianism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Progressive_Confucianism \"Progressive Confucianism\") Hermeneutic schools [Old Text](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Old_Texts \"Old Texts\") [New Text](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Text_Confucianism \"New Text Confucianism\") |\n| By country Asia [Korea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Korean_Confucianism \"Korean Confucianism\") [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Edo_neo-Confucianism \"Edo neo-Confucianism\") [Vietnam](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vietnamese_philosophy \"Vietnamese philosophy\") [Indonesia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Supreme_Council_for_the_Confucian_Religion_in_Indonesia \"Supreme Council for the Confucian Religion in Indonesia\") Americas [United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confucianism_in_the_United_States \"Confucianism in the United States\") |\n| Texts [Ruzang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ruzang \"Ruzang\") [Five Classics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Four_Books_and_Five_Classics#Five_Classics \"Four Books and Five Classics\") *[Classic of Poetry](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Classic_of_Poetry \"Classic of Poetry\")* *[Book of Documents](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Book_of_Documents \"Book of Documents\")* *[Book of Rites](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Book_of_Rites \"Book of Rites\")* *[Book of Changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/I_Ching \"I Ching\")* *[Spring and Autumn Annals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spring_and_Autumn_Annals \"Spring and Autumn Annals\")* [Four Books](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Four_Books_and_Five_Classics#Four_Books \"Four Books and Five Classics\") *[Analects](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Analects \"Analects\")* *[Mencius](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mencius_\\(book\\) \"Mencius (book)\")* *[Doctrine of the Mean](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doctrine_of_the_Mean \"Doctrine of the Mean\")* *[Great Learning](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Great_Learning \"Great Learning\")* Other texts [Three Commentaries](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Three_Commentaries_on_the_Spring_and_Autumn_Annals \"Three Commentaries on the Spring and Autumn Annals\") *[Rites of Zhou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rites_of_Zhou \"Rites of Zhou\")* *[Ceremonial Rites](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Etiquette_and_Ceremonial \"Etiquette and Ceremonial\")* *[Classic of Filial Piety](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Classic_of_Filial_Piety \"Classic of Filial Piety\")* *[Erya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Erya \"Erya\")* |\n| Organization [Religious Confucianism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Religious_Confucianism \"Religious Confucianism\") [Confucian ritual religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confucian_ritual_religion \"Confucian ritual religion\") [Confucian royal ancestral shrine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confucian_royal_ancestral_shrine \"Confucian royal ancestral shrine\") [Temple of Confucius](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Temple_of_Confucius \"Temple of Confucius\") [Confucian churches](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confucian_church \"Confucian church\") and sects [Holy Confucian Church](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Holy_Confucian_Church \"Holy Confucian Church\") [Indonesian Confucian Church](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Supreme_Council_for_the_Confucian_Religion_in_Indonesia \"Supreme Council for the Confucian Religion in Indonesia\") [Universal Church of the Way and its Virtue](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shanrendao \"Shanrendao\") [Phoenix churches](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Way_of_the_Gods_according_to_the_Confucian_Tradition \"Way of the Gods according to the Confucian Tradition\") [Xuanyuanism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xuanyuan_teaching \"Xuanyuan teaching\") [Shengdao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shengdao \"Shengdao\") [Nanyang Confucian Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nanyang_Confucian_Association \"Nanyang Confucian Association\") |\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Confucianism \"Template:Confucianism\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Confucianism \"Template talk:Confucianism\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Confucianism \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Confucianism\") |\n\n|   |\n|---|\n| Part of [a series](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Taoism \"Category:Taoism\") on |\n| [Taoism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoism \"Taoism\") |\n| [![Tao](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/0\/07\/Tao.svg\/120px-Tao.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tao \"Tao\") |\n| [Outline](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Outline_of_Taoism \"Outline of Taoism\") [History](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/History_of_Taoism \"History of Taoism\") |\n| Concepts [Taoist philosophy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoist_philosophy \"Taoist philosophy\") [Tao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tao \"Tao\") *[De](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/De_\\(Chinese\\) \"De (Chinese)\")* *[Wuji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wuji_\\(philosophy\\) \"Wuji (philosophy)\")* *[Taiji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiji_\\(philosophy\\) \"Taiji (philosophy)\")* [Yin and yang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yin_and_yang \"Yin and yang\") [Bagua](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bagua \"Bagua\") *[Wuxing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wuxing_\\(Chinese_philosophy\\) \"Wuxing (Chinese philosophy)\")* (five phases) *[Bianhua](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bianhua \"Bianhua\")* *[Fan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fan_\\(Daoism\\) \"Fan (Daoism)\")* (reversal) *[Wu wei](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wu_wei \"Wu wei\")* (non-action) *[Wu xin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/No-mind#Taoism \"No-mind\")* (no-mind) *[Ziran](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ziran \"Ziran\")* *[Xian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xian_\\(Taoism\\) \"Xian (Taoism)\")* (immortal) *[Zhenren](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhenren \"Zhenren\")* [True form](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/True_form_\\(Taoism\\) \"True form (Taoism)\") [Three Treasures](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Three_Treasures_\\(traditional_Chinese_medicine\\) \"Three Treasures (traditional Chinese medicine)\") *[Jing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jing_\\(Chinese_medicine\\) \"Jing (Chinese medicine)\")* [Qi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qi \"Qi\") *[Shen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shen_\\(Chinese_religion\\) \"Shen (Chinese religion)\")* [*Hun* and *po*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hun_and_po \"Hun and po\") |\n| Practices [Three Treasures (virtues)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Three_Treasures_\\(Taoism\\) \"Three Treasures (Taoism)\") [Five Precepts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Five_Precepts_\\(Taoism\\) \"Five Precepts (Taoism)\") [Ten Precepts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ten_Precepts_\\(Taoism\\) \"Ten Precepts (Taoism)\") [Meditation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoist_meditation \"Taoist meditation\") Alchemy *[Neidan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Neidan \"Neidan\")* *[Waidan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Waidan \"Waidan\")* *[Bugang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bugang \"Bugang\")* *[Chu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chu_\\(Taoism\\) \"Chu (Taoism)\")* [Diet](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoist_diet \"Taoist diet\") (*[Bigu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bigu_\\(grain_avoidance\\) \"Bigu (grain avoidance)\")*) [Sexual practices](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoist_sexual_practices \"Taoist sexual practices\") [Art](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoist_art \"Taoist art\") *[Fulu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fulu \"Fulu\")* [Priesthood](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daoshi \"Daoshi\") |\n| [Texts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoist_literature \"Taoist literature\") *[I Ching](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/I_Ching \"I Ching\")* *[Tao Te Ching](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tao_Te_Ching \"Tao Te Ching\")* *[Zhuangzi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhuangzi_\\(book\\) \"Zhuangzi (book)\")* *[Huainanzi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Huainanzi \"Huainanzi\")* *[Taipingjing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taipingjing \"Taipingjing\")* *[Xiang'er](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xiang%27er \"Xiang'er\")* *[Liezi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liezi \"Liezi\")* *[Sanhuangjing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sanhuangjing \"Sanhuangjing\")* *[Huahujing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Huahujing \"Huahujing\")* *[Qingjing Jing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qingjing_Jing \"Qingjing Jing\")* *[Baopuzi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baopuzi \"Baopuzi\")* *[Daozang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daozang \"Daozang\")* |\n| [Theology](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoist_theology \"Taoist theology\") [Hongjun Laozu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hongjun_Laozu \"Hongjun Laozu\") [Three Pure Ones](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Three_Pure_Ones \"Three Pure Ones\") [Yuanshi Tianzun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuanshi_Tianzun \"Yuanshi Tianzun\") [Lingbao Tianzun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lingbao_Tianzun \"Lingbao Tianzun\") [Daode Tianzun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daode_Tianzun \"Daode Tianzun\") [Four heavenly ministers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Four_heavenly_ministers \"Four heavenly ministers\") [Jade Emperor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jade_Emperor \"Jade Emperor\") [Ziwei Emperor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ziwei_Emperor \"Ziwei Emperor\") [Tianhuang Emperor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tianhuang_Emperor \"Tianhuang Emperor\") [Houtu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Houtu \"Houtu\") [Queen Mother of the West](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Queen_Mother_of_the_West \"Queen Mother of the West\") [King Father of the East](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/King_Father_of_the_East \"King Father of the East\") [Three Great Emperor-Officials](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Three_Great_Emperor-Officials \"Three Great Emperor-Officials\") [Eight Immortals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eight_Immortals \"Eight Immortals\") [Chang'e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chang%27e \"Chang'e\") [Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Three_Sovereigns_and_Five_Emperors \"Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors\") [Yellow Emperor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yellow_Emperor \"Yellow Emperor\") [Guan Yu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guan_Yu \"Guan Yu\") [Li Hong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Li_Hong_\\(Taoist_eschatology\\) \"Li Hong (Taoist eschatology)\") [Body god](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Body_god \"Body god\") |\n| [People](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Taoists \"List of Taoists\") [Laozi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Laozi \"Laozi\") [Zhuang Zhou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhuang_Zhou \"Zhuang Zhou\") [Lie Yukou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lie_Yukou \"Lie Yukou\") [Heshang Gong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heshang_Gong \"Heshang Gong\") [Wei Boyang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wei_Boyang \"Wei Boyang\") [Zhang Daoling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhang_Daoling \"Zhang Daoling\") [Gan Ji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gan_Ji \"Gan Ji\") [Zhang Jue](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhang_Jue \"Zhang Jue\") [Zhang Lu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhang_Lu_\\(Han_dynasty\\) \"Zhang Lu (Han dynasty)\") [Ge Xuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ge_Xuan \"Ge Xuan\") [He Yan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/He_Yan \"He Yan\") [Wang Bi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wang_Bi \"Wang Bi\") [Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Seven_Sages_of_the_Bamboo_Grove \"Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove\") [Guo Xiang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guo_Xiang \"Guo Xiang\") [Sun Hanhua](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sun_Hanhua \"Sun Hanhua\") [Wei Huacun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wei_Huacun \"Wei Huacun\") [Ge Hong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ge_Hong \"Ge Hong\") [Bao Jingyan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bao_Jingyan \"Bao Jingyan\") [Kou Qianzhi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kou_Qianzhi \"Kou Qianzhi\") [Lu Xiujing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lu_Xiujing \"Lu Xiujing\") [Tao Hongjing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tao_Hongjing \"Tao Hongjing\") [Cheng Xuanying](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cheng_Xuanying \"Cheng Xuanying\") [Chen Tuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chen_Tuan \"Chen Tuan\") [Zhang Boduan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhang_Boduan \"Zhang Boduan\") [Sun Bu'er](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sun_Bu%27er \"Sun Bu'er\") [Wang Chongyang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wang_Chongyang \"Wang Chongyang\") [Qiu Chuji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qiu_Chuji \"Qiu Chuji\") [Zhang Guoxiang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhang_Guoxiang \"Zhang Guoxiang\") [Zhang Sanfeng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhang_Sanfeng \"Zhang Sanfeng\") [Zhu Quan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhu_Quan \"Zhu Quan\") *[Fangshi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fangshi \"Fangshi\")* |\n| [Schools](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoist_schools \"Taoist schools\") [Huang–Lao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Huang%E2%80%93Lao \"Huang–Lao\") [Way of the Taiping](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Way_of_the_Taiping \"Way of the Taiping\") [Xuanxue](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xuanxue \"Xuanxue\") [Shangqing School](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shangqing_School \"Shangqing School\") [Way of the Li Family](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Way_of_the_Li_Family \"Way of the Li Family\") [Lingbao School](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lingbao_School \"Lingbao School\") [Chongxuan School](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chongxuan_School \"Chongxuan School\") [Quanzhen School](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Quanzhen_School \"Quanzhen School\") [Dragon Gate](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_Gate_Taoism \"Dragon Gate Taoism\") [Wuliupai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wuliupai \"Wuliupai\") [Way of the Celestial Masters](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Way_of_the_Celestial_Masters \"Way of the Celestial Masters\") [Way of the Five Pecks of Rice](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Way_of_the_Five_Pecks_of_Rice \"Way of the Five Pecks of Rice\") [The Southern Celestial Masters](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Way_of_the_Celestial_Masters#The_Southern_Celestial_Masters \"Way of the Celestial Masters\") [The Northern Celestial Masters](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Northern_Celestial_Masters \"The Northern Celestial Masters\") [Zhengyi Dao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhengyi_Dao \"Zhengyi Dao\") [Chinese ritual mastery traditions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_ritual_mastery_traditions \"Chinese ritual mastery traditions\") [Yao Taoism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yao_Taoism \"Yao Taoism\") |\n| Sacred places [Grotto-heavens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Grotto-heavens \"Grotto-heavens\") [Sacred Mountains of China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sacred_Mountains_of_China \"Sacred Mountains of China\") [Wudang Mountains](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wudang_Mountains \"Wudang Mountains\") [Mount Penglai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mount_Penglai \"Mount Penglai\") [Mount Kunlun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kunlun_\\(mythology\\) \"Kunlun (mythology)\") [Taoist temple](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoist_temple \"Taoist temple\") [White Cloud Temple](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/White_Cloud_Temple \"White Cloud Temple\") [Louguantai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Louguantai \"Louguantai\") [Cebu Taoist Temple](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cebu_Taoist_Temple \"Cebu Taoist Temple\") [Taoist Temple (Hanford, California)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoist_Temple_\\(Hanford,_California\\) \"Taoist Temple (Hanford, California)\") |\n| Institutions and organizations [Chinese Taoist Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Taoist_Association \"Chinese Taoist Association\") [Celestial Masters](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Celestial_Masters \"List of Celestial Masters\") [Taoist priests](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoist_priest \"Taoist priest\") |\n| [Category](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Taoism \"Category:Taoism\") |\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Taoism \"Template:Taoism\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Taoism \"Template talk:Taoism\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Taoism \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Taoism\") |\n\n|   |\n|---|\n| Part of  [a series](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Chinese_folk_religion \"Category:Chinese folk religion\") on |\n| [Chinese folk religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_folk_religion \"Chinese folk religion\") |\n| [![Stylisation of the 禄 lù or 子 zi grapheme, respectively meaning \"prosperity\", \"furthering\", \"welfare\" and \"son\", \"offspring\". 字 zì, meaning \"word\" and \"symbol\", is a cognate of 子 zi and represents a \"son\" enshrined under a \"roof\". The symbol is ultimately a representation of the north celestial pole (Běijí 北极) and its spinning constellations, and as such it is equivalent to the Eurasian symbol of the swastika, 卍 wàn.](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/b4\/%E7%A6%84_l%C3%B9_or_%E5%AD%90_zi_symbol---red.svg\/120px-%E7%A6%84_l%C3%B9_or_%E5%AD%90_zi_symbol---red.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:%E7%A6%84_l%C3%B9_or_%E5%AD%90_zi_symbol---red.svg \"Stylisation of the 禄 lù or 子 zi grapheme, respectively meaning \\\"prosperity\\\", \\\"furthering\\\", \\\"welfare\\\" and \\\"son\\\", \\\"offspring\\\". 字 zì, meaning \\\"word\\\" and \\\"symbol\\\", is a cognate of 子 zi and represents a \\\"son\\\" enshrined under a \\\"roof\\\". The symbol is ultimately a representation of the north celestial pole (Běijí 北极) and its spinning constellations, and as such it is equivalent to the Eurasian symbol of the swastika, 卍 wàn.\") |\n| Concepts [Tian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tian \"Tian\")—[Shangdi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shangdi \"Shangdi\") [Qi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qi \"Qi\") [Shen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shen_\\(Chinese_religion\\) \"Shen (Chinese religion)\") [Ling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ling_\\(Chinese_religion\\) \"Ling (Chinese religion)\") [Xian ling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xian_ling_\\(religion\\) \"Xian ling (religion)\") [Yinyang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yin_and_yang \"Yin and yang\") [Hundun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hundun \"Hundun\") [Mingyun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ming_yun \"Ming yun\") [Yuanfen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuanfen \"Yuanfen\") [Baoying](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bao_ying \"Bao ying\") [Wu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wu_\\(Chinese_religion\\) \"Wu (Chinese religion)\") |\n| Theory [Chinese theology](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_theology \"Chinese theology\") [Chinese gods and immortals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_gods_and_immortals \"Chinese gods and immortals\") [Chinese mythology](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_mythology \"Chinese mythology\") [Chinese astrology](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_astrology \"Chinese astrology\") [Chinese zodiac](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_zodiac \"Chinese zodiac\") [Chinese creation myth](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_creation_myth \"Chinese creation myth\") [Chinese spiritual world concepts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_spiritual_world_concepts \"Chinese spiritual world concepts\") **Model humanity:** [Xian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xian_\\(Taoism\\) \"Xian (Taoism)\") [Zhenren](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhenren \"Zhenren\") [Wen and wu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wen_and_wu \"Wen and wu\") |\n| Practices [Fenxiang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fenxiang \"Fenxiang\") [Jingxiang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jingxiang \"Jingxiang\") [Feng shui](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Feng_shui \"Feng shui\") [Miaohui](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Miaohui \"Miaohui\") [Wu shamanism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wu_\\(shaman\\) \"Wu (shaman)\") [Jitong mediumship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tongji_\\(spirit_medium\\) \"Tongji (spirit medium)\") [Precious scrolls](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baojuan \"Baojuan\") |\n| Institutions and temples [Associations of good-doing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Associations_of_good-doing \"Associations of good-doing\") [Lineage associations or churches](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_lineage_associations \"Chinese lineage associations\") [Chinese temple](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_temple \"Chinese temple\") [Ancestral shrine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ancestral_shrine \"Ancestral shrine\") [Chinese Folk Temples' Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Folk_Temples%27_Management_Association \"Chinese Folk Temples' Management Association\") |\n| Festivals [Qingming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qingming_Festival \"Qingming Festival\") [Zhongyuan]() [Zhongqiu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mid-Autumn_Festival \"Mid-Autumn Festival\") [Jiuhuangye](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nine_Emperor_Gods_Festival \"Nine Emperor Gods Festival\") [Qixi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qixi_Festival \"Qixi Festival\") [Duanwu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Duanwu_Festival \"Duanwu Festival\") [Nian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_New_Year \"Chinese New Year\") |\n| Internal traditions **Major cultural forms** [Chinese ancestral religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_ancestral_religion \"Chinese ancestral religion\") [Chinese communal deity religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_communal_deity_religion \"Chinese communal deity religion\") [Chinese food therapy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_food_therapy \"Chinese food therapy\") [Chinese geomancy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Feng_shui \"Feng shui\") [Chinese mother goddess worship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_mother_goddess_worship \"Chinese mother goddess worship\") [Northeast China folk religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Northeast_China_folk_religion \"Northeast China folk religion\") [Traditional Chinese medicine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_medicine \"Traditional Chinese medicine\") [Qigong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qigong \"Qigong\") **Main philosophical traditions:** [Confucianism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confucianism \"Confucianism\") ([state rites](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confucian_ritual_religion \"Confucian ritual religion\")) [Taoism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoism \"Taoism\") [Three teachings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Three_teachings \"Three teachings\") [Other schools](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_philosophy \"Chinese philosophy\") ([Mohism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mohism \"Mohism\")) **Ritual traditions:** [Folk ritual masters' orders](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_ritual_mastery_traditions \"Chinese ritual mastery traditions\") [Jitong mediumship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tongji_\\(spirit_medium\\) \"Tongji (spirit medium)\") [Nuo folk religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nuo_folk_religion \"Nuo folk religion\") [Chinese shamanism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_shamanism \"Chinese shamanism\") **Devotional traditions:** [Mazuism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mazuism \"Mazuism\") [Ong Yah](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ong_Yah \"Ong Yah\") worship [![Zhenkong, \"Void of Truth\".](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/2\/23\/Zhenkong-Wusheng_Laomu_red.svg\/60px-Zhenkong-Wusheng_Laomu_red.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Zhenkong-Wusheng_Laomu_red.svg \"Zhenkong, \\\"Void of Truth\\\".\") Zhenkong, \"Void of Truth\". **[Salvation churches and sects](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_salvationist_religions \"Chinese salvationist religions\"):** [De teaching](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/De_teaching \"De teaching\") [Jiugongdao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jiugongdao \"Jiugongdao\") [Luo teaching](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Luo_teaching \"Luo teaching\") [Maitreya teachings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maitreya_teachings \"Maitreya teachings\") [Tiandi teachings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tiandi_teachings \"Tiandi teachings\") [Tianxian miaodao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tianxian_miaodao \"Tianxian miaodao\") [Xia teaching](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sanyi_teaching \"Sanyi teaching\") [Xiantiandao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xiantiandao \"Xiantiandao\") [Yiguandao](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yiguandao \"Yiguandao\") [Zaili teaching](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zaili_teaching \"Zaili teaching\") **[Confucian churches](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confucian_church \"Confucian church\") and sects:** [Holy Confucian Church](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Holy_Confucian_Church \"Holy Confucian Church\") [Indonesian Confucian Church](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Supreme_Council_for_the_Confucian_Religion_in_Indonesia \"Supreme Council for the Confucian Religion in Indonesia\") [Universal Church of the Way and its Virtue](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Universal_Church_of_the_Way_and_its_Virtue \"Universal Church of the Way and its Virtue\") [Phoenix churches](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Way_of_the_Gods_according_to_the_Confucian_Tradition \"Way of the Gods according to the Confucian Tradition\") [Xuanyuanism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xuanyuan_teaching \"Xuanyuan teaching\") [Taigu school](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taigu_school \"Taigu school\") |\n| Related religions and movements [Benzhuism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Benzhuism \"Benzhuism\") [Bimoism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bimoism \"Bimoism\") [Bon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bon \"Bon\") [Dongbaism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dongbaism \"Dongbaism\") [Han Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Buddhism \"Chinese Buddhism\") [Miao folk religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Miao_folk_religion \"Miao folk religion\") [Vietnamese folk religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vietnamese_folk_religion \"Vietnamese folk religion\") [Qiang folk religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qiang_folk_religion \"Qiang folk religion\") [Yao folk religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yao_folk_religion \"Yao folk religion\") [Zhuang folk religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhuang_folk_religion \"Zhuang folk religion\") [House church (China)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/House_church_\\(China\\) \"House church (China)\") |\n| [![icon](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/2\/28\/P_religion_world.svg\/20px-P_religion_world.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:P_religion_world.svg) [Religion portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Religion \"Portal:Religion\") |\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Chinese_folk_religion \"Template:Chinese folk religion\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Chinese_folk_religion \"Template talk:Chinese folk religion\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Chinese_folk_religion \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Chinese folk religion\") |\n\nThe **Ghost Festival** or **Hungry Ghost Festival**, also known as the **Zhongyuan Festival** in [Taoism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoism \"Taoism\") and the **Yulanpen Festival** in [Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism \"Buddhism\"), is a traditional festival held in certain [East](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/East_Asia \"East Asia\") and [Southeast Asian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southeast_Asian \"Southeast Asian\") countries. According to the [traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_calendar \"Chinese calendar\"), the Ghost Festival is on the 15th night of the seventh month (14th in parts of southern China).[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-1)[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Chow_2015-2): 4, 6 [\\[note 1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-3)\n\nIn [Chinese culture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_culture \"Chinese culture\"), the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the traditional Chinese calendar is called **Ghost Day** or (especially in Taiwan) **Pudu** ([Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_language \"Chinese language\"): 普渡; [pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pinyin \"Pinyin\"): *Pǔdù*; [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\"): *Phó͘-tō͘*)[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-4) and the seventh month is generally regarded as the **Ghost Month**, in which ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased ancestors, come out from the [lower realm](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Underworld \"Underworld\") (*[Diyu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Diyu \"Diyu\")* or *[Preta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Preta \"Preta\")*). Distinct from both the [Qingming Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qingming_Festival \"Qingming Festival\") (or Tomb Sweeping Day, in spring) and [Double Ninth Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Double_Ninth_Festival \"Double Ninth Festival\") (in autumn) in which living descendants pay homage to their deceased ancestors, during Ghost Festival, the deceased are believed to visit the living.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-5)\n\nOn the fifteenth day the realms of Heaven and Hell and the realm of the living are open, and both [Taoists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoists \"Taoists\") and [Buddhists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhists \"Buddhists\") would perform rituals to transmute and absolve the sufferings of the deceased. Intrinsic to the Ghost Month is [veneration of the dead](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Veneration_of_the_dead \"Veneration of the dead\"), where traditionally the filial piety of descendants extends to their ancestors even after their deaths. Activities during the month would include preparing ritualistic food offerings, burning [incense](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Incense \"Incense\") contain [Styrax benzoin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Styrax_benzoin \"Styrax benzoin\") , and burning [joss paper](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Joss_paper \"Joss paper\"), a [papier-mâché](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Papier-m%C3%A2ch%C3%A9 \"Papier-mâché\") form of material items such as clothes, gold, and other fine goods for the visiting spirits of the ancestors. Elaborate meals (often vegetarian) would be served with empty seats for each of the deceased in the family, treating the deceased as if they are still living. Ancestor worship is what distinguishes Qingming Festival from Ghost Festival, because the latter includes paying respects to all deceased, including the same and younger generations, while the former only includes older generations. Other festivities may include [buying](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Papier-mache_offering_shops_in_Hong_Kong \"Papier-mache offering shops in Hong Kong\") and releasing miniature paper boats and [lanterns](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lantern \"Lantern\") on water, which signifies giving directions to the lost ghosts and spirits of the ancestors and other deities.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-6)\n\n## Origins\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=1 \"Edit section: Origins\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Moggallana_saves_his_mother.jpg\/250px-Moggallana_saves_his_mother.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Moggallana_saves_his_mother.jpg)\n\nA Chinese wood cut of Mulian asking the Buddha to save his mother, who has turned into a hungry ghost from hell.\n\nMain articles: [Hungry ghost](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hungry_ghost \"Hungry ghost\"), [Petavatthu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Petavatthu \"Petavatthu\"), [Yulanpen Sutra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yulanpen_Sutra \"Yulanpen Sutra\"), and [Mulian Rescues His Mother](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mulian_Rescues_His_Mother \"Mulian Rescues His Mother\")\n\nThe name relates to the concept of the [hungry ghost](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hungry_ghost \"Hungry ghost\"), the Chinese translation of the term *[preta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Preta \"Preta\")* in [Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism \"Buddhism\"). It plays a role in [Chinese Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Buddhism \"Chinese Buddhism\") and [Taoism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoism \"Taoism\") as well as in [Chinese folk religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_folk_religion \"Chinese folk religion\"), and represents beings who were originally living people, who have died, and who are driven by intense emotional needs in an [animalistic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Animals_in_Buddhism \"Animals in Buddhism\") way.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-sixteen-7)[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-8)[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-eleven-9)\n\nAs a Taoist festival: Taoism has the \"Three Yuan\" theory (representing the [Three Great Emperor-Officials](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Three_Great_Emperor-Officials \"Three Great Emperor-Officials\")), which the name \"Zhong Yuan\" comes from.[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001-10): 195–196  The festival flourished during the [Tang dynasty](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tang_dynasty \"Tang dynasty\"), whose rulers were partial to Taoism; and \"Zhongyuan\" became well established as the holiday's name.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-11)\n\nAs a Buddhist festival: The origin story of the modern Ghost Festival, ultimately originated from [ancient India](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ancient_India \"Ancient India\"), deriving from the [Mahayana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mahayana_Buddhism \"Mahayana Buddhism\") [scripture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_scripture \"Buddhist scripture\") known as the [Yulanpen or Ullambana Sutra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yulanpen_Sutra \"Yulanpen Sutra\").[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2013a-12): 301, 302 [\\[note 2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-13) The sutra records the time when [Maudgalyāyana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maudgaly%C4%81yana \"Maudgalyāyana\") achieves [abhijñā](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Abhij%C3%B1%C4%81 \"Abhijñā\") and uses his newfound powers to search for his deceased parents. Maudgalyayana discovers that his deceased mother was reborn into the [preta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Preta \"Preta\") or hungry ghost realm. She was in a wasted condition and Maudgalyayana tried to help her by giving her a bowl of rice. Unfortunately as a preta, she was unable to eat the rice as it was transformed into burning coal. Maudgalyayana then asks the Buddha to help him; whereupon Buddha explains how one is able to assist one's current parents and deceased parents in this life and in one's past seven lives by willingly offering food, etc., to the [sangha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sangha \"Sangha\") or monastic community during [Pravarana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pravarana \"Pravarana\") (the end of the monsoon season or [vassa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vassa \"Vassa\")), which usually occurs on the 15th day of the seventh month whereby the monastic community transfers the merits to the deceased parents, etc.,[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2013b-14): 185 [\\[note 3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-15)[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2013a-12): 293 [\\[note 4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-16)[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2014-17): 286 [\\[note 5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-18)\n\nThe [Theravadan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Theravada \"Theravada\") forms of the festival in [South](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Asia \"South Asia\") and [Southeast Asia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southeast_Asia \"Southeast Asia\") (including [Cambodia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cambodia \"Cambodia\")'s [Pchum Ben](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pchum_Ben \"Pchum Ben\")) are much older, deriving from the [Petavatthu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Petavatthu \"Petavatthu\"), a [scripture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_scripture \"Buddhist scripture\") in the [Pali Canon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pali_Canon \"Pali Canon\") that probably dates to the 3rd century BC.[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-lange-19) The Petavatthu account is broadly similar to that later recorded in the [Yulanpen Sutra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yulanpen_Sutra \"Yulanpen Sutra\"), although it concerns the disciple [Sāriputta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S%C4%81riputta \"Sāriputta\") and his family rather than [Moggallāna](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Moggall%C4%81na \"Moggallāna\").\n\n## Observance\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=2 \"Edit section: Observance\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Chinese_floating_lotus_lanterns.jpg\/250px-Chinese_floating_lotus_lanterns.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Chinese_floating_lotus_lanterns.jpg)\n\nChinese lotus lanterns floating in a river.\n\nThe Ghost Festival is held during the seventh month of the [Chinese calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_calendar \"Chinese calendar\"). It also falls at the same time as a full moon, the new season, the fall harvest, the peak of Buddhist monastic asceticism, the rebirth of ancestors, and the assembly of the local community.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-eight-20) During this month, the gates of [hell](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Diyu \"Diyu\") are opened up and ghosts are free to roam the earth where they seek food and entertainment. These ghosts are believed to be spirits of those without descendants (or, traditionally, without descendants in the male line) or whose descendants did not pay tribute to them after they died.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls-21)[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival-22) They are desperately hungry, thirsty, and restless as a result.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls-21)[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival-22) Family members offer food and drink to the ghosts and burn [hell bank notes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hell_bank_note \"Hell bank note\") and other forms of [joss paper](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Joss_paper \"Joss paper\").[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-three-23) Joss paper items are believed to have value in the afterlife, considered to be very similar in some aspects to the material world. Families pay tribute to wandering ghosts of strangers so that these homeless souls do not intrude on their lives and bring misfortune. A large feast is held for the ghosts on the day of the ghost festival or thereabouts, when people bring samples of food and place them on an altar or outside a temple or house, to please the ghosts and ward off bad luck.[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival-22)[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001-10): 196–197  [Lotus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nelumbo_nucifera \"Nelumbo nucifera\")\\-shaped lanterns are lit and set afloat in rivers to symbolically guide lost [souls](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Soul \"Soul\") to the [afterlife](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Afterlife \"Afterlife\").[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival-24)\n\nIn some East Asian countries today, live performances are held and everyone is invited to attend. The first row of seats are always empty as this is where the ghosts sit. The shows are always put on at night and at high volumes as the sound is believed to attract and please the ghosts. Some shows include [Chinese opera](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_opera \"Chinese opera\"), dramas, and in some areas, even [burlesque](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Burlesque \"Burlesque\") shows. Traditionally Chinese opera was the main source of entertainment but the newer shows, concerts, dramas, wars, and so forth are referred to as [Getai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Getai \"Getai\").[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-nine-25) These acts are better known as \"Merry-making\".[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26)\n\nFor rituals, [Chinese Buddhists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Buddhism \"Chinese Buddhism\") and [Taoists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoism \"Taoism\") hold ceremonies to relieve ghosts from suffering, many of them holding ceremonies in the afternoon or at night (as it is believed that the ghosts are released from hell when the sun sets). Altars are built for the deceased and priests and monks alike perform rituals for the benefit of ghosts. Monks and priests often throw rice or other small foods into the air in all directions to distribute them to the ghosts.[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) An example of such a ritual is the Chinese Buddhist [Yujia Yankou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yujia_Yankou \"Yujia Yankou\") rite, which is performed to facilitate the physical and spiritual nourishment of all [sentient beings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sentient_beings_\\(Buddhism\\) \"Sentient beings (Buddhism)\") in [saṃsāra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra_\\(Buddhism\\) \"Saṃsāra (Buddhism)\"), including the hungry ghosts.[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-27)\n\nDuring the evening, [incense](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Incense \"Incense\") is burnt in front of the doors of households.[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival-24) Incense stands for prosperity in Chinese culture, so families believe that there is more prosperity in burning more incense.[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) During the festival, some shops are closed as they want to leave the streets open for the ghosts. In the middle of each street stands an altar of incense with fresh fruit and sacrifices displayed on it.[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26)\n\nFourteen days after the festival, to make sure all the hungry ghosts find their way back to hell, people float water lanterns and set them outside their houses. These lanterns are made by setting a lotus flower-shaped lantern on a paper boat. The lanterns are used to direct the ghosts back to the underworld, and when they go out, it symbolizes that they have found their way back.[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26)\n\n## Celebrations in other parts of Asia\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=3 \"Edit section: Celebrations in other parts of Asia\")\\]\n\n[![Getai Performance in Singapore](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Chinese_Ghost_Festival_Getai_Performance_in_Singapore.jpg\/250px-Chinese_Ghost_Festival_Getai_Performance_in_Singapore.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Chinese_Ghost_Festival_Getai_Performance_in_Singapore.jpg)\n\nA Getai Performance in Singapore.\n\n### Singapore and Malaysia\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=4 \"Edit section: Singapore and Malaysia\")\\]\n\nDuring the 1800s to 1980s in [Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Singapore \"Singapore\"), temples and various organisations would hire opera troupes to perform [street opera](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Street_Opera_in_Singapore \"Chinese Street Opera in Singapore\") for the wandering ghosts and residents alike.[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-:3-28) [Malaysian Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malaysian_Chinese \"Malaysian Chinese\") would also celebrate the festival with street opera. With the decline of street opera in both Singapore and Malaysia, modern concert-like performances became a prominent feature of the Ghost Festival. Those live concerts are popularly known as [Getai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Getai \"Getai\") in [Mandarin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mandarin_Chinese \"Mandarin Chinese\") ([simplified Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simplified_Chinese_characters \"Simplified Chinese characters\"): 歌台; [traditional Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_characters \"Traditional Chinese characters\"): 歌臺; [pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pinyin \"Pinyin\"): *gētái*) or *Koh-tai* ([Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Min_Nan \"Min Nan\") [Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_language \"Chinese language\"): 歌臺; [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\"): *ko-tâi*) meaning song stages.[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-29) They are performed by groups of singers, dancers, entertainers, and opera troops or puppet shows on a temporary stage that is set up within a residential district. The festival is usually funded by the temples or organisations of each individual district. During these *Getai* the front row is left empty for the special guests—the ghosts.[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-30) It is known to be bad luck to sit on the front row of red seats, if anyone were to sit on them, they would become sick or similarly ailed.\n\n### Indonesia\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=5 \"Edit section: Indonesia\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/0\/04\/Hungry_Ghost_Festival_IVan_Damanik12_15_Agustus_2019.jpg\/250px-Hungry_Ghost_Festival_IVan_Damanik12_15_Agustus_2019.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Hungry_Ghost_Festival_IVan_Damanik12_15_Agustus_2019.jpg)\n\nA man throws the *Hell notes* during Hungry Ghost Festival in [Vihara Gunung Timur](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vihara_Gunung_Timur \"Vihara Gunung Timur\"), [Medan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Medan \"Medan\"), Indonesia.\n\nIn Indonesia, the festival is popularly known as *Chit Gwee Pua* ([Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkien \"Hokkien\") [Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_language \"Chinese language\"): [七月半](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%83%E6%9C%88%E5%8D%8A \"wikt:七月半\"); [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\"): *Chhit-goe̍h-pòaⁿ*) or *Chit Nyiat Pan* ([Hakka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hakka_Chinese \"Hakka Chinese\") [Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_language \"Chinese language\"): [七月半](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%83%E6%9C%88%E5%8D%8A \"wikt:七月半\"); [Pha̍k-fa-sṳ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pha%CC%8Dk-fa-s%E1%B9%B3 \"Pha̍k-fa-sṳ\"):*Chhit-ngie̍t-pan*), *Cioko*, or *Sembahyang Rebutan* in [Indonesian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indonesian_language \"Indonesian language\") (Scrambling prayer). Observers gather around temples and bring an offering to a spirit who died in an unlucky way, and after that, they distribute it to the poor. The way people scramble the offerings is the origin of the festival name, and the festival is mostly known in [Java Island](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Java_Island \"Java Island\"). Other areas like [North Sumatra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/North_Sumatra \"North Sumatra\"), [Riau](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Riau \"Riau\"), and [Riau islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Riau_islands \"Riau islands\") also conduct live concerts known as *Getai* ([Mandarin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mandarin_Chinese \"Mandarin Chinese\") [simplified Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simplified_Chinese_characters \"Simplified Chinese characters\"): 歌台; [traditional Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_characters \"Traditional Chinese characters\"): 歌臺; [pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pinyin \"Pinyin\"): *gētái*) like those in Malaysia and Singapore, and there are also times when observers conduct Tomb sweeping known as *Sembahyang Kubur* to respect ancestor spirits and garner luck. This is done by buying [hell notes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hell_money \"Hell money\") or *Kim Cua* ([Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkien \"Hokkien\") [Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_language \"Chinese language\"): [金紙](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E9%87%91%E7%B4%99 \"wikt:金紙\"); [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\"): *kim-chóa*) and paper-based goods like paper house, paper horse, paper car, etc., which will end up being burned as it is believed that burned goods will be sent to help the spirits feel better in afterlife.\n\n### Philippines\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=6 \"Edit section: Philippines\")\\]\n\nIn the [Philippines](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Philippines \"Philippines\"), the occasion is more popularly known as *Ghost Month*, as it affects the entire seventh lunisolar month of the [Chinese calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_calendar \"Chinese calendar\") around August to September (which coincided with the months of the [Immaculate Heart of Mary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Immaculate_Heart_of_Mary \"Immaculate Heart of Mary\") and the Feast of [Our Lady of Sorrows](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Our_Lady_of_Sorrows \"Our Lady of Sorrows\") respectively). The month-long observances are mostly traditionally practiced and originated by [Chinese Filipinos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Filipinos \"Chinese Filipinos\") which its observance has since spread to other Filipinos that have become aware of it, since it reverberates economically through the [stock market](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Philippine_Stock_Exchange \"Philippine Stock Exchange\") as a sizable amount of investors stop investing and put off their investments for later dates past the occasion.[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-31) Generally, those who observe it find it to be a very unlucky time of the year, as traditional belief states that the souls of dead relatives, wandering souls or vengeful spirits roam the earth during the month-long occasion. This means that practitioners take extra precautions and caution others of making important decisions when it comes to relationships, professions, businesses, and finances. People avoid practices like, making life-changing decisions, getting married or engaged, starting new businesses, moving to a new home, traveling, signing contracts, making impulsive major financial decisions, committing to big professional projects, inaugurations, buying or selling off high priced possessions such as cars, phones, or real estate properties, staying late out at night especially kids and elderlies, making noise or whistling at night, leaving food or hanging clothes out after sunset and leaving them overnight since their human-like shape may invite spirits, or even taking pictures at night, wearing black clothes, tapping people on the head or shoulders as it may affect their luck, picking up coins or strange items you find since these may belong to the dead, or even constantly talking to oneself, or going to cemeteries alone, or answering unknown whispers or sobbing, or being constantly close to bodies of water, or constantly talking about ghosts or death. Besides these many avoidances, practitioners also make offerings and prayers for the souls of the dead, such as burning [spirit money](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spirit_money \"Spirit money\"), lighting [incense](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Incense \"Incense\"), and laying out food like fruits and drinks on home or temple altars or cemetery tombs or graves or mausoleums of deceased relatives that people during this month also start to visit. Some people also start to hold memorial services to deceased relatives or ancestors held either at home or at a Chinese temple or [funeral home](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Funeral_home \"Funeral home\").[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-32)[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-33)[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-34)[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-35) Due to occasion being held around the months of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, many Filipino Catholics and other Christians had tend to focus on the devotion of the [Virgin Mary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mary,_mother_of_Jesus \"Mary, mother of Jesus\") at home or at a church instead as a result of responsas by Catholic and Christian authorities.\n\n### Taiwan\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=7 \"Edit section: Taiwan\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/8a\/2024_Ghost_Festival_of_Bangka_Lungshan_Temple-11.2024-08-18.jpg\/250px-2024_Ghost_Festival_of_Bangka_Lungshan_Temple-11.2024-08-18.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:2024_Ghost_Festival_of_Bangka_Lungshan_Temple-11.2024-08-18.jpg)\n\nThe Ghost Festival being celebrated in the [Bangka Lungshan Temple](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Longshan_Temple_\\(Taipei\\) \"Longshan Temple (Taipei)\") in Taiwan.\n\nTraditionally, it is believed that ghosts haunt the island of [Taiwan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiwan \"Taiwan\") for the entire seventh lunisolar month, when the mid-summer *Ghost Festival* is held.[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-36) The month is known as *Ghost Month*.[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-37) The first day of the month is marked by opening the gate of a temple, symbolizing the gates of hell. On the twelfth day, lamps on the main altar are lit. On the thirteenth day, a procession of lanterns is held. On the fourteenth day, a parade is held for releasing water lanterns. Incense and food are offered to the spirits to deter them from visiting homes and [spirit paper money](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hell_money \"Hell money\") is also burnt as an offering.[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-38) During the month, people avoid surgery, buying cars, swimming, moving house, marrying, whistling, and going out or taking pictures after dark.[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-39)[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-40)[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-41)[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-42)\n\n### Vietnam\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=8 \"Edit section: Vietnam\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/77\/Food_offerings_for_the_Mid-Autumn_festival_in_Ecopark_%282017%29.jpg\/250px-Food_offerings_for_the_Mid-Autumn_festival_in_Ecopark_%282017%29.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Food_offerings_for_the_Mid-Autumn_festival_in_Ecopark_\\(2017\\).jpg)\n\nVarious food items being offered for the wandering souls in [Tháng Cô Hồn](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Th%C3%A1ng_C%C3%B4_H%E1%BB%93n&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Tháng Cô Hồn (page does not exist)\") \\[[vi](https:\/\/vi.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Th%C3%A1ng_C%C3%B4_H%E1%BB%93n \"vi:Tháng Cô Hồn\")\\].\n\nThis festival is known as *Tết Trung Nguyên*[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-43) and is viewed as a time for the pardoning of condemned souls who are released from hell. The \"homeless\" should be \"fed\" and appeased with offerings of food. Merits for the living are also earned by the release of birds and fish. The lunisolar month in which the festival takes place is colloquially known as *Tháng Cô Hồn* - the month of lonely spirits, and believed to be haunted and particularly unlucky.\n\nInfluenced by [Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism \"Buddhism\"), this holiday coincides with *Vu Lan*, the Vietnamese transliteration for Ullambana.\n\nIn modern times, Vu Lan is also seen as Parents' Day.[\\[39\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-44) People with living parents would bear a red rose and would give thanks while those without can choose to bear a white rose; and attend services to pray for the deceased.\n\n## Related traditions\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=9 \"Edit section: Related traditions\")\\]\n\n### Buddhist traditions\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=10 \"Edit section: Buddhist traditions\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Kantong02.jpg\/250px-Kantong02.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Kantong02.jpg)\n\nA kantong (container made from leaves with flowers and offering) for floating on water during Pchum Ben Day in Cambodia.\n\nIn Asian [Theravadin Buddhist](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Theravada_Buddhism \"Theravada Buddhism\") countries, related traditions, ceremonies, and festivals also occur. Like its *[Ullambana Sutra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ullambana_Sutra \"Ullambana Sutra\")*\\-origins in Mahayana Buddhist countries, the Theravada scripture, the *[Petavatthu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Petavatthu \"Petavatthu\")* gave rise to the idea of offering food to the hungry ghosts in the Theravada tradition as a form of merit-making. In stories published in the *Petavatthu* [Maudgalyayana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maudgalyayana \"Maudgalyayana\"), who also plays the central role in the rise of the concept in the Mahayana tradition, along with [Sariputta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sariputta \"Sariputta\") also play a role in the rise of the concept in the Theravada tradition.[\\[40\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-45)[\\[41\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-46)[\\[42\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-47) Similarly to the rise of the concept in Mahayana Buddhism, a version of *[Maudgalyayana Rescues His Mother](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mulian_Rescues_His_Mother \"Mulian Rescues His Mother\")*, where Maudgalyayana is replaced by Sariputta is recorded in the *Petavatthu* and is in part the basis behind the practice of the concept in Theravadin societies.[\\[43\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-48) The concept of offering food to the hungry ghosts is also found in early Buddhist literature, in the *Tirokudda Kanda*.[\\[44\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-49)\n\n#### Cambodia\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=11 \"Edit section: Cambodia\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Pchum Ben](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pchum_Ben \"Pchum Ben\")\n\nIn Cambodia, a fifteen-day-long annual festival known as *[Pchum Ben](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pchum_Ben \"Pchum Ben\")* occurs generally in September or October. Cambodians pay their respects to deceased relatives up to seven generations. The gates of hell are believed to open during this period and many people make offerings to these hungry ghosts.[\\[45\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-50)\n\n#### Laos\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=12 \"Edit section: Laos\")\\]\n\nIn Laos, a festival known as, *Boun khao padap din* usually occurs in September each year and goes on for two weeks. During this period, it is believed that hungry ghosts are freed from hell and enter the world of the living. A second festival known as *Boun khao salak* occurs directly after the conclusion of *Boun khay padab din*. During this period, food offerings are made to the hungry ghosts.[\\[46\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-51)\n\n#### Sri Lanka\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=13 \"Edit section: Sri Lanka\")\\]\n\nIn Sri Lanka, food offerings are made to Buddhist monks as a way for indirectly offering them to their relatives who might have been born as a hungry ghost. This is typically offered on the seventh day, three months and one year after the death day of a deceased person. It is a ceremony conducted after death as part of traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist funeral rites and is known as *mataka dānēs* or *matakadānaya*.[\\[47\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Source-52)[\\[48\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-53)[\\[49\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-54) The offerings that are made acquire [merit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Merit_\\(Buddhism\\) \"Merit (Buddhism)\") which are then transformed back into the equivalent goods in the world of the hungry ghosts.[\\[47\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Source-52) The offering that is offered on the seventh day, comes a day after personalized food offerings are given in the garden to the spirit of the deceased relative, which occurs on the sixth day.[\\[50\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-55)[\\[51\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-56) The deceased who do not reach the proper afterworld, the [Hungry Ghost realm](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Preta \"Preta\"), are feared by the living as they are believed to cause various sicknesses and disasters to the living. Buddhist monks are called upon to perform *[pirit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paritta \"Paritta\")* to ward off the floating spirits. The rite is also practiced in Thailand and Myanmar and is also practiced during the Ghost Festival that is observed in other Asian countries.[\\[52\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-57)\n\n#### Thailand\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=14 \"Edit section: Thailand\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Sat Thai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sat_Thai \"Sat Thai\")\n\nIn Thailand, a fifteen-day-long annual festival known as *[Sat Thai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sat_Thai \"Sat Thai\")* is celebrated between September and October in Thailand especially in southern Thailand, particularly in the province of [Nakhon Si Thammarat](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nakhon_Si_Thammarat_Province \"Nakhon Si Thammarat Province\").[\\[53\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-58) Like related festivals and traditions in other parts of Asia, the deceased are believed to come back to earth for fifteen days and people make offerings to them. The festival is known as *Sat Thai* to differentiate it from the Chinese Ghost Festival which is known as *Sat Chin* in the [Thai language](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thai_language \"Thai language\").[\\[54\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-59)\n\n#### Japan\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=15 \"Edit section: Japan\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Albuquerque_Bridge-Sasebo_River%2C_Sasebo.jpg\/250px-Albuquerque_Bridge-Sasebo_River%2C_Sasebo.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Albuquerque_Bridge-Sasebo_River,_Sasebo.jpg)\n\nJapanese volunteers perform [tōrō nagashi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/T%C5%8Dr%C5%8D_nagashi \"Tōrō nagashi\"): placing candle-lit lanterns for the dead into flowing water during [Obon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Obon \"Obon\"), in this case into the [Sasebo River](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sasebo,_Nagasaki \"Sasebo, Nagasaki\").\n\n##### *Chūgen*\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=16 \"Edit section: Chūgen\")\\]\n\n*Chūgen* (中元), also *Ochūgen* (お中元), is an annual event in Japan on the 15th day of the 7th month, when people give gifts, especially to their superiors.[\\[55\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-60)[\\[56\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-61) Originally it was an annual event for giving gifts to the ancestral spirits.\n\nOne of the three days that form the *sangen* (三元) of [Daoism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daoism \"Daoism\"), it is sometimes considered a *zassetsu*, a type of [seasonal day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_calendar#Seasonal_days \"Japanese calendar\") in the [Japanese calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_calendar \"Japanese calendar\").\n\n##### *Bon*\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=17 \"Edit section: Bon\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Bon (festival)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bon_\\(festival\\) \"Bon (festival)\")\n\nSee also: [Segaki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Segaki \"Segaki\")\n\n*Obon* (sometimes transliterated *O-bon*), or simply *Bon*, is the Japanese version of the Ghost Festival.[\\[57\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon-62) It has since been transformed over time into a family reunion holiday during which people from the big cities return to their home towns and visit and clean the resting places of their ancestors.[\\[58\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-63)[\\[59\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-64)\n\nTraditionally including a dance called [Bon Odori](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bon_Odori \"Bon Odori\"),[\\[57\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon-62) Obon has existed in Japan for more than 500 years. In modern Japan, it is held on July 15 in the eastern part ([Kantō](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kant%C5%8D_region \"Kantō region\")) and on August 15 in the western part ([Kansai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kansai \"Kansai\")).\n\n#### Ryukyu Islands\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=18 \"Edit section: Ryukyu Islands\")\\]\n\nIn [Okinawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Okinawa_Prefecture \"Okinawa Prefecture\") and the [Amami Islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amami_Islands \"Amami Islands\"), it is celebrated as in China, on the 15th day of the 7th lunisolar month. This festival is known as *Bun*\/*Usōrō*.\n\n### Hindu traditions\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=19 \"Edit section: Hindu traditions\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/9\/96\/Pinda_Daan_-_Jagannath_Ghat_-_Kolkata_2012-10-15_0701.JPG\/250px-Pinda_Daan_-_Jagannath_Ghat_-_Kolkata_2012-10-15_0701.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Pinda_Daan_-_Jagannath_Ghat_-_Kolkata_2012-10-15_0701.JPG)\n\nPitri Paksha rites being performed on the banks of the [Hooghly River](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hooghly_River \"Hooghly River\") at Jagannath Ghat in [Kolkata](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kolkata \"Kolkata\").\n\n#### India\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=20 \"Edit section: India\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Pitru Paksha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pitru_Paksha \"Pitru Paksha\")\n\nThe performance of [Shraddha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%C5%9Ar%C4%81ddha \"Śrāddha\") by a son during [Pitru Paksha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pitru_Paksha \"Pitru Paksha\") is regarded as compulsory by [Hindus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hinduism \"Hinduism\"), to ensure that the soul of the ancestor goes to [heaven](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heaven#Hinduism \"Heaven\"). In this context, the scripture [Garuda Purana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Garuda_Purana \"Garuda Purana\") says, \"there is no salvation for a man without a son\". The scriptures preach that a householder should propitiate ancestors [(Pitris)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pitrs \"Pitrs\"), along with the gods [(devas)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Deva_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Deva (Hinduism)\"), ghosts [(bhutas)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bhoot_\\(ghost\\) \"Bhoot (ghost)\"), and guests. The scripture [Markandeya Purana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Markandeya_Purana \"Markandeya Purana\") says that if the ancestors are content with the shraddhas, they will bestow health, wealth, knowledge and longevity, and ultimately heaven and salvation ([moksha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Moksha \"Moksha\")) upon the performer.[\\[60\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-sastri-65)\n\n#### Indonesia\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=21 \"Edit section: Indonesia\")\\]\n\nIn [Bali](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bali \"Bali\") and some parts of Indonesia, particularly among the [indigenous Hindus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hinduism_in_Indonesia \"Hinduism in Indonesia\") of Indonesia, ancestors who have died and cremated are said to return to visit their former homes. This day is known as [Hari Raya Galungan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Galungan \"Galungan\") and celebrations typically last over two weeks, often in the form of specific food and religious offerings along with festivities.[\\[61\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-66)[\\[62\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-67) The festival date is often calculated according to the [Balinese pawukon calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Balinese_pawukon_calendar \"Balinese pawukon calendar\") and typically occurs every 210 days.[\\[63\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-68)\n\n## See also\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=22 \"Edit section: See also\")\\]\n\n- [All Souls' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/All_Souls%27_Day \"All Souls' Day\")\n- [Buddhist art](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_art \"Buddhist art\")\n- [Chinese ghosts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_ghosts \"Chinese ghosts\")\n- [Lantern Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lantern_Festival \"Lantern Festival\")\n- [Nine Emperor God](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nine_Emperor_God \"Nine Emperor God\") \/ [Festival of Nine Emperor God](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Festival_of_Nine_Emperor_God \"Festival of Nine Emperor God\") (Chinese: 九皇, Hokkien: Kow Ong Yah, Cantonese: Kow Wong Yeh)\n- [Phi Ta Khon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Phi_Ta_Khon \"Phi Ta Khon\")\n- [Tōrō nagashi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/T%C5%8Dr%C5%8D_nagashi \"Tōrō nagashi\")\n\n## Notes on references\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=23 \"Edit section: Notes on references\")\\]\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-3)** Chow, page 4, quoting 1783 Qianlong era \"Annals of Guishan County\" (歸善縣志) Scroll 15 - Customs:  \n   '鬼節原是農曆七月十五，但元末明初之際，有言客家為了躲避元兵，提前一日過節，以便南下走難，自此鬼節就變成七月十四，流傳至今。'  \n   English translation:  \n   'The Ghost Festival originally was on the 15th day of the 7th month in the Chinese calendar, but during the late [Yuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuan_dynasty \"Yuan dynasty\") to early [Ming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ming_dynasty \"Ming dynasty\") period, it's said that the [Hakkas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hakka \"Hakka\") in order to escape the Yuan troops, celebrated the Ghost Festival one day earlier, in order to escape disaster they fled southward. Since that time and continuing today, the date of the Ghost Festival changed to the 14th day of the 7th \\[lunisolar\\] month' \\[in parts of Southern China\\].\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-13)** Karashima:  \n   On p. 302 'Although this sutra has often been regarded as apocryphal \\[Japanese version has in recent times\\], the contents and ideas in it are well rooted in India as we have seen above. In addition to that, the vocabulary and usage of Chinese words are more archaic, compared with Kumārajīva's corpus (401-413 CE), while they resemble greatly the translations by Dharmarakṣa (fl. 265?-311 CE). Moreover, the transliteration 鉢和羅 (EH pat γwa la \\> MC pwât γwâ lâ} of Skt. pravāra (ṇā), which only occurs in this sutra and its adaptation, i.e. the *Baoen Fengpen jing* 報恩奉盆經 (T. 16, no. 686, 780a20), indicates clearly that this sutra is not apocryphal but a genuine translation, because only somebody who knew the original Indian form was able to transliterate it thus correctly into Chinese. In conclusion, I assume that \\[\\<-preceding 3 words missing in Japanese version\\] this sutra is not apocryphal, but a translation from an Indian text translated by Dharmarakṣa or somebody else in pre-Kumārajīva times \\[Japanese version has 3rd to 4th century CE\\]. \\[c.f. p 189 for equivalent in Japanese version\\]  \n   c.f. p 301 for derivation of Yulan from Middle Indic (Gandhari) \\*olana.\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-15)** Karashima:  \n   '東アジアの盂蘭盆と東南アジアのワン・オ一クパンサーなどは、いずれも、釈尊の時代に規定された様に七月十五日の自恣の日を祝っているのだが（日本ではこのことはすでに意識されていない）、東南アジアでは古代インドの暦に基づいて行われるのに対し、東アジアでは、中国の太陰暦に従っているので、ニケ月の差があり、これらが同一の行事ということに気付く人は少ない。'  \n   English Translation:  \n   'Both the East Asian Urabon \\[Yulanpen\\] and Southeast Asian Wan Ok Phansa \\[Thai name for Pravāraṇā\\] are celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month, the day of Pravāraṇā just as it was promulgated in Lord Buddha's time (in Japan, this matter is not known to people). In Southeast Asian countries, they use the ancient Indian calendar \\[or [Buddhist calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_calendar \"Buddhist calendar\")\\] as opposed to East Asian countries where they use the [Chinese calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_calendar \"Chinese calendar\"). As there is a two month difference between the two calendars, few people realized that the two are \\[in fact\\] the same event.'\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-16)** Karashima:  \n   Pravāraṇā (Pāli Pavāraṇā) zizi 自恣 and suiyi 隨意 in Chinese, is a ceremony held at the end of the three-month rainy season retreat \\[also called vassa\\] by Buddhist monks. In Theravada Buddhism and in Nepal, it was and is still held on the full moon day of the seventh or eight month. i.e. Āśvina (September–October) or Kārttika (October–November) respectively.\n5. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-18)** Karashima:  \n   '對佛教徒來說，自古印度年曆（元旦相當於公曆三月中至四月中）四月十五日（公曆六至七月）或五月十五日（公曆七至八月）開始的三個月是雨安居。直至今天，西藏、尼泊爾、東南亞地區的僧人依然在此期間行雨安居。這一習俗也傳到沒有雨季的中國大陸中原地域，年曆和數字被原封不動地保留下來，但由印度年曆變為中國太陰曆。在中國、日本、朝鮮半島等東亞地區，雨安居從陰曆四月（公曆五月）開始，持續三個月。'  \n   English Translation: 'From the Buddhist viewpoint, based on the Ancient Indian calendar \\[or Buddhist calendar\\] (New Years is in the middle of March to the middle of April \\[in the Gregorian calendar\\]) the 15th day of the fourth month \\[Āṣāḍha\\] (June to July \\[in the Gregorian calendar\\]) or the 15th day of the fifth month \\[Śrāvaṇa\\] (July to August \\[in Gregorian calendar\\]) is the start of three month period called vassa. From ancient times to even today, the monastic community of Tibet, Nepal and Southeast Asia still follow this schedule to observe vassa. This custom was also transmitted to China which does not have a rainy season, the calendar and dates preserved unchanged from the original but instead of using the ancient Indian calendar, the lunisolar Chinese calendar is used. In China, Japan, the Korean peninsula and other East Asian regions, vassa starts on the fourth month of the lunisolar Chinese calendar (May (in the Gregorian calendar) and lasts 3 months.' \\[n.b. Since the start of vassa is fixed in East Asia in the fourth month, Pravāraṇā is also fixed to the 15th day of the seventh month\\].\n\n## References\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=24 \"Edit section: References\")\\]\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-1)**\n   [\"Zhongyuan festival\"](http:\/\/www.china.org.cn\/english\/olympic\/211929.htm). *China.org.cn*. China Internet Information Center. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20171019082154\/http:\/\/www.china.org.cn\/english\/olympic\/211929.htm) from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017.\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Chow_2015_2-0)** Chow 2015\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-4)**\n   [\"Ghost Festival\"](https:\/\/oftaiwan.org\/culture\/ghost-festival\/). *OFTaiwan*. August 22, 2017. Retrieved February 15, 2024.\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-5)**\n   [\"Culture insider - China's ghost festival\"](http:\/\/www.chinadaily.com.cn\/culture\/2014-08\/08\/content_18268375.htm). China Daily. August 8, 2014. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20171107003946\/http:\/\/www.chinadaily.com.cn\/culture\/2014-08\/08\/content_18268375.htm) from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017.\n5. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-6)**\n   [\"Chinese Ghost Festival - \"the Chinese Halloween\"\"](http:\/\/en.people.cn\/90002\/98669\/98755\/6798883.html). Peoples Daily (English). October 30, 2009. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20171107024410\/http:\/\/en.people.cn\/90002\/98669\/98755\/6798883.html) from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017.\n6. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-sixteen_7-0)** Venerable Yin-shun. *The Way to Buddhahood*. Massachusetts: Wisdom Publications: 1998.\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-8)**\n   [\"目次：冥報記白話\"](http:\/\/www.bfnn.org\/book\/article2\/1323.htm). *www.bfnn.org*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20181204134835\/http:\/\/www.bfnn.org\/book\/article2\/1323.htm) from the original on December 4, 2018. Retrieved February 25, 2023.\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-eleven_9-0)** Eberhard, Stephen F. *The Ghost Festival in Medieval China*. New Jersey: Princeton University Press: 1988. Hungry ghosts, by contrast, are a much more exceptional case, and would only occur in very unfortunate circumstances, such as if a whole family were killed or when a family no longer venerated their ancestors.\n9. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001_10-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001_10-1)\n   *中國節日的故事* (in Chinese) (1st ed.). Taipei: 將門文物出版社. 2001. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [957-755-300-1](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/957-755-300-1 \"Special:BookSources\/957-755-300-1\")\n   \n   .\n10. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-11)**\n    [\"中元节是中国的\"鬼节\"吗？听听民俗学家怎么说\"](https:\/\/www.thepaper.cn\/newsDetail_forward_1369046). *澎湃新闻*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230326023745\/https:\/\/www.thepaper.cn\/newsDetail_forward_1369046) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n11. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2013a_12-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2013a_12-1) Karashima 2013a\n12. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2013b_14-0)** Karashima 2013b\n13. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2014_17-0)** Karashima 2014\n14. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-lange_19-0)** [Langer (2007)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#CITEREFLanger2007), p. 276.\n15. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-eight_20-0)** [Teiser (1988)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#CITEREFTeiser1988).\n16. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls_21-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls_21-1)\n    [Eberhard, Wolfram](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wolfram_Eberhard \"Wolfram Eberhard\") (1952). \"The Feast of the Souls\". *Chinese Festivals*. New York: H. Wolff. pp. 129–133\\.\n17. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival_22-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival_22-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival_22-2)\n    Stepanchuk, Carol (1991). *Mooncakes and Hungry Ghosts: Festivals of China*. San Francisco: China Books & Periodicals. pp. 71–79\\. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [0-8351-2481-9](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-8351-2481-9 \"Special:BookSources\/0-8351-2481-9\")\n    \n    .\n18. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-three_23-0)** \"Hungry Ghost Festival\". Essortment, 2002. Retrieved 20 October 2008. [Essortment Articles.](http:\/\/www.essortment.com\/all\/hungryghostfes_opi.htm) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20090223182908\/http:\/\/www.essortment.com\/all\/hungryghostfes_opi.htm) February 23, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\n19. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival_24-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival_24-1)\n    Wei, Liming (2010). *Chinese Festivals: Traditions, Customs and Rituals* (Second ed.). Beijing. pp. 46–49\\. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9787508516936](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9787508516936 \"Special:BookSources\/9787508516936\")\n    \n    .\n    \n    `{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher \"Category:CS1 maint: location missing publisher\"))\n20. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-nine_25-0)** \"Chinese Culture: Hungry Ghost Festival\" [Modern China](http:\/\/www.chinese-culture.net\/html\/hungry_ghost_festival.html) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20090203210232\/http:\/\/www.chinese-culture.net\/html\/hungry_ghost_festival.html) February 3, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\n21. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-3) [***e***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-4) \"Ghost Festival\" ChinaVoc 2001–2007, [Online Store.](http:\/\/www.chinavoc.com\/festivals\/ghost.htm) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20090608143719\/http:\/\/www.chinavoc.com\/festivals\/ghost.htm) 8 June 2009 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\n22. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-27)**\n    Lye, Hun Yeow, Department of Religious Studies, University of Virginia. [\"Feeding Ghosts: A Study of the Yuqie Yankou Rite\"](https:\/\/libraetd.lib.virginia.edu\/public_view\/b8515n64w). *libraetd.lib.virginia.edu*. Retrieved May 13, 2025.\n    \n    `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list \"Category:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list\"))\n23. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-:3_28-0)**\n    Soon, Lee Tong (2000). [\"Professional Chinese Opera Troupes and Street Opera Performance in Singapore\"](https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/834397). *Asian Music*. **31** (2): 35–70\\. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.2307\/834397](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2307%2F834397). [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [0044-9202](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/0044-9202). [JSTOR](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/JSTOR_\\(identifier\\) \"JSTOR (identifier)\") [834397](https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/834397).\n24. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-29)**\n    [\"Hungry Ghost Festival\"](http:\/\/www.visitsingapore.com\/festivals-events-singapore\/cultural-festivals\/hungry-ghost-festival\/). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20180726170044\/http:\/\/www.visitsingapore.com\/festivals-events-singapore\/cultural-festivals\/hungry-ghost-festival\/) from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018.\n25. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-30)**\n    [\"Hungry Ghost Festival\"](https:\/\/rove.me\/to\/singapore\/hungry-ghost-festival). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20180726135216\/https:\/\/rove.me\/to\/singapore\/hungry-ghost-festival) from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018.\n26. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-31)**\n    [\"Why August is called the \"Ghost Month\"\"](https:\/\/www.securitybank.com\/blog\/why-august-is-called-the-ghost-month\/). *Security Bank Financial Blog*. July 18, 2022.\n27. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-32)**\n    Dy-Zulueta, Dolly (January 5, 2024). [\"Lifestyle: The Budgetarian: Money Do's and Don'ts during Ghost Month\"](https:\/\/www.philstar.com\/lifestyle\/the-budgetarian\/2024\/01\/05\/2289110\/money-dos-and-donts-during-ghost-month). *Philstar.com*.\n28. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-33)**\n    Beltran, Cito (October 27, 2023). [\"Opinion: Filipino Hungry Ghost Month\"](https:\/\/www.philstar.com\/opinion\/2023\/10\/27\/2306860\/filipino-hungry-ghost-month). *The Philippine Star*.\n29. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-34)**\n    [\"Lifestyle: Why Does \\*Everything\\* Seem To Stop During Ghost Month?\"](https:\/\/www.cosmo.ph\/lifestyle\/ghost-month-a254-20230816). *Cosmopolitan Philippines*. August 16, 2023.\n30. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-35)**\n    [\"Starweek Magazine: Ghost Month\"](https:\/\/www.philstar.com\/other-sections\/starweek-magazine\/2018\/08\/12\/1841664\/ghost-month). *The Philippine Star*. August 12, 2018.\n31. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-36)** [Mid-Summer Ghost Festival](http:\/\/www.chinatownconnection.com\/taiwan-ghost-festival.htm) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110118152706\/http:\/\/chinatownconnection.com\/taiwan-ghost-festival.htm) January 18, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), [China Town Connection](http:\/\/www.chinatownconnection.com\/) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100919002224\/http:\/\/chinatownconnection.com\/) September 19, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\").\n32. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-37)** [Ghost Month](http:\/\/www.gio.gov.tw\/info\/festival_c\/ghost_e\/html\/ghost2.htm) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20101203024217\/http:\/\/www.gio.gov.tw\/info\/festival_c\/ghost_e\/html\/ghost2.htm) 3 December 2010 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), [Ghost Festival](http:\/\/www.gio.gov.tw\/info\/festival_c\/ghost_e\/ghost.htm) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20101229022751\/http:\/\/www.gio.gov.tw\/info\/festival_c\/ghost_e\/ghost.htm) 29 December 2010 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), [Government Information Office](http:\/\/www.gio.gov.tw\/) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20050403211555\/http:\/\/www.gio.gov.tw\/) 3 April 2005 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), [Taiwan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiwan \"Taiwan\").\n33. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-38)** [Taiwan's Ghost Festival and Other Religious Events](http:\/\/www.go2taiwan.net\/monthly_selection.php?sqno=14) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20101029060207\/http:\/\/go2taiwan.net\/monthly_selection.php?sqno=14) October 29, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), [Go2Taiwan.net](http:\/\/www.go2taiwan.net\/) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100831112456\/http:\/\/www.go2taiwan.net\/) August 31, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\").\n34. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-39)**\n    [\"13 unlucky taboos to evade during Ghost Month in Taiwan\"](https:\/\/www.taiwannews.com.tw\/en\/news\/4600919). *Taiwan News*. July 28, 2022. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230326015155\/https:\/\/www.taiwannews.com.tw\/en\/news\/4600919) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n35. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-40)**\n    Loh, Lainey. [\"Hungry Ghost Festival 2022: 7 Things You Shouldn't Do\"](https:\/\/www.tatlerasia.com\/lifestyle\/arts\/hungry-ghost-festival-things-to-avoid-dos-and-donts-superstitions). *Tatler Asia*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230326015203\/https:\/\/www.tatlerasia.com\/lifestyle\/arts\/hungry-ghost-festival-things-to-avoid-dos-and-donts-superstitions) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n36. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-41)**\n    [\"Ghost Month effects cause Taiwan car sales to plunge in August\"](https:\/\/www.taiwannews.com.tw\/en\/news\/3525402). *Taiwan News*. September 8, 2018. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230326015154\/https:\/\/www.taiwannews.com.tw\/en\/news\/3525402) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n37. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-42)**\n    [\"Taiwan Quick Take: Ghost Month fuels surgeries\"](https:\/\/www.taipeitimes.com\/News\/taiwan\/archives\/2006\/07\/24\/2003320142). *Taipei Times*. July 24, 2006. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230326015156\/https:\/\/www.taipeitimes.com\/News\/taiwan\/archives\/2006\/07\/24\/2003320142) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n38. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-43)**\n    Fanchette, Sylvie; Stedman, Nicholas (2009). [*Discovering Craft Villages in Vietnam: Ten Itineraries Around Hà Nội*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=VVhi-IuMvtAC&q=%22T%E1%BA%BFt+Trung+Nguy%C3%AAn%22). IRD Editions. p. 149. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-2-7099-1671-4](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-2-7099-1671-4 \"Special:BookSources\/978-2-7099-1671-4\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830152435\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=VVhi-IuMvtAC&q=%22T%E1%BA%BFt+Trung+Nguy%C3%AAn%22) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n39. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-44)**\n    Paine, Crispin (January 10, 2019). [*Gods and Rollercoasters: Religion in Theme Parks Worldwide*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=ShB-DwAAQBAJ&dq=%22vu+Lan%22+festival&pg=PA35). Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 153. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-350-04628-3](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-350-04628-3 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-350-04628-3\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830152437\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=ShB-DwAAQBAJ&dq=%22vu+Lan%22+festival&pg=PA35) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n40. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-45)**\n    Pearce, Callum (2013). \"Buddhist funeral cultures of Southeast Asia and China\". *Mortality*. **18** (4): 388–389\\. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1080\/13576275.2013.843512](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080%2F13576275.2013.843512). [S2CID](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S2CID_\\(identifier\\) \"S2CID (identifier)\") [144383079](https:\/\/api.semanticscholar.org\/CorpusID:144383079).\n41. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-46)**\n    Schober, Juliane (2002). [*Sacred Biography in the Buddhist Traditions of South and Southeast Asia*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=oeBL7ci3MKoC). Motilal Banarsidass Publ. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9788120818125](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9788120818125 \"Special:BookSources\/9788120818125\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170212000835\/https:\/\/books.google.com.au\/books?id=oeBL7ci3MKoC&printsec=frontcover) from the original on February 12, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017.\n42. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-47)**\n    Hecker, Hellmuth, [*Maha-Moggallana*](http:\/\/www.accesstoinsight.org\/lib\/authors\/hecker\/wheel263.html), [archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20060218222714\/http:\/\/www.accesstoinsight.org\/lib\/authors\/hecker\/wheel263.html) from the original on February 18, 2006, retrieved February 11, 2017\n43. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-48)**\n    [\"StackPath\"](http:\/\/www.sacbc.org\/docs\/Thoughts%20on%20Obon.pdf) (PDF). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170211160001\/http:\/\/www.sacbc.org\/docs\/Thoughts%20on%20Obon.pdf) (PDF) from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017.\n44. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-49)**\n    Gouin, Margaret (September 10, 2012). [*Tibetan Rituals of Death: Buddhist Funerary Practices*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=7i8Jv5RuPs4C). Routledge. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9781136959172](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9781136959172 \"Special:BookSources\/9781136959172\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20161220083703\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=7i8Jv5RuPs4C&printsec=frontcover) from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016.\n45. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-50)**\n    Holt, John Clifford (April 2012). [\"Caring for the Dead Ritually in Cambodia\"](https:\/\/englishkyoto-seas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/010101.pdf) (PDF). *Southeast Asian Studies*. **1** (1): 3–75\\. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190420211625\/https:\/\/englishkyoto-seas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/010101.pdf) (PDF) from the original on April 20, 2019. Retrieved September 3, 2018.\n46. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-51)**\n    Ladwig, Patrice (2012). [\"Visitors from hell: transformative hospitality to ghosts in a Lao Buddhist festival\"](https:\/\/www.academia.edu\/1963902). *Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute*. **18**: S90–S102. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1111\/j.1467-9655.2012.01765.x](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111%2Fj.1467-9655.2012.01765.x). [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [1359-0987](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/1359-0987). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170510133041\/http:\/\/www.academia.edu\/1963902\/Visitors_from_Hell_Transformative_Hospitality_to_Ghosts_in_a_Lao_Buddhist_festival._Journal_of_the_Royal_Anthropological_Institut_2012_Vol.18_s1_90-102) from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved December 5, 2017.\n47. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Source_52-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Source_52-1) [Langer (2007)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#CITEREFLanger2007), pp. 153, 155, 173, 187, 191.\n48. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-53)**\n    Buswell, Robert E (2004). *Encyclopedia of Buddhism*. Macmillan Reference USA. p. 21. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0028659107](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0028659107 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0028659107\")\n    \n    .\n49. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-54)**\n    Williams, Paul (2005). [*Buddhism: Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=PO0lZ-TFssMC&q=mataka+d%C4%81n%C4%93s&pg=PA24). Taylor & Francis. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9780415332330](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9780415332330 \"Special:BookSources\/9780415332330\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830152440\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=PO0lZ-TFssMC&q=mataka+d%C4%81n%C4%93s&pg=PA24) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2020.\n50. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-55)**\n    Harding, John S (June 17, 2013). [*Studying Buddhism in Practice*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=MDO_7BncqKwC). Routledge. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9781136501883](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9781136501883 \"Special:BookSources\/9781136501883\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20161220082229\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=MDO_7BncqKwC&printsec=frontcover) from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016.\n51. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-56)**\n    [\"Archived copy\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20160527225922\/http:\/\/ahandfulofleaves.org\/documents\/Buddhist%20Rituals%20of%20Death%20and%20Rebirth_Contemporary%20Sri%20Lankan%20Practice%20and%20its%20Origins_Langer.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.ahandfulofleaves.org\/documents\/Buddhist%20Rituals%20of%20Death%20and%20Rebirth_Contemporary%20Sri%20Lankan%20Practice%20and%20its%20Origins_Langer.pdf) (PDF) on May 27, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016.\n    \n    `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title \"Category:CS1 maint: archived copy as title\"))\n52. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-57)**\n    [\"Ancestors - Dictionary definition of Ancestors \\| Encyclopedia.com: FREE online dictionary\"](http:\/\/www.encyclopedia.com\/religion\/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps\/ancestors). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170206185559\/http:\/\/www.encyclopedia.com\/religion\/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps\/ancestors) from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017.\n53. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-58)**\n    [\"Sat Thai Festival - Bangkok 101\"](http:\/\/www.bangkok101.com\/sat-thai-festival\/). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170207084352\/http:\/\/www.bangkok101.com\/sat-thai-festival\/) from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017.\n54. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-59)**\n    [\"Thailand Events & Festivals of October\"](http:\/\/www.sawadee.com\/thailand\/festivals\/festival10.html). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170206184757\/http:\/\/www.sawadee.com\/thailand\/festivals\/festival10.html) from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017.\n55. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-60)**\n    [\"Japanese Culture - Etiquette\"](https:\/\/culturalatlas.sbs.com.au\/japanese-culture\/japanese-culture-etiquette). *Cultural Atlas*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230326031050\/https:\/\/culturalatlas.sbs.com.au\/japanese-culture\/japanese-culture-etiquette) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n56. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-61)**\n    Davies, Roger J.; Ikeno, Osamu (June 14, 2011). [*Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=rADRAgAAQBAJ&dq=Ch%C5%ABgen+gifts&pg=PT124). Tuttle Publishing. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-4629-0051-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-4629-0051-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-4629-0051-0\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830151928\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=rADRAgAAQBAJ&dq=Ch%C5%ABgen+gifts&pg=PT124) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n57. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon_62-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon_62-1)\n    Morton, Lisa (September 15, 2015). [*Ghosts: A Haunted History*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=6T0pCgAAQBAJ&dq=obon+ghost+festival&pg=PT102). Reaktion Books. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-78023-537-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-78023-537-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-78023-537-0\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830151932\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=6T0pCgAAQBAJ&dq=obon+ghost+festival&pg=PT102) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n58. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-63)**\n    Car, Nikki Van De (March 14, 2023). [*Ritual: Magical Celebrations of Nature and Community from Around the World*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=VL14EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT66). Running Press. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-7624-8143-9](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-7624-8143-9 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-7624-8143-9\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830151933\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=VL14EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT66) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n59. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-64)**\n    Ph.D, Helen J. Baroni (January 15, 2002). [*The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=smNM4ElP3XgC&pg=PA247). The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. p. 247. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-8239-2240-6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-8239-2240-6 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-8239-2240-6\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830152031\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=smNM4ElP3XgC&pg=PA247) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n60. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-sastri_65-0)**\n    Sastri, S. M. Natesa (1988). [*Hindu feasts, fasts and ceremonies*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=_ibsEj8ihuoC&q=mahalaya&pg=PA15). Asian Educational Services. pp. 15–17\\. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-81-206-0402-5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-81-206-0402-5 \"Special:BookSources\/978-81-206-0402-5\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830152458\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=_ibsEj8ihuoC&q=mahalaya&pg=PA15) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2020.\n61. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-66)**\n    [\"Galungan and Kuningan in Bali - Bali Magazine\"](http:\/\/www.bali-indonesia.com\/magazine\/galungan-kuningan.htm). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190703150449\/http:\/\/www.bali-indonesia.com\/magazine\/galungan-kuningan.htm) from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.\n62. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-67)**\n    [\"Balinese ceremonies: Galungan and Kuningan\"](https:\/\/www.balispirit.com\/community\/ceremony-public\/galungan-and-kuningan). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190703150448\/https:\/\/www.balispirit.com\/community\/ceremony-public\/galungan-and-kuningan) from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.\n63. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-68)**\n    [\"The calendars of Bali\"](https:\/\/www.vilondo.com\/when-to-go-to-bali\/balinese-holidays\/the-calendars-of-bali\/). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190703150445\/https:\/\/www.vilondo.com\/when-to-go-to-bali\/balinese-holidays\/the-calendars-of-bali\/) from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.\n\n## General and cited bibliography\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=25 \"Edit section: General and cited bibliography\")\\]\n\n- Bandō, Shōjun, ed. (2005), \"The Ullambana Sutra (Taishō Vol. 16, No. 685)\", [*Apocryphal Scriptures*](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20130210115042\/http:\/\/www.bdkamerica.org\/digital\/dBET_ApocryphalScriptures_2005.pdf) (PDF), Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai English Tripitaka Series, Berkeley: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, pp. 17–44, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [978-1-886439-29-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-886439-29-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-886439-29-0\")\n  \n  , archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.bdkamerica.org\/digital\/dBET_ApocryphalScriptures_2005.pdf) (PDF) on February 10, 2013\n  .\n- Chow, Shu Kai (周樹佳) (2015),\n  \n  鬼月鉤沉-中元、盂蘭、餓鬼節\n  \n  \\[*Investigation of Ghost Month - Zhong Yuan, Ullambana and Hungry Ghost Festivals*\\] (in Traditional Chinese), Hong Kong: Chung Hwa Books (Hong Kong), [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [9789888366392](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9789888366392 \"Special:BookSources\/9789888366392\")\n- Langer, Rita (2007), [*Buddhist Rituals of Death and Rebirth: Contemporary Sri Lankan Practice and Its Origins*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=dXB9AgAAQBAJ), Abingdon: Routledge, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [9781134158720](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9781134158720 \"Special:BookSources\/9781134158720\")\n  .\n- Karashima, Seishi (2013a), \"The Meaning of Yulanpen 盂蘭盆 \"Rice Bowl\" On Pravāraṇā Day\", *Annual Report of the International Research Institute for Advance Buddhology at Soka University for the Academic Year 2012*, **XVI**: 289–305\n- Karashima, Seishi (辛嶋静志) (2013b),\n  \n  「盂蘭盆」の本当の意味 ―千四百間の誤解を解く\n  \n  \\[The Real Meaning of Urabon \\[Yulanpen\\] –The Solution to a 1400 Year Misunderstanding\\], *大法輪 (The Great Wheel of the Dharma)* (in Japanese): 182–189\n  `{{citation}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list \"Category:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list\"))\n- Karashima, Seishi (辛嶋静志)(in Chinese as 辛島靜志) (2014),\n  \n  盂蘭盆之意-自恣日的“飯鉢”\n  \n  \\[The Meaning of Yulanpen 盂蘭盆 \"Rice Bowl\" On Pravāraṇā Day\\], *中華文史論叢 (Journal of Chinese Literature and History)* (in Traditional Chinese) (114), translated by Qiu, Yun Qing (裘雲青): 279–301\n  `{{citation}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list \"Category:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list\"))\n- Mair, Victor H. (1989), [*T'ang Transformation Texts*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=lylrmgD2Bv8C), [Cambridge](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cambridge,_Massachusetts \"Cambridge, Massachusetts\"): Harvard University Press, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [9780674868151](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9780674868151 \"Special:BookSources\/9780674868151\")\n  .\n- Teiser, Stephen F. (1988), [*The Ghost Festival in Medieval China*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=anGlBZDWWLwC), [Princeton](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Princeton,_New_Jersey \"Princeton, New Jersey\"): Princeton University Press, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [978-0-691-02677-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-691-02677-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-691-02677-0\")\n  .\n\n## External links\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=26 \"Edit section: External links\")\\]\n\n[![Wikimedia Commons logo](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Commons-logo.svg\/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Commons-logo.svg)\n\nWikimedia Commons has media related to [Ghost Festival](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Ghost_Festival \"commons:Category:Ghost Festival\").\n\n- [The Bristol University Buddhist Death Ritual Project](http:\/\/www.bristol.ac.uk\/religion\/buddhist-centre\/projects\/bdr\/) Images and a documentary film by Ingmar Heise and Han Zhang \"The Spirit's Happy Days: Buddhist Festivals for the Dead in Southeast China\" can be downloaded there.\n- [Zhong Yuan Jie (Hungry Ghost Festival) - INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE](https:\/\/www.roots.gov.sg\/en\/ich-landing\/ich\/zhong-yuan-jie-hungry-ghost-festival)\n- [Zhongyuan Festival](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20120805025839\/http:\/\/www.china.org.cn\/english\/olympic\/211929.htm)\n- [Chinese Ghost Culture](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20090830201251\/http:\/\/www.chinaculture.org\/gb\/en_chinaway\/2004-03\/17\/content_46337.htm)\n- [Hong Kong University Library Digital Archives Oral History Project of Hong Kong](http:\/\/sunzi1.lib.hku.hk\/hkoh\/search_theme.jsp?theme_code=T903)\n- Waters, Dan (2004). [\"The Hungry Ghosts Festival in Aberdeen Street, Hong Kong\"](http:\/\/sunzi.lib.hku.hk\/hkjo\/view\/44\/4402703.pdf) (PDF). *Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Branch*. **44**: 41–55\\.\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Ghosts \"Template:Ghosts\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Ghosts \"Template talk:Ghosts\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Ghosts \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Ghosts\")[Ghosts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost \"Ghost\") and [ghostlore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghostlore \"Ghostlore\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| [List of ghosts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ghosts \"List of ghosts\") |   |\n| Manifestations | [Ancestral spirits](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Veneration_of_the_dead \"Veneration of the dead\") [Ghost lights](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Atmospheric_ghost_lights \"Atmospheric ghost lights\") [Haunted locations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations \"List of reportedly haunted locations\") [Haunted highways](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_highways \"List of reportedly haunted highways\") [Haunted house](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Haunted_house \"Haunted house\") [Haunted vehicles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Haunted_vehicles \"Haunted vehicles\") [Haunted trains](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_train \"Ghost train\") [Haunted ships](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_ship \"Ghost ship\") [Hungry ghost](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hungry_ghost \"Hungry ghost\") [Poltergeist](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Poltergeist \"Poltergeist\") [Residual haunting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Stone_Tape_theory \"Stone Tape theory\") [Vengeful ghost](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vengeful_ghost \"Vengeful ghost\") [Procession of the dead](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Procession_of_the_dead \"Procession of the dead\") |\n| By continent and culture |   |\n|   |   |\n| African | [Madam Koi Koi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Madam_Koi_Koi \"Madam Koi Koi\") South Africa ([locations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_South_Africa \"List of reportedly haunted locations in South Africa\")) |\n| Asian | [Burmese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nat_\\(deity\\) \"Nat (deity)\") [Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghosts_in_Chinese_culture \"Ghosts in Chinese culture\") [locations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_China \"List of reportedly haunted locations in China\") [Tibetan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghosts_in_Tibetan_culture \"Ghosts in Tibetan culture\") [Filipino](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Souls_in_Filipino_cultures \"Souls in Filipino cultures\") [locations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_the_Philippines \"List of reportedly haunted locations in the Philippines\") [Ghost Festival]() [Indian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bhoota_\\(ghost\\) \"Bhoota (ghost)\") [locations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_India \"List of reportedly haunted locations in India\") [Bengali](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghosts_in_Bengali_culture \"Ghosts in Bengali culture\") [Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Y%C5%ABrei \"Yūrei\") [locations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Japan \"List of reportedly haunted locations in Japan\") [Onryō](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Onry%C5%8D \"Onryō\") [Korean](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gwisin \"Gwisin\") [Malay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghosts_in_Malay_culture \"Ghosts in Malay culture\") [Thai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghosts_in_Thai_culture \"Ghosts in Thai culture\") [locations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Thailand \"List of reportedly haunted locations in Thailand\") [Vietnamese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghosts_in_Vietnamese_culture \"Ghosts in Vietnamese culture\") |\n| Europe | [English](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghosts_in_English-speaking_cultures \"Ghosts in English-speaking cultures\") [locations in Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Scotland \"Reportedly haunted locations in Scotland\") [locations in United Kingdom](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_the_United_Kingdom \"List of reportedly haunted locations in the United Kingdom\") France [locations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_France \"List of reportedly haunted locations in France\") [Slavic religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Supernatural_beings_in_Slavic_religion \"Supernatural beings in Slavic religion\") [Romania](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Romania \"List of reportedly haunted locations in Romania\") |\n| North America | [Canada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Canada \"List of reportedly haunted locations in Canada\") Caribbean [Duppy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Duppy \"Duppy\") Navajo [Chindi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chindi \"Chindi\") [Ghost sickness](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_sickness \"Ghost sickness\") [Mexican](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghosts_in_Mexican_culture \"Ghosts in Mexican culture\") [locations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Mexico \"List of reportedly haunted locations in Mexico\") [Day of the Dead](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Day_of_the_Dead \"Day of the Dead\") [United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_the_United_States \"List of reportedly haunted locations in the United States\") [California](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Reportedly_haunted_locations_in_California \"Reportedly haunted locations in California\") [District of Columbia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Washington,_D.C. \"Reportedly haunted locations in Washington, D.C.\") [Indiana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indiana_ghostlore \"Indiana ghostlore\") [Oregon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Oregon \"Reportedly haunted locations in Oregon\") [Pennsylvania](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Pennsylvania \"Reportedly haunted locations in Pennsylvania\") [San Francisco](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Reportedly_haunted_locations_in_the_San_Francisco_Bay_Area \"Reportedly haunted locations in the San Francisco Bay Area\") |\n| South America | [Colombia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Colombia \"List of reportedly haunted locations in Colombia\") |\n| Oceania | [Polynesian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghosts_in_Polynesian_culture \"Ghosts in Polynesian culture\") [Maori](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghosts_and_spirits_in_M%C4%81ori_culture \"Ghosts and spirits in Māori culture\") |\n| History | [Mesopotamian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghosts_in_Mesopotamian_religions \"Ghosts in Mesopotamian religions\") [Ancient Egyptian culture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ancient_Egyptian_conception_of_the_soul \"Ancient Egyptian conception of the soul\") [Classical antiquity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shade_\\(mythology\\) \"Shade (mythology)\") |\n| [Parapsychology](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parapsychology \"Parapsychology\") | [Apparitional experience](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Apparitional_experience \"Apparitional experience\") [Electronic voice phenomenon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Electronic_voice_phenomenon \"Electronic voice phenomenon\") [Ghost hunting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_hunting \"Ghost hunting\") [Séance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S%C3%A9ance \"Séance\") [Mediumship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mediumship \"Mediumship\") [Spirit photography](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spirit_photography \"Spirit photography\") |\n| Popular culture | [Films about ghosts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ghost_films \"List of ghost films\") [India](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_ghost_movie \"Indian ghost movie\") [Indonesia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indonesian_horror \"Indonesian horror\") [Stories about ghosts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_story \"Ghost story\") *[Kaidan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kaidan \"Kaidan\")* [Halloween](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Halloween \"Halloween\") [Samhain](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samhain \"Samhain\") [Paranormal television](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paranormal_television \"Paranormal television\") |\n| Court cases | *[Booty v Barnaby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Booty_v_Barnaby \"Booty v Barnaby\")* [Hammersmith Ghost murder case](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hammersmith_Ghost_murder_case \"Hammersmith Ghost murder case\") |\n| Related | [Fear of ghosts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fear_of_ghosts \"Fear of ghosts\") [Spectrophilia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spectrophilia \"Spectrophilia\") [Spiritualism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spiritualism_\\(movement\\) \"Spiritualism (movement)\") [Kardecist spiritism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kardecist_spiritism \"Kardecist spiritism\") [The Ghost Club](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Ghost_Club \"The Ghost Club\") [Geist](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Geist \"Geist\") [Soul](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Soul \"Soul\") [Spirit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spirit_\\(animating_force\\) \"Spirit (animating force)\") |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/96\/Symbol_category_class.svg\/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Category](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Ghosts \"Category:Ghosts\") |   |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Asia_topic \"Template:Asia topic\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Asia_topic \"Template talk:Asia topic\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Asia_topic \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Asia topic\")[Culture of Asia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Asia \"Culture of Asia\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| [Sovereign states](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_sovereign_states \"List of sovereign states\") | [Afghanistan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Afghanistan \"Culture of Afghanistan\") [Armenia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Armenia \"Culture of Armenia\") [Azerbaijan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Azerbaijan \"Culture of Azerbaijan\") [Bahrain](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Bahrain \"Culture of Bahrain\") [Bangladesh](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Bangladesh \"Culture of Bangladesh\") [Bhutan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Bhutan \"Culture of Bhutan\") [Brunei](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Brunei \"Culture of Brunei\") [Cambodia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Cambodia \"Culture of Cambodia\") [China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_China \"Culture of China\") [Cyprus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Cyprus \"Culture of Cyprus\") [Egypt](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Egypt \"Culture of Egypt\") [Georgia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Georgia_\\(country\\) \"Culture of Georgia (country)\") [India](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_India \"Culture of India\") [Indonesia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Indonesia \"Culture of Indonesia\") [Iran](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Iran \"Culture of Iran\") [Iraq](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Iraq \"Culture of Iraq\") [Israel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Israel \"Culture of Israel\") [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Japan \"Culture of Japan\") [Jordan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Jordan \"Culture of Jordan\") [Kazakhstan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Kazakhstan \"Culture of Kazakhstan\") [North Korea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_North_Korea \"Culture of North Korea\") [South Korea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_South_Korea \"Culture of South Korea\") [Kuwait](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Kuwait \"Culture of Kuwait\") [Kyrgyzstan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Kyrgyzstan \"Culture of Kyrgyzstan\") [Laos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Laos \"Culture of Laos\") [Lebanon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Lebanon \"Culture of Lebanon\") [Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Malaysia \"Culture of Malaysia\") [Maldives](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_the_Maldives \"Culture of the Maldives\") [Mongolia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Mongolia \"Culture of Mongolia\") [Myanmar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Myanmar \"Culture of Myanmar\") [Nepal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Nepal \"Culture of Nepal\") [Oman](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Oman \"Culture of Oman\") [Palestine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Palestine \"Culture of Palestine\") [Pakistan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Pakistan \"Culture of Pakistan\") [Philippines](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_the_Philippines \"Culture of the Philippines\") [Qatar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Qatar \"Culture of Qatar\") [Russia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Russia \"Culture of Russia\") [Saudi Arabia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Saudi_Arabia \"Culture of Saudi Arabia\") [Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Singapore \"Culture of Singapore\") [Sri Lanka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Sri_Lanka \"Culture of Sri Lanka\") [Syria](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Syria \"Culture of Syria\") [Tajikistan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Tajikistan \"Culture of Tajikistan\") [Thailand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Thailand \"Culture of Thailand\") [Timor-Leste (East Timor)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Timor-Leste \"Culture of Timor-Leste\") [Turkey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Turkey \"Culture of Turkey\") [Turkmenistan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Turkmenistan \"Culture of Turkmenistan\") [United Arab Emirates](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates \"Culture of the United Arab Emirates\") [Uzbekistan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Uzbekistan \"Culture of Uzbekistan\") [Vietnam](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Vietnam \"Culture of Vietnam\") [Yemen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Yemen \"Culture of Yemen\") |\n| [States with limited recognition](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_states_with_limited_recognition \"List of states with limited recognition\") | [Abkhazia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Abkhazia \"Culture of Abkhazia\") [Northern Cyprus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Northern_Cyprus \"Culture of Northern Cyprus\") [South Ossetia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_South_Ossetia \"Culture of South Ossetia\") [Taiwan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Taiwan \"Culture of Taiwan\") |\n| [Dependencies](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dependent_territory \"Dependent territory\") and other territories | [British Indian Ocean Territory](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Culture_of_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Culture of the British Indian Ocean Territory (page does not exist)\") [Christmas Island](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Christmas_Island \"Culture of Christmas Island\") [Cocos (Keeling) Islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_the_Cocos_\\(Keeling\\)_Islands \"Culture of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands\") [Hong Kong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Hong_Kong \"Culture of Hong Kong\") [Macau](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Macau \"Culture of Macau\") |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/96\/Symbol_category_class.svg\/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Category](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Asia \"Category:Asia\") [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Symbol_portal_class.svg\/20px-Symbol_portal_class.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Symbol_portal_class.svg \"Portal\") [Asia portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Asia \"Portal:Asia\") |   |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Halloween \"Template:Halloween\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Halloween \"Template talk:Halloween\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Halloween \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Halloween\")[Halloween](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Halloween \"Halloween\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| Main topics | History [Samhain](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samhain \"Samhain\") [Allhallowtide](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Allhallowtide \"Allhallowtide\") [Geography](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Geography_of_Halloween \"Geography of Halloween\") |\n| Traditions | [Trick-or-treating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Trick-or-treating \"Trick-or-treating\") [Trunk-or-treating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Trunk-or-treating \"Trunk-or-treating\") [Costumes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Halloween_costume \"Halloween costume\") [Apple bobbing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Apple_bobbing \"Apple bobbing\") [Cards](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Halloween_card \"Halloween card\") [Halloween Tree](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Halloween_Tree \"The Halloween Tree\") [Jack-o'-lantern](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jack-o%27-lantern \"Jack-o'-lantern\") [Stingy Jack](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Stingy_Jack \"Stingy Jack\") [Connecticut field pumpkin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Connecticut_field_pumpkin \"Connecticut field pumpkin\") [Prayer for the dead](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prayer_for_the_dead \"Prayer for the dead\") [Pangangaluluwa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pangangaluluwa \"Pangangaluluwa\") |\n| Food | [Apple cider](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Apple_cider \"Apple cider\") [Barmbrack](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Barmbrack \"Barmbrack\") [Bonfire toffee](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bonfire_toffee \"Bonfire toffee\") [Candy apple](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Candy_apple \"Candy apple\") [Candy corn](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Candy_corn \"Candy corn\") [Candy pumpkin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Candy_pumpkin \"Candy pumpkin\") [Caramel apple](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caramel_apple \"Caramel apple\") [Caramel corn](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caramel_corn \"Caramel corn\") [Feetloaf](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Feetloaf \"Feetloaf\") [Monster cereals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Monster_cereals \"Monster cereals\") [Pão por Deus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/P%C3%A3o_por_Deus \"Pão por Deus\") [Pumpkin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pumpkin \"Pumpkin\") [Pumpkin pie](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pumpkin_pie \"Pumpkin pie\") [Soul cake](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Soul_cake \"Soul cake\") |\n| Events | [Bonfire](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bonfire \"Bonfire\") [Haunted attraction](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Haunted_attraction \"Haunted attraction\") [Hell house](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hell_house \"Hell house\") [Pumpkin Queen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pumpkin_Queen \"Pumpkin Queen\") |\n| Media | [Books](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bibliography_of_Halloween \"Bibliography of Halloween\") [Films](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_films_set_around_Halloween \"List of films set around Halloween\") [Music](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Halloween_music \"Halloween music\") [Television](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Halloween_television_specials \"List of Halloween television specials\") |\n| Related events | [Festival of the Dead](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Festival_of_the_Dead \"Festival of the Dead\") [Bon Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Obon \"Obon\") [Chuseok](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chuseok \"Chuseok\") [Day of the Dead](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Day_of_the_Dead \"Day of the Dead\") [Gai Jatra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gai_Jatra \"Gai Jatra\") [Pitru Paksha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pitru_Paksha \"Pitru Paksha\") [Qingming Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qingming_Festival \"Qingming Festival\") [Totensonntag](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Totensonntag \"Totensonntag\") [Ghost Festival]() [Pumpkin festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pumpkin#Pumpkin_festivals_and_competitions \"Pumpkin\") [Laconia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Hampshire_Pumpkin_Festival \"New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival\") [Salo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pumpkin_Weeks \"Pumpkin Weeks\") [Virginia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Virginia_Pumpkin_Festival \"Virginia Pumpkin Festival\") [Summerween](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Summerween \"Summerween\") [Veneration of the dead](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Veneration_of_the_dead \"Veneration of the dead\") [Kaddish](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kaddish \"Kaddish\") [Yizkor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yizkor \"Yizkor\") |\n| Other events | [Allantide](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Allantide \"Allantide\") [All Saints' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/All_Saints%27_Day \"All Saints' Day\") [All Souls' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/All_Souls%27_Day \"All Souls' Day\") [Beggars Night](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Beggars_Night \"Beggars Night\") [Dziady](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dziady \"Dziady\") [Eid il-Burbara](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eid_il-Burbara \"Eid il-Burbara\") [Hop-tu-Naa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hop-tu-Naa \"Hop-tu-Naa\") [Kekri](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kekri_\\(festival\\) \"Kekri (festival)\") [Korochun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Korochun \"Korochun\") [Mischief Night](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mischief_Night \"Mischief Night\") [Old Halloween](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/St._Martin%27s_Day \"St. Martin's Day\") [Punkie Night](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Punkie_Night \"Punkie Night\") [Saci Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saci_Day \"Saci Day\") |\n| Related topics | [Jews and Halloween](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jews_and_Halloween \"Jews and Halloween\") |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/96\/Symbol_category_class.svg\/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Category](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Halloween \"Category:Halloween\") |   |\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [Authority control databases](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Authority_control \"Help:Authority control\"): National [![Edit this at Wikidata](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/8\/8a\/OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg\/20px-OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg.png)](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q696781#identifiers \"Edit this at Wikidata\") | [Japan](https:\/\/id.ndl.go.jp\/auth\/ndlna\/00574037) [Israel](https:\/\/www.nli.org.il\/en\/authorities\/987007560832805171) |\n\n![](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:CentralAutoLogin\/start?useformat=desktop&type=1x1&usesul3=1)\n\nRetrieved from \"<https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&oldid=1347300754>\"\n\n[Categories](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Category \"Help:Category\"):\n\n- [August observances](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:August_observances \"Category:August observances\")\n- [Buddhism in China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Buddhism_in_China \"Category:Buddhism in China\")\n- [Buddhist festivals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Buddhist_festivals 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By using this site, you agree to the [Terms of Use](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Terms_of_Use \"foundation:Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Terms of Use\") and [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Privacy_policy \"foundation:Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Privacy policy\"). Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the [Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.](https:\/\/wikimediafoundation.org\/), a non-profit organization.\n\n- [Privacy policy](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Privacy_policy)\n- [About Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:About)\n- [Disclaimers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:General_disclaimer)\n- [Contact Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contact_us)\n- [Legal & safety contacts](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Legal:Wikimedia_Foundation_Legal_and_Safety_Contact_Information)\n- [Code of Conduct](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Universal_Code_of_Conduct)\n- [Developers](https:\/\/developer.wikimedia.org\/)\n- [Statistics](https:\/\/stats.wikimedia.org\/#\/en.wikipedia.org)\n- [Cookie statement](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Cookie_statement)\n- [Mobile view](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&mobileaction=toggle_view_mobile)\n\n- [![Wikimedia Foundation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/footer\/wikimedia.svg)](https:\/\/www.wikimedia.org\/)\n- [![Powered by MediaWiki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/resources\/assets\/mediawiki_compact.svg)](https:\/\/www.mediawiki.org\/)\n\nSearch\n\nToggle the table of contents\n\nGhost Festival\n\n35 languages\n\n[Add topic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival)","attrs_readable_markdown":"This article is about the Chinese festival and its related traditions. For the festival in the Thai province of Loei, see [Phi Ta Khon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Phi_Ta_Khon \"Phi Ta Khon\"). For the festival in Nepal, see [Ghost Festival (Nepal)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival_\\(Nepal\\) \"Ghost Festival (Nepal)\").\n\n| Ghost Festival |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/5d\/HK_ShatinYuLanFestival_KingOfGhost.JPG\/250px-HK_ShatinYuLanFestival_KingOfGhost.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:HK_ShatinYuLanFestival_KingOfGhost.JPG)A paper effigy of the [Guanyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guanyin \"Guanyin\") in [Shatin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shatin \"Shatin\"), Hong Kong. |   |\n| Official name | Zhongyuan Festival ([Taoism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoism \"Taoism\")) Yulanpen Festival ([Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism \"Buddhism\")) |\n| Also called | Spirit Festival |\n| Observed by | [Buddhists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhists \"Buddhists\")   [Confunianists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Confunianists&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Confunianists (page does not exist)\")   [Taoists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoists \"Taoists\") |\n| Significance | To commemorate the opening of the gates of [Hell](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hell \"Hell\") and Heaven, and spiritual realm permitting all spirits and souls to receive sustenance, money, and other offerings. |\n| Observances | [Ancestor worship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ancestor_worship \"Ancestor worship\"), offering food, burning [joss paper](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Joss_paper \"Joss paper\"), chanting of scriptures |\n| Date | 15th day of the 7th Chinese lunisolar month |\n| 2025 date | 6 September |\n| 2026 date | 27 August |\n| 2027 date | 16 August |\n| 2028 date | 3 September |\n| Related to | [Obon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bon_Festival \"Bon Festival\") (in Japan) [Baekjung](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Miryang_Baekjung_Festival \"Miryang Baekjung Festival\") (in Korea) [Vu Lan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Vu_Lan&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Vu Lan (page does not exist)\") (in Vietnam) [Pchum Ben](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pchum_Ben \"Pchum Ben\") (observed by [Khmer people](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Khmer_people \"Khmer people\")) and [Sen Kbal tek](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Sen_Kbal_tek&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Sen Kbal tek (page does not exist)\"), សែនក្បាលទឹក (observed by Chinese-Cambodians) (in Cambodia) [Boun Khao Padap Din](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Laos) (in Laos) [Mataka dānēs](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#Sri_Lanka) (in Sri Lanka) [Sat Thai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sat_Thai \"Sat Thai\") (in Thailand) |\n\n| Ghost Festival |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/87\/Ancestor_worship003.JPG\/250px-Ancestor_worship003.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Ancestor_worship003.JPG)Food offerings for the Ghost Festival |   |\n| [Traditional Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_characters \"Traditional Chinese characters\") | [中元節](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%83%E7%AF%80 \"wikt:中元節\") |\n| [Simplified Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simplified_Chinese_characters \"Simplified Chinese characters\") | [中元节](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%83%E8%8A%82 \"wikt:中元节\") |\n| Literal meaning | mid-origin festival |\n| Transcriptions |   |\n| [Standard Mandarin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standard_Chinese \"Standard Chinese\") |   |\n| [Hanyu Pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanyu_Pinyin \"Hanyu Pinyin\") | zhōng yuán jié |\n| [Bopomofo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bopomofo \"Bopomofo\") | ㄓㄨㄥ ㄩㄢˊㄐㄧㄝˊ |\n| [Wade–Giles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wade%E2%80%93Giles \"Wade–Giles\") | chung yüan2 chieh2 |\n| [Yale Romanization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yale_romanization_of_Mandarin \"Yale romanization of Mandarin\") | jūng ywán jyé |\n| [Hakka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hakka_Chinese \"Hakka Chinese\") |   |\n| [Pha̍k-fa-sṳ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pha%CC%8Dk-fa-s%E1%B9%B3 \"Pha̍k-fa-sṳ\") | Chûng-ngièn-chiet |\n| [Yue: Cantonese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cantonese \"Cantonese\") |   |\n| [Yale Romanization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese \"Yale romanization of Cantonese\") | jūng yùhn jit |\n| [Jyutping](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jyutping \"Jyutping\") | zung1 jyun4 zit3 |\n| [Southern Min](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southern_Min \"Southern Min\") |   |\n| [Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkien \"Hokkien\") [POJ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\") | Tiong-goân-cheh \/ Tiong-goân-choeh \/ Tiong-goân-chiat |\n| [Tâi-lô](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiwanese_Romanization_System \"Taiwanese Romanization System\") | Tiong-guân-tseh \/ Tiong-guân-tsueh \/ Tiong-guân-tsiat |\n| [Teochew](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Teochew_dialect \"Teochew dialect\") [Peng'im](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guangdong_Romanization#Teochew \"Guangdong Romanization\") | Dong1 nguêng5\/nguang5 zoih4 |\n| [Eastern Min](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eastern_Min \"Eastern Min\") |   |\n| [Fuzhou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fuzhou_dialect \"Fuzhou dialect\") [BUC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Foochow_Romanized \"Foochow Romanized\") | Dṳ̆ng-nguòng-cáik |\n| Alternative Chinese name |   |\n| [Traditional Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_characters \"Traditional Chinese characters\") | [盂蘭盆節](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E7%9B%82%E8%98%AD%E7%9B%86%E7%AF%80 \"wikt:盂蘭盆節\") |\n| [Simplified Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simplified_Chinese_characters \"Simplified Chinese characters\") | [盂兰盆节](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E7%9B%82%E5%85%B0%E7%9B%86%E8%8A%82 \"wikt:盂兰盆节\") |\n| Transcriptions |   |\n| [Standard Mandarin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standard_Chinese \"Standard Chinese\") |   |\n| [Hanyu Pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanyu_Pinyin \"Hanyu Pinyin\") | Yú lán pén jié |\n| [Bopomofo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bopomofo \"Bopomofo\") | ㄩˊㄌㄢˊㄆㄣˊㄐㄧㄝˊ |\n| [Wade–Giles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wade%E2%80%93Giles \"Wade–Giles\") | yü2 lan2 p'ên2 chieh2 |\n| [Yale Romanization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yale_romanization_of_Mandarin \"Yale romanization of Mandarin\") | yú-lán-pén-jyé |\n| [Yue: Cantonese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cantonese \"Cantonese\") |   |\n| [Yale Romanization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese \"Yale romanization of Cantonese\") | yùh làahn pùhn jit |\n| [Jyutping](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jyutping \"Jyutping\") | jyu4 laan4 pun4 zit3 |\n| [Eastern Min](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eastern_Min \"Eastern Min\") |   |\n| [Fuzhou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fuzhou_dialect \"Fuzhou dialect\") [BUC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Foochow_Romanized \"Foochow Romanized\") | Uò-làng-buòng |\n| Second alternative Chinese name |   |\n| [Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_language \"Chinese language\") | [七月半](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%83%E6%9C%88%E5%8D%8A \"wikt:七月半\") |\n| Transcriptions |   |\n| [Hakka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hakka_Chinese \"Hakka Chinese\") |   |\n| [Pha̍k-fa-sṳ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pha%CC%8Dk-fa-s%E1%B9%B3 \"Pha̍k-fa-sṳ\") | Chhit-ngie̍t-pan |\n| [Southern Min](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southern_Min \"Southern Min\") |   |\n| [Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkien \"Hokkien\") [POJ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\") | Chhit-goe̍h-poàⁿ |\n| [Tâi-lô](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiwanese_Romanization_System \"Taiwanese Romanization System\") | Tshit-gue̍h-puànn |\n| [Teochew](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Teochew_dialect \"Teochew dialect\") [Peng'im](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guangdong_Romanization#Teochew \"Guangdong Romanization\") | Cig4 ghuêh8 buan3 |\n\nThe **Ghost Festival** or **Hungry Ghost Festival**, also known as the **Zhongyuan Festival** in [Taoism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoism \"Taoism\") and the **Yulanpen Festival** in [Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism \"Buddhism\"), is a traditional festival held in certain [East](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/East_Asia \"East Asia\") and [Southeast Asian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southeast_Asian \"Southeast Asian\") countries. According to the [traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_calendar \"Chinese calendar\"), the Ghost Festival is on the 15th night of the seventh month (14th in parts of southern China).[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-1)[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Chow_2015-2): 4, 6 [\\[note 1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-3)\n\nIn [Chinese culture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_culture \"Chinese culture\"), the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the traditional Chinese calendar is called **Ghost Day** or (especially in Taiwan) **Pudu** ([Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_language \"Chinese language\"): 普渡; [pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pinyin \"Pinyin\"): *Pǔdù*; [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\"): *Phó͘-tō͘*)[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-4) and the seventh month is generally regarded as the **Ghost Month**, in which ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased ancestors, come out from the [lower realm](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Underworld \"Underworld\") (*[Diyu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Diyu \"Diyu\")* or *[Preta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Preta \"Preta\")*). Distinct from both the [Qingming Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qingming_Festival \"Qingming Festival\") (or Tomb Sweeping Day, in spring) and [Double Ninth Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Double_Ninth_Festival \"Double Ninth Festival\") (in autumn) in which living descendants pay homage to their deceased ancestors, during Ghost Festival, the deceased are believed to visit the living.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-5)\n\nOn the fifteenth day the realms of Heaven and Hell and the realm of the living are open, and both [Taoists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoists \"Taoists\") and [Buddhists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhists \"Buddhists\") would perform rituals to transmute and absolve the sufferings of the deceased. Intrinsic to the Ghost Month is [veneration of the dead](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Veneration_of_the_dead \"Veneration of the dead\"), where traditionally the filial piety of descendants extends to their ancestors even after their deaths. Activities during the month would include preparing ritualistic food offerings, burning [incense](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Incense \"Incense\") contain [Styrax benzoin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Styrax_benzoin \"Styrax benzoin\") , and burning [joss paper](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Joss_paper \"Joss paper\"), a [papier-mâché](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Papier-m%C3%A2ch%C3%A9 \"Papier-mâché\") form of material items such as clothes, gold, and other fine goods for the visiting spirits of the ancestors. Elaborate meals (often vegetarian) would be served with empty seats for each of the deceased in the family, treating the deceased as if they are still living. Ancestor worship is what distinguishes Qingming Festival from Ghost Festival, because the latter includes paying respects to all deceased, including the same and younger generations, while the former only includes older generations. Other festivities may include [buying](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Papier-mache_offering_shops_in_Hong_Kong \"Papier-mache offering shops in Hong Kong\") and releasing miniature paper boats and [lanterns](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lantern \"Lantern\") on water, which signifies giving directions to the lost ghosts and spirits of the ancestors and other deities.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-6)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Moggallana_saves_his_mother.jpg\/250px-Moggallana_saves_his_mother.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Moggallana_saves_his_mother.jpg)\n\nA Chinese wood cut of Mulian asking the Buddha to save his mother, who has turned into a hungry ghost from hell.\n\nThe name relates to the concept of the [hungry ghost](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hungry_ghost \"Hungry ghost\"), the Chinese translation of the term *[preta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Preta \"Preta\")* in [Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism \"Buddhism\"). It plays a role in [Chinese Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Buddhism \"Chinese Buddhism\") and [Taoism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoism \"Taoism\") as well as in [Chinese folk religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_folk_religion \"Chinese folk religion\"), and represents beings who were originally living people, who have died, and who are driven by intense emotional needs in an [animalistic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Animals_in_Buddhism \"Animals in Buddhism\") way.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-sixteen-7)[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-8)[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-eleven-9)\n\nAs a Taoist festival: Taoism has the \"Three Yuan\" theory (representing the [Three Great Emperor-Officials](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Three_Great_Emperor-Officials \"Three Great Emperor-Officials\")), which the name \"Zhong Yuan\" comes from.[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001-10): 195–196  The festival flourished during the [Tang dynasty](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tang_dynasty \"Tang dynasty\"), whose rulers were partial to Taoism; and \"Zhongyuan\" became well established as the holiday's name.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-11)\n\nAs a Buddhist festival: The origin story of the modern Ghost Festival, ultimately originated from [ancient India](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ancient_India \"Ancient India\"), deriving from the [Mahayana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mahayana_Buddhism \"Mahayana Buddhism\") [scripture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_scripture \"Buddhist scripture\") known as the [Yulanpen or Ullambana Sutra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yulanpen_Sutra \"Yulanpen Sutra\").[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2013a-12): 301, 302 [\\[note 2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-13) The sutra records the time when [Maudgalyāyana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maudgaly%C4%81yana \"Maudgalyāyana\") achieves [abhijñā](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Abhij%C3%B1%C4%81 \"Abhijñā\") and uses his newfound powers to search for his deceased parents. Maudgalyayana discovers that his deceased mother was reborn into the [preta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Preta \"Preta\") or hungry ghost realm. She was in a wasted condition and Maudgalyayana tried to help her by giving her a bowl of rice. Unfortunately as a preta, she was unable to eat the rice as it was transformed into burning coal. Maudgalyayana then asks the Buddha to help him; whereupon Buddha explains how one is able to assist one's current parents and deceased parents in this life and in one's past seven lives by willingly offering food, etc., to the [sangha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sangha \"Sangha\") or monastic community during [Pravarana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pravarana \"Pravarana\") (the end of the monsoon season or [vassa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vassa \"Vassa\")), which usually occurs on the 15th day of the seventh month whereby the monastic community transfers the merits to the deceased parents, etc.,[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2013b-14): 185 [\\[note 3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-15)[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2013a-12): 293 [\\[note 4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-16)[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2014-17): 286 [\\[note 5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-18)\n\nThe [Theravadan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Theravada \"Theravada\") forms of the festival in [South](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Asia \"South Asia\") and [Southeast Asia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southeast_Asia \"Southeast Asia\") (including [Cambodia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cambodia \"Cambodia\")'s [Pchum Ben](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pchum_Ben \"Pchum Ben\")) are much older, deriving from the [Petavatthu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Petavatthu \"Petavatthu\"), a [scripture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_scripture \"Buddhist scripture\") in the [Pali Canon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pali_Canon \"Pali Canon\") that probably dates to the 3rd century BC.[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-lange-19) The Petavatthu account is broadly similar to that later recorded in the [Yulanpen Sutra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yulanpen_Sutra \"Yulanpen Sutra\"), although it concerns the disciple [Sāriputta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S%C4%81riputta \"Sāriputta\") and his family rather than [Moggallāna](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Moggall%C4%81na \"Moggallāna\").\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Chinese_floating_lotus_lanterns.jpg\/250px-Chinese_floating_lotus_lanterns.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Chinese_floating_lotus_lanterns.jpg)\n\nChinese lotus lanterns floating in a river.\n\nThe Ghost Festival is held during the seventh month of the [Chinese calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_calendar \"Chinese calendar\"). It also falls at the same time as a full moon, the new season, the fall harvest, the peak of Buddhist monastic asceticism, the rebirth of ancestors, and the assembly of the local community.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-eight-20) During this month, the gates of [hell](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Diyu \"Diyu\") are opened up and ghosts are free to roam the earth where they seek food and entertainment. These ghosts are believed to be spirits of those without descendants (or, traditionally, without descendants in the male line) or whose descendants did not pay tribute to them after they died.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls-21)[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival-22) They are desperately hungry, thirsty, and restless as a result.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls-21)[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival-22) Family members offer food and drink to the ghosts and burn [hell bank notes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hell_bank_note \"Hell bank note\") and other forms of [joss paper](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Joss_paper \"Joss paper\").[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-three-23) Joss paper items are believed to have value in the afterlife, considered to be very similar in some aspects to the material world. Families pay tribute to wandering ghosts of strangers so that these homeless souls do not intrude on their lives and bring misfortune. A large feast is held for the ghosts on the day of the ghost festival or thereabouts, when people bring samples of food and place them on an altar or outside a temple or house, to please the ghosts and ward off bad luck.[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival-22)[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001-10): 196–197  [Lotus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nelumbo_nucifera \"Nelumbo nucifera\")\\-shaped lanterns are lit and set afloat in rivers to symbolically guide lost [souls](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Soul \"Soul\") to the [afterlife](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Afterlife \"Afterlife\").[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival-24)\n\nIn some East Asian countries today, live performances are held and everyone is invited to attend. The first row of seats are always empty as this is where the ghosts sit. The shows are always put on at night and at high volumes as the sound is believed to attract and please the ghosts. Some shows include [Chinese opera](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_opera \"Chinese opera\"), dramas, and in some areas, even [burlesque](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Burlesque \"Burlesque\") shows. Traditionally Chinese opera was the main source of entertainment but the newer shows, concerts, dramas, wars, and so forth are referred to as [Getai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Getai \"Getai\").[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-nine-25) These acts are better known as \"Merry-making\".[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26)\n\nFor rituals, [Chinese Buddhists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Buddhism \"Chinese Buddhism\") and [Taoists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taoism \"Taoism\") hold ceremonies to relieve ghosts from suffering, many of them holding ceremonies in the afternoon or at night (as it is believed that the ghosts are released from hell when the sun sets). Altars are built for the deceased and priests and monks alike perform rituals for the benefit of ghosts. Monks and priests often throw rice or other small foods into the air in all directions to distribute them to the ghosts.[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) An example of such a ritual is the Chinese Buddhist [Yujia Yankou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yujia_Yankou \"Yujia Yankou\") rite, which is performed to facilitate the physical and spiritual nourishment of all [sentient beings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sentient_beings_\\(Buddhism\\) \"Sentient beings (Buddhism)\") in [saṃsāra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra_\\(Buddhism\\) \"Saṃsāra (Buddhism)\"), including the hungry ghosts.[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-27)\n\nDuring the evening, [incense](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Incense \"Incense\") is burnt in front of the doors of households.[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival-24) Incense stands for prosperity in Chinese culture, so families believe that there is more prosperity in burning more incense.[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) During the festival, some shops are closed as they want to leave the streets open for the ghosts. In the middle of each street stands an altar of incense with fresh fruit and sacrifices displayed on it.[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26)\n\nFourteen days after the festival, to make sure all the hungry ghosts find their way back to hell, people float water lanterns and set them outside their houses. These lanterns are made by setting a lotus flower-shaped lantern on a paper boat. The lanterns are used to direct the ghosts back to the underworld, and when they go out, it symbolizes that they have found their way back.[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26)\n\n## Celebrations in other parts of Asia\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=3 \"Edit section: Celebrations in other parts of Asia\")\\]\n\n[![Getai Performance in Singapore](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Chinese_Ghost_Festival_Getai_Performance_in_Singapore.jpg\/250px-Chinese_Ghost_Festival_Getai_Performance_in_Singapore.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Chinese_Ghost_Festival_Getai_Performance_in_Singapore.jpg)\n\nA Getai Performance in Singapore.\n\n### Singapore and Malaysia\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=4 \"Edit section: Singapore and Malaysia\")\\]\n\nDuring the 1800s to 1980s in [Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Singapore \"Singapore\"), temples and various organisations would hire opera troupes to perform [street opera](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Street_Opera_in_Singapore \"Chinese Street Opera in Singapore\") for the wandering ghosts and residents alike.[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-:3-28) [Malaysian Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malaysian_Chinese \"Malaysian Chinese\") would also celebrate the festival with street opera. With the decline of street opera in both Singapore and Malaysia, modern concert-like performances became a prominent feature of the Ghost Festival. Those live concerts are popularly known as [Getai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Getai \"Getai\") in [Mandarin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mandarin_Chinese \"Mandarin Chinese\") ([simplified Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simplified_Chinese_characters \"Simplified Chinese characters\"): 歌台; [traditional Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_characters \"Traditional Chinese characters\"): 歌臺; [pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pinyin \"Pinyin\"): *gētái*) or *Koh-tai* ([Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Min_Nan \"Min Nan\") [Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_language \"Chinese language\"): 歌臺; [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\"): *ko-tâi*) meaning song stages.[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-29) They are performed by groups of singers, dancers, entertainers, and opera troops or puppet shows on a temporary stage that is set up within a residential district. The festival is usually funded by the temples or organisations of each individual district. During these *Getai* the front row is left empty for the special guests—the ghosts.[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-30) It is known to be bad luck to sit on the front row of red seats, if anyone were to sit on them, they would become sick or similarly ailed.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/0\/04\/Hungry_Ghost_Festival_IVan_Damanik12_15_Agustus_2019.jpg\/250px-Hungry_Ghost_Festival_IVan_Damanik12_15_Agustus_2019.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Hungry_Ghost_Festival_IVan_Damanik12_15_Agustus_2019.jpg)\n\nA man throws the *Hell notes* during Hungry Ghost Festival in [Vihara Gunung Timur](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vihara_Gunung_Timur \"Vihara Gunung Timur\"), [Medan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Medan \"Medan\"), Indonesia.\n\nIn Indonesia, the festival is popularly known as *Chit Gwee Pua* ([Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkien \"Hokkien\") [Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_language \"Chinese language\"): [七月半](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%83%E6%9C%88%E5%8D%8A \"wikt:七月半\"); [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\"): *Chhit-goe̍h-pòaⁿ*) or *Chit Nyiat Pan* ([Hakka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hakka_Chinese \"Hakka Chinese\") [Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_language \"Chinese language\"): [七月半](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%83%E6%9C%88%E5%8D%8A \"wikt:七月半\"); [Pha̍k-fa-sṳ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pha%CC%8Dk-fa-s%E1%B9%B3 \"Pha̍k-fa-sṳ\"):*Chhit-ngie̍t-pan*), *Cioko*, or *Sembahyang Rebutan* in [Indonesian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indonesian_language \"Indonesian language\") (Scrambling prayer). Observers gather around temples and bring an offering to a spirit who died in an unlucky way, and after that, they distribute it to the poor. The way people scramble the offerings is the origin of the festival name, and the festival is mostly known in [Java Island](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Java_Island \"Java Island\"). Other areas like [North Sumatra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/North_Sumatra \"North Sumatra\"), [Riau](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Riau \"Riau\"), and [Riau islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Riau_islands \"Riau islands\") also conduct live concerts known as *Getai* ([Mandarin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mandarin_Chinese \"Mandarin Chinese\") [simplified Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simplified_Chinese_characters \"Simplified Chinese characters\"): 歌台; [traditional Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_characters \"Traditional Chinese characters\"): 歌臺; [pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pinyin \"Pinyin\"): *gētái*) like those in Malaysia and Singapore, and there are also times when observers conduct Tomb sweeping known as *Sembahyang Kubur* to respect ancestor spirits and garner luck. This is done by buying [hell notes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hell_money \"Hell money\") or *Kim Cua* ([Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkien \"Hokkien\") [Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_language \"Chinese language\"): [金紙](https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E9%87%91%E7%B4%99 \"wikt:金紙\"); [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\"): *kim-chóa*) and paper-based goods like paper house, paper horse, paper car, etc., which will end up being burned as it is believed that burned goods will be sent to help the spirits feel better in afterlife.\n\nIn the [Philippines](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Philippines \"Philippines\"), the occasion is more popularly known as *Ghost Month*, as it affects the entire seventh lunisolar month of the [Chinese calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_calendar \"Chinese calendar\") around August to September (which coincided with the months of the [Immaculate Heart of Mary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Immaculate_Heart_of_Mary \"Immaculate Heart of Mary\") and the Feast of [Our Lady of Sorrows](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Our_Lady_of_Sorrows \"Our Lady of Sorrows\") respectively). The month-long observances are mostly traditionally practiced and originated by [Chinese Filipinos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Filipinos \"Chinese Filipinos\") which its observance has since spread to other Filipinos that have become aware of it, since it reverberates economically through the [stock market](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Philippine_Stock_Exchange \"Philippine Stock Exchange\") as a sizable amount of investors stop investing and put off their investments for later dates past the occasion.[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-31) Generally, those who observe it find it to be a very unlucky time of the year, as traditional belief states that the souls of dead relatives, wandering souls or vengeful spirits roam the earth during the month-long occasion. This means that practitioners take extra precautions and caution others of making important decisions when it comes to relationships, professions, businesses, and finances. People avoid practices like, making life-changing decisions, getting married or engaged, starting new businesses, moving to a new home, traveling, signing contracts, making impulsive major financial decisions, committing to big professional projects, inaugurations, buying or selling off high priced possessions such as cars, phones, or real estate properties, staying late out at night especially kids and elderlies, making noise or whistling at night, leaving food or hanging clothes out after sunset and leaving them overnight since their human-like shape may invite spirits, or even taking pictures at night, wearing black clothes, tapping people on the head or shoulders as it may affect their luck, picking up coins or strange items you find since these may belong to the dead, or even constantly talking to oneself, or going to cemeteries alone, or answering unknown whispers or sobbing, or being constantly close to bodies of water, or constantly talking about ghosts or death. Besides these many avoidances, practitioners also make offerings and prayers for the souls of the dead, such as burning [spirit money](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spirit_money \"Spirit money\"), lighting [incense](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Incense \"Incense\"), and laying out food like fruits and drinks on home or temple altars or cemetery tombs or graves or mausoleums of deceased relatives that people during this month also start to visit. Some people also start to hold memorial services to deceased relatives or ancestors held either at home or at a Chinese temple or [funeral home](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Funeral_home \"Funeral home\").[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-32)[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-33)[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-34)[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-35) Due to occasion being held around the months of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, many Filipino Catholics and other Christians had tend to focus on the devotion of the [Virgin Mary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mary,_mother_of_Jesus \"Mary, mother of Jesus\") at home or at a church instead as a result of responsas by Catholic and Christian authorities.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/8a\/2024_Ghost_Festival_of_Bangka_Lungshan_Temple-11.2024-08-18.jpg\/250px-2024_Ghost_Festival_of_Bangka_Lungshan_Temple-11.2024-08-18.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:2024_Ghost_Festival_of_Bangka_Lungshan_Temple-11.2024-08-18.jpg)\n\nThe Ghost Festival being celebrated in the [Bangka Lungshan Temple](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Longshan_Temple_\\(Taipei\\) \"Longshan Temple (Taipei)\") in Taiwan.\n\nTraditionally, it is believed that ghosts haunt the island of [Taiwan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiwan \"Taiwan\") for the entire seventh lunisolar month, when the mid-summer *Ghost Festival* is held.[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-36) The month is known as *Ghost Month*.[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-37) The first day of the month is marked by opening the gate of a temple, symbolizing the gates of hell. On the twelfth day, lamps on the main altar are lit. On the thirteenth day, a procession of lanterns is held. On the fourteenth day, a parade is held for releasing water lanterns. Incense and food are offered to the spirits to deter them from visiting homes and [spirit paper money](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hell_money \"Hell money\") is also burnt as an offering.[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-38) During the month, people avoid surgery, buying cars, swimming, moving house, marrying, whistling, and going out or taking pictures after dark.[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-39)[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-40)[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-41)[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-42)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/77\/Food_offerings_for_the_Mid-Autumn_festival_in_Ecopark_%282017%29.jpg\/250px-Food_offerings_for_the_Mid-Autumn_festival_in_Ecopark_%282017%29.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Food_offerings_for_the_Mid-Autumn_festival_in_Ecopark_\\(2017\\).jpg)\n\nVarious food items being offered for the wandering souls in [Tháng Cô Hồn](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Th%C3%A1ng_C%C3%B4_H%E1%BB%93n&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Tháng Cô Hồn (page does not exist)\") \\[[vi](https:\/\/vi.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Th%C3%A1ng_C%C3%B4_H%E1%BB%93n \"vi:Tháng Cô Hồn\")\\].\n\nThis festival is known as *Tết Trung Nguyên*[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-43) and is viewed as a time for the pardoning of condemned souls who are released from hell. The \"homeless\" should be \"fed\" and appeased with offerings of food. Merits for the living are also earned by the release of birds and fish. The lunisolar month in which the festival takes place is colloquially known as *Tháng Cô Hồn* - the month of lonely spirits, and believed to be haunted and particularly unlucky.\n\nInfluenced by [Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism \"Buddhism\"), this holiday coincides with *Vu Lan*, the Vietnamese transliteration for Ullambana.\n\nIn modern times, Vu Lan is also seen as Parents' Day.[\\[39\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-44) People with living parents would bear a red rose and would give thanks while those without can choose to bear a white rose; and attend services to pray for the deceased.\n\n### Buddhist traditions\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=10 \"Edit section: Buddhist traditions\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Kantong02.jpg\/250px-Kantong02.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Kantong02.jpg)\n\nA kantong (container made from leaves with flowers and offering) for floating on water during Pchum Ben Day in Cambodia.\n\nIn Asian [Theravadin Buddhist](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Theravada_Buddhism \"Theravada Buddhism\") countries, related traditions, ceremonies, and festivals also occur. Like its *[Ullambana Sutra](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ullambana_Sutra \"Ullambana Sutra\")*\\-origins in Mahayana Buddhist countries, the Theravada scripture, the *[Petavatthu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Petavatthu \"Petavatthu\")* gave rise to the idea of offering food to the hungry ghosts in the Theravada tradition as a form of merit-making. In stories published in the *Petavatthu* [Maudgalyayana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maudgalyayana \"Maudgalyayana\"), who also plays the central role in the rise of the concept in the Mahayana tradition, along with [Sariputta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sariputta \"Sariputta\") also play a role in the rise of the concept in the Theravada tradition.[\\[40\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-45)[\\[41\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-46)[\\[42\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-47) Similarly to the rise of the concept in Mahayana Buddhism, a version of *[Maudgalyayana Rescues His Mother](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mulian_Rescues_His_Mother \"Mulian Rescues His Mother\")*, where Maudgalyayana is replaced by Sariputta is recorded in the *Petavatthu* and is in part the basis behind the practice of the concept in Theravadin societies.[\\[43\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-48) The concept of offering food to the hungry ghosts is also found in early Buddhist literature, in the *Tirokudda Kanda*.[\\[44\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-49)\n\nIn Cambodia, a fifteen-day-long annual festival known as *[Pchum Ben](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pchum_Ben \"Pchum Ben\")* occurs generally in September or October. Cambodians pay their respects to deceased relatives up to seven generations. The gates of hell are believed to open during this period and many people make offerings to these hungry ghosts.[\\[45\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-50)\n\nIn Laos, a festival known as, *Boun khao padap din* usually occurs in September each year and goes on for two weeks. During this period, it is believed that hungry ghosts are freed from hell and enter the world of the living. A second festival known as *Boun khao salak* occurs directly after the conclusion of *Boun khay padab din*. During this period, food offerings are made to the hungry ghosts.[\\[46\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-51)\n\nIn Sri Lanka, food offerings are made to Buddhist monks as a way for indirectly offering them to their relatives who might have been born as a hungry ghost. This is typically offered on the seventh day, three months and one year after the death day of a deceased person. It is a ceremony conducted after death as part of traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist funeral rites and is known as *mataka dānēs* or *matakadānaya*.[\\[47\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Source-52)[\\[48\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-53)[\\[49\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-54) The offerings that are made acquire [merit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Merit_\\(Buddhism\\) \"Merit (Buddhism)\") which are then transformed back into the equivalent goods in the world of the hungry ghosts.[\\[47\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Source-52) The offering that is offered on the seventh day, comes a day after personalized food offerings are given in the garden to the spirit of the deceased relative, which occurs on the sixth day.[\\[50\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-55)[\\[51\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-56) The deceased who do not reach the proper afterworld, the [Hungry Ghost realm](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Preta \"Preta\"), are feared by the living as they are believed to cause various sicknesses and disasters to the living. Buddhist monks are called upon to perform *[pirit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paritta \"Paritta\")* to ward off the floating spirits. The rite is also practiced in Thailand and Myanmar and is also practiced during the Ghost Festival that is observed in other Asian countries.[\\[52\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-57)\n\nIn Thailand, a fifteen-day-long annual festival known as *[Sat Thai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sat_Thai \"Sat Thai\")* is celebrated between September and October in Thailand especially in southern Thailand, particularly in the province of [Nakhon Si Thammarat](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nakhon_Si_Thammarat_Province \"Nakhon Si Thammarat Province\").[\\[53\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-58) Like related festivals and traditions in other parts of Asia, the deceased are believed to come back to earth for fifteen days and people make offerings to them. The festival is known as *Sat Thai* to differentiate it from the Chinese Ghost Festival which is known as *Sat Chin* in the [Thai language](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thai_language \"Thai language\").[\\[54\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-59)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Albuquerque_Bridge-Sasebo_River%2C_Sasebo.jpg\/250px-Albuquerque_Bridge-Sasebo_River%2C_Sasebo.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Albuquerque_Bridge-Sasebo_River,_Sasebo.jpg)\n\nJapanese volunteers perform [tōrō nagashi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/T%C5%8Dr%C5%8D_nagashi \"Tōrō nagashi\"): placing candle-lit lanterns for the dead into flowing water during [Obon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Obon \"Obon\"), in this case into the [Sasebo River](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sasebo,_Nagasaki \"Sasebo, Nagasaki\").\n\n*Chūgen* (中元), also *Ochūgen* (お中元), is an annual event in Japan on the 15th day of the 7th month, when people give gifts, especially to their superiors.[\\[55\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-60)[\\[56\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-61) Originally it was an annual event for giving gifts to the ancestral spirits.\n\nOne of the three days that form the *sangen* (三元) of [Daoism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daoism \"Daoism\"), it is sometimes considered a *zassetsu*, a type of [seasonal day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_calendar#Seasonal_days \"Japanese calendar\") in the [Japanese calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_calendar \"Japanese calendar\").\n\n*Obon* (sometimes transliterated *O-bon*), or simply *Bon*, is the Japanese version of the Ghost Festival.[\\[57\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon-62) It has since been transformed over time into a family reunion holiday during which people from the big cities return to their home towns and visit and clean the resting places of their ancestors.[\\[58\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-63)[\\[59\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-64)\n\nTraditionally including a dance called [Bon Odori](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bon_Odori \"Bon Odori\"),[\\[57\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon-62) Obon has existed in Japan for more than 500 years. In modern Japan, it is held on July 15 in the eastern part ([Kantō](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kant%C5%8D_region \"Kantō region\")) and on August 15 in the western part ([Kansai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kansai \"Kansai\")).\n\nIn [Okinawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Okinawa_Prefecture \"Okinawa Prefecture\") and the [Amami Islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amami_Islands \"Amami Islands\"), it is celebrated as in China, on the 15th day of the 7th lunisolar month. This festival is known as *Bun*\/*Usōrō*.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/9\/96\/Pinda_Daan_-_Jagannath_Ghat_-_Kolkata_2012-10-15_0701.JPG\/250px-Pinda_Daan_-_Jagannath_Ghat_-_Kolkata_2012-10-15_0701.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Pinda_Daan_-_Jagannath_Ghat_-_Kolkata_2012-10-15_0701.JPG)\n\nPitri Paksha rites being performed on the banks of the [Hooghly River](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hooghly_River \"Hooghly River\") at Jagannath Ghat in [Kolkata](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kolkata \"Kolkata\").\n\nThe performance of [Shraddha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%C5%9Ar%C4%81ddha \"Śrāddha\") by a son during [Pitru Paksha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pitru_Paksha \"Pitru Paksha\") is regarded as compulsory by [Hindus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hinduism \"Hinduism\"), to ensure that the soul of the ancestor goes to [heaven](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heaven#Hinduism \"Heaven\"). In this context, the scripture [Garuda Purana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Garuda_Purana \"Garuda Purana\") says, \"there is no salvation for a man without a son\". The scriptures preach that a householder should propitiate ancestors [(Pitris)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pitrs \"Pitrs\"), along with the gods [(devas)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Deva_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Deva (Hinduism)\"), ghosts [(bhutas)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bhoot_\\(ghost\\) \"Bhoot (ghost)\"), and guests. The scripture [Markandeya Purana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Markandeya_Purana \"Markandeya Purana\") says that if the ancestors are content with the shraddhas, they will bestow health, wealth, knowledge and longevity, and ultimately heaven and salvation ([moksha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Moksha \"Moksha\")) upon the performer.[\\[60\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-sastri-65)\n\nIn [Bali](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bali \"Bali\") and some parts of Indonesia, particularly among the [indigenous Hindus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hinduism_in_Indonesia \"Hinduism in Indonesia\") of Indonesia, ancestors who have died and cremated are said to return to visit their former homes. This day is known as [Hari Raya Galungan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Galungan \"Galungan\") and celebrations typically last over two weeks, often in the form of specific food and religious offerings along with festivities.[\\[61\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-66)[\\[62\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-67) The festival date is often calculated according to the [Balinese pawukon calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Balinese_pawukon_calendar \"Balinese pawukon calendar\") and typically occurs every 210 days.[\\[63\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-68)\n\n- [All Souls' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/All_Souls%27_Day \"All Souls' Day\")\n- [Buddhist art](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_art \"Buddhist art\")\n- [Chinese ghosts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_ghosts \"Chinese ghosts\")\n- [Lantern Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lantern_Festival \"Lantern Festival\")\n- [Nine Emperor God](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nine_Emperor_God \"Nine Emperor God\") \/ [Festival of Nine Emperor God](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Festival_of_Nine_Emperor_God \"Festival of Nine Emperor God\") (Chinese: 九皇, Hokkien: Kow Ong Yah, Cantonese: Kow Wong Yeh)\n- [Phi Ta Khon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Phi_Ta_Khon \"Phi Ta Khon\")\n- [Tōrō nagashi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/T%C5%8Dr%C5%8D_nagashi \"Tōrō nagashi\")\n\n## Notes on references\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=23 \"Edit section: Notes on references\")\\]\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-3)** Chow, page 4, quoting 1783 Qianlong era \"Annals of Guishan County\" (歸善縣志) Scroll 15 - Customs:  \n   '鬼節原是農曆七月十五，但元末明初之際，有言客家為了躲避元兵，提前一日過節，以便南下走難，自此鬼節就變成七月十四，流傳至今。'  \n   English translation:  \n   'The Ghost Festival originally was on the 15th day of the 7th month in the Chinese calendar, but during the late [Yuan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuan_dynasty \"Yuan dynasty\") to early [Ming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ming_dynasty \"Ming dynasty\") period, it's said that the [Hakkas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hakka \"Hakka\") in order to escape the Yuan troops, celebrated the Ghost Festival one day earlier, in order to escape disaster they fled southward. Since that time and continuing today, the date of the Ghost Festival changed to the 14th day of the 7th \\[lunisolar\\] month' \\[in parts of Southern China\\].\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-13)** Karashima:  \n   On p. 302 'Although this sutra has often been regarded as apocryphal \\[Japanese version has in recent times\\], the contents and ideas in it are well rooted in India as we have seen above. In addition to that, the vocabulary and usage of Chinese words are more archaic, compared with Kumārajīva's corpus (401-413 CE), while they resemble greatly the translations by Dharmarakṣa (fl. 265?-311 CE). Moreover, the transliteration 鉢和羅 (EH pat γwa la \\> MC pwât γwâ lâ} of Skt. pravāra (ṇā), which only occurs in this sutra and its adaptation, i.e. the *Baoen Fengpen jing* 報恩奉盆經 (T. 16, no. 686, 780a20), indicates clearly that this sutra is not apocryphal but a genuine translation, because only somebody who knew the original Indian form was able to transliterate it thus correctly into Chinese. In conclusion, I assume that \\[\\<-preceding 3 words missing in Japanese version\\] this sutra is not apocryphal, but a translation from an Indian text translated by Dharmarakṣa or somebody else in pre-Kumārajīva times \\[Japanese version has 3rd to 4th century CE\\]. \\[c.f. p 189 for equivalent in Japanese version\\]  \n   c.f. p 301 for derivation of Yulan from Middle Indic (Gandhari) \\*olana.\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-15)** Karashima:  \n   '東アジアの盂蘭盆と東南アジアのワン・オ一クパンサーなどは、いずれも、釈尊の時代に規定された様に七月十五日の自恣の日を祝っているのだが（日本ではこのことはすでに意識されていない）、東南アジアでは古代インドの暦に基づいて行われるのに対し、東アジアでは、中国の太陰暦に従っているので、ニケ月の差があり、これらが同一の行事ということに気付く人は少ない。'  \n   English Translation:  \n   'Both the East Asian Urabon \\[Yulanpen\\] and Southeast Asian Wan Ok Phansa \\[Thai name for Pravāraṇā\\] are celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month, the day of Pravāraṇā just as it was promulgated in Lord Buddha's time (in Japan, this matter is not known to people). In Southeast Asian countries, they use the ancient Indian calendar \\[or [Buddhist calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist_calendar \"Buddhist calendar\")\\] as opposed to East Asian countries where they use the [Chinese calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_calendar \"Chinese calendar\"). As there is a two month difference between the two calendars, few people realized that the two are \\[in fact\\] the same event.'\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-16)** Karashima:  \n   Pravāraṇā (Pāli Pavāraṇā) zizi 自恣 and suiyi 隨意 in Chinese, is a ceremony held at the end of the three-month rainy season retreat \\[also called vassa\\] by Buddhist monks. In Theravada Buddhism and in Nepal, it was and is still held on the full moon day of the seventh or eight month. i.e. Āśvina (September–October) or Kārttika (October–November) respectively.\n5. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-18)** Karashima:  \n   '對佛教徒來說，自古印度年曆（元旦相當於公曆三月中至四月中）四月十五日（公曆六至七月）或五月十五日（公曆七至八月）開始的三個月是雨安居。直至今天，西藏、尼泊爾、東南亞地區的僧人依然在此期間行雨安居。這一習俗也傳到沒有雨季的中國大陸中原地域，年曆和數字被原封不動地保留下來，但由印度年曆變為中國太陰曆。在中國、日本、朝鮮半島等東亞地區，雨安居從陰曆四月（公曆五月）開始，持續三個月。'  \n   English Translation: 'From the Buddhist viewpoint, based on the Ancient Indian calendar \\[or Buddhist calendar\\] (New Years is in the middle of March to the middle of April \\[in the Gregorian calendar\\]) the 15th day of the fourth month \\[Āṣāḍha\\] (June to July \\[in the Gregorian calendar\\]) or the 15th day of the fifth month \\[Śrāvaṇa\\] (July to August \\[in Gregorian calendar\\]) is the start of three month period called vassa. From ancient times to even today, the monastic community of Tibet, Nepal and Southeast Asia still follow this schedule to observe vassa. This custom was also transmitted to China which does not have a rainy season, the calendar and dates preserved unchanged from the original but instead of using the ancient Indian calendar, the lunisolar Chinese calendar is used. In China, Japan, the Korean peninsula and other East Asian regions, vassa starts on the fourth month of the lunisolar Chinese calendar (May (in the Gregorian calendar) and lasts 3 months.' \\[n.b. Since the start of vassa is fixed in East Asia in the fourth month, Pravāraṇā is also fixed to the 15th day of the seventh month\\].\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-1)**\n   [\"Zhongyuan festival\"](http:\/\/www.china.org.cn\/english\/olympic\/211929.htm). *China.org.cn*. China Internet Information Center. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20171019082154\/http:\/\/www.china.org.cn\/english\/olympic\/211929.htm) from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017.\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Chow_2015_2-0)** Chow 2015\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-4)**\n   [\"Ghost Festival\"](https:\/\/oftaiwan.org\/culture\/ghost-festival\/). *OFTaiwan*. August 22, 2017. Retrieved February 15, 2024.\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-5)**\n   [\"Culture insider - China's ghost festival\"](http:\/\/www.chinadaily.com.cn\/culture\/2014-08\/08\/content_18268375.htm). China Daily. August 8, 2014. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20171107003946\/http:\/\/www.chinadaily.com.cn\/culture\/2014-08\/08\/content_18268375.htm) from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017.\n5. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-6)**\n   [\"Chinese Ghost Festival - \"the Chinese Halloween\"\"](http:\/\/en.people.cn\/90002\/98669\/98755\/6798883.html). Peoples Daily (English). October 30, 2009. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20171107024410\/http:\/\/en.people.cn\/90002\/98669\/98755\/6798883.html) from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017.\n6. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-sixteen_7-0)** Venerable Yin-shun. *The Way to Buddhahood*. Massachusetts: Wisdom Publications: 1998.\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-8)**\n   [\"目次：冥報記白話\"](http:\/\/www.bfnn.org\/book\/article2\/1323.htm). *www.bfnn.org*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20181204134835\/http:\/\/www.bfnn.org\/book\/article2\/1323.htm) from the original on December 4, 2018. Retrieved February 25, 2023.\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-eleven_9-0)** Eberhard, Stephen F. *The Ghost Festival in Medieval China*. New Jersey: Princeton University Press: 1988. Hungry ghosts, by contrast, are a much more exceptional case, and would only occur in very unfortunate circumstances, such as if a whole family were killed or when a family no longer venerated their ancestors.\n9. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001_10-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001_10-1)\n   *中國節日的故事* (in Chinese) (1st ed.). Taipei: 將門文物出版社. 2001. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [957-755-300-1](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/957-755-300-1 \"Special:BookSources\/957-755-300-1\")\n   \n   .\n10. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-11)**\n    [\"中元节是中国的\"鬼节\"吗？听听民俗学家怎么说\"](https:\/\/www.thepaper.cn\/newsDetail_forward_1369046). *澎湃新闻*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230326023745\/https:\/\/www.thepaper.cn\/newsDetail_forward_1369046) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n11. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2013a_12-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2013a_12-1) Karashima 2013a\n12. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2013b_14-0)** Karashima 2013b\n13. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2014_17-0)** Karashima 2014\n14. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-lange_19-0)** [Langer (2007)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#CITEREFLanger2007), p. 276.\n15. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-eight_20-0)** [Teiser (1988)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#CITEREFTeiser1988).\n16. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls_21-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls_21-1)\n    [Eberhard, Wolfram](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wolfram_Eberhard \"Wolfram Eberhard\") (1952). \"The Feast of the Souls\". *Chinese Festivals*. New York: H. Wolff. pp. 129–133\\.\n17. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival_22-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival_22-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival_22-2)\n    Stepanchuk, Carol (1991). *Mooncakes and Hungry Ghosts: Festivals of China*. San Francisco: China Books & Periodicals. pp. 71–79\\. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [0-8351-2481-9](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-8351-2481-9 \"Special:BookSources\/0-8351-2481-9\")\n    \n    .\n18. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-three_23-0)** \"Hungry Ghost Festival\". Essortment, 2002. Retrieved 20 October 2008. [Essortment Articles.](http:\/\/www.essortment.com\/all\/hungryghostfes_opi.htm) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20090223182908\/http:\/\/www.essortment.com\/all\/hungryghostfes_opi.htm) February 23, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\n19. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival_24-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival_24-1)\n    Wei, Liming (2010). *Chinese Festivals: Traditions, Customs and Rituals* (Second ed.). Beijing. pp. 46–49\\. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9787508516936](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9787508516936 \"Special:BookSources\/9787508516936\")\n    \n    .\n    \n    `{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher \"Category:CS1 maint: location missing publisher\"))\n20. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-nine_25-0)** \"Chinese Culture: Hungry Ghost Festival\" [Modern China](http:\/\/www.chinese-culture.net\/html\/hungry_ghost_festival.html) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20090203210232\/http:\/\/www.chinese-culture.net\/html\/hungry_ghost_festival.html) February 3, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\n21. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-3) [***e***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-4) \"Ghost Festival\" ChinaVoc 2001–2007, [Online Store.](http:\/\/www.chinavoc.com\/festivals\/ghost.htm) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20090608143719\/http:\/\/www.chinavoc.com\/festivals\/ghost.htm) 8 June 2009 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\n22. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-27)**\n    Lye, Hun Yeow, Department of Religious Studies, University of Virginia. [\"Feeding Ghosts: A Study of the Yuqie Yankou Rite\"](https:\/\/libraetd.lib.virginia.edu\/public_view\/b8515n64w). *libraetd.lib.virginia.edu*. Retrieved May 13, 2025.\n    \n    `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list \"Category:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list\"))\n23. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-:3_28-0)**\n    Soon, Lee Tong (2000). [\"Professional Chinese Opera Troupes and Street Opera Performance in Singapore\"](https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/834397). *Asian Music*. **31** (2): 35–70\\. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.2307\/834397](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2307%2F834397). [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [0044-9202](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/0044-9202). [JSTOR](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/JSTOR_\\(identifier\\) \"JSTOR (identifier)\") [834397](https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/834397).\n24. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-29)**\n    [\"Hungry Ghost Festival\"](http:\/\/www.visitsingapore.com\/festivals-events-singapore\/cultural-festivals\/hungry-ghost-festival\/). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20180726170044\/http:\/\/www.visitsingapore.com\/festivals-events-singapore\/cultural-festivals\/hungry-ghost-festival\/) from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018.\n25. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-30)**\n    [\"Hungry Ghost Festival\"](https:\/\/rove.me\/to\/singapore\/hungry-ghost-festival). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20180726135216\/https:\/\/rove.me\/to\/singapore\/hungry-ghost-festival) from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018.\n26. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-31)**\n    [\"Why August is called the \"Ghost Month\"\"](https:\/\/www.securitybank.com\/blog\/why-august-is-called-the-ghost-month\/). *Security Bank Financial Blog*. July 18, 2022.\n27. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-32)**\n    Dy-Zulueta, Dolly (January 5, 2024). [\"Lifestyle: The Budgetarian: Money Do's and Don'ts during Ghost Month\"](https:\/\/www.philstar.com\/lifestyle\/the-budgetarian\/2024\/01\/05\/2289110\/money-dos-and-donts-during-ghost-month). *Philstar.com*.\n28. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-33)**\n    Beltran, Cito (October 27, 2023). [\"Opinion: Filipino Hungry Ghost Month\"](https:\/\/www.philstar.com\/opinion\/2023\/10\/27\/2306860\/filipino-hungry-ghost-month). *The Philippine Star*.\n29. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-34)**\n    [\"Lifestyle: Why Does \\*Everything\\* Seem To Stop During Ghost Month?\"](https:\/\/www.cosmo.ph\/lifestyle\/ghost-month-a254-20230816). *Cosmopolitan Philippines*. August 16, 2023.\n30. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-35)**\n    [\"Starweek Magazine: Ghost Month\"](https:\/\/www.philstar.com\/other-sections\/starweek-magazine\/2018\/08\/12\/1841664\/ghost-month). *The Philippine Star*. August 12, 2018.\n31. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-36)** [Mid-Summer Ghost Festival](http:\/\/www.chinatownconnection.com\/taiwan-ghost-festival.htm) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110118152706\/http:\/\/chinatownconnection.com\/taiwan-ghost-festival.htm) January 18, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), [China Town Connection](http:\/\/www.chinatownconnection.com\/) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100919002224\/http:\/\/chinatownconnection.com\/) September 19, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\").\n32. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-37)** [Ghost Month](http:\/\/www.gio.gov.tw\/info\/festival_c\/ghost_e\/html\/ghost2.htm) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20101203024217\/http:\/\/www.gio.gov.tw\/info\/festival_c\/ghost_e\/html\/ghost2.htm) 3 December 2010 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), [Ghost Festival](http:\/\/www.gio.gov.tw\/info\/festival_c\/ghost_e\/ghost.htm) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20101229022751\/http:\/\/www.gio.gov.tw\/info\/festival_c\/ghost_e\/ghost.htm) 29 December 2010 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), [Government Information Office](http:\/\/www.gio.gov.tw\/) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20050403211555\/http:\/\/www.gio.gov.tw\/) 3 April 2005 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), [Taiwan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiwan \"Taiwan\").\n33. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-38)** [Taiwan's Ghost Festival and Other Religious Events](http:\/\/www.go2taiwan.net\/monthly_selection.php?sqno=14) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20101029060207\/http:\/\/go2taiwan.net\/monthly_selection.php?sqno=14) October 29, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), [Go2Taiwan.net](http:\/\/www.go2taiwan.net\/) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100831112456\/http:\/\/www.go2taiwan.net\/) August 31, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\").\n34. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-39)**\n    [\"13 unlucky taboos to evade during Ghost Month in Taiwan\"](https:\/\/www.taiwannews.com.tw\/en\/news\/4600919). *Taiwan News*. July 28, 2022. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230326015155\/https:\/\/www.taiwannews.com.tw\/en\/news\/4600919) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n35. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-40)**\n    Loh, Lainey. [\"Hungry Ghost Festival 2022: 7 Things You Shouldn't Do\"](https:\/\/www.tatlerasia.com\/lifestyle\/arts\/hungry-ghost-festival-things-to-avoid-dos-and-donts-superstitions). *Tatler Asia*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230326015203\/https:\/\/www.tatlerasia.com\/lifestyle\/arts\/hungry-ghost-festival-things-to-avoid-dos-and-donts-superstitions) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n36. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-41)**\n    [\"Ghost Month effects cause Taiwan car sales to plunge in August\"](https:\/\/www.taiwannews.com.tw\/en\/news\/3525402). *Taiwan News*. September 8, 2018. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230326015154\/https:\/\/www.taiwannews.com.tw\/en\/news\/3525402) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n37. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-42)**\n    [\"Taiwan Quick Take: Ghost Month fuels surgeries\"](https:\/\/www.taipeitimes.com\/News\/taiwan\/archives\/2006\/07\/24\/2003320142). *Taipei Times*. July 24, 2006. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230326015156\/https:\/\/www.taipeitimes.com\/News\/taiwan\/archives\/2006\/07\/24\/2003320142) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n38. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-43)**\n    Fanchette, Sylvie; Stedman, Nicholas (2009). [*Discovering Craft Villages in Vietnam: Ten Itineraries Around Hà Nội*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=VVhi-IuMvtAC&q=%22T%E1%BA%BFt+Trung+Nguy%C3%AAn%22). IRD Editions. p. 149. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-2-7099-1671-4](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-2-7099-1671-4 \"Special:BookSources\/978-2-7099-1671-4\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830152435\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=VVhi-IuMvtAC&q=%22T%E1%BA%BFt+Trung+Nguy%C3%AAn%22) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n39. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-44)**\n    Paine, Crispin (January 10, 2019). [*Gods and Rollercoasters: Religion in Theme Parks Worldwide*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=ShB-DwAAQBAJ&dq=%22vu+Lan%22+festival&pg=PA35). Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 153. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-350-04628-3](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-350-04628-3 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-350-04628-3\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830152437\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=ShB-DwAAQBAJ&dq=%22vu+Lan%22+festival&pg=PA35) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n40. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-45)**\n    Pearce, Callum (2013). \"Buddhist funeral cultures of Southeast Asia and China\". *Mortality*. **18** (4): 388–389\\. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1080\/13576275.2013.843512](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080%2F13576275.2013.843512). [S2CID](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S2CID_\\(identifier\\) \"S2CID (identifier)\") [144383079](https:\/\/api.semanticscholar.org\/CorpusID:144383079).\n41. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-46)**\n    Schober, Juliane (2002). [*Sacred Biography in the Buddhist Traditions of South and Southeast Asia*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=oeBL7ci3MKoC). Motilal Banarsidass Publ. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9788120818125](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9788120818125 \"Special:BookSources\/9788120818125\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170212000835\/https:\/\/books.google.com.au\/books?id=oeBL7ci3MKoC&printsec=frontcover) from the original on February 12, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017.\n42. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-47)**\n    Hecker, Hellmuth, [*Maha-Moggallana*](http:\/\/www.accesstoinsight.org\/lib\/authors\/hecker\/wheel263.html), [archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20060218222714\/http:\/\/www.accesstoinsight.org\/lib\/authors\/hecker\/wheel263.html) from the original on February 18, 2006, retrieved February 11, 2017\n43. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-48)**\n    [\"StackPath\"](http:\/\/www.sacbc.org\/docs\/Thoughts%20on%20Obon.pdf) (PDF). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170211160001\/http:\/\/www.sacbc.org\/docs\/Thoughts%20on%20Obon.pdf) (PDF) from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017.\n44. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-49)**\n    Gouin, Margaret (September 10, 2012). [*Tibetan Rituals of Death: Buddhist Funerary Practices*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=7i8Jv5RuPs4C). Routledge. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9781136959172](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9781136959172 \"Special:BookSources\/9781136959172\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20161220083703\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=7i8Jv5RuPs4C&printsec=frontcover) from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016.\n45. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-50)**\n    Holt, John Clifford (April 2012). [\"Caring for the Dead Ritually in Cambodia\"](https:\/\/englishkyoto-seas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/010101.pdf) (PDF). *Southeast Asian Studies*. **1** (1): 3–75\\. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190420211625\/https:\/\/englishkyoto-seas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/010101.pdf) (PDF) from the original on April 20, 2019. Retrieved September 3, 2018.\n46. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-51)**\n    Ladwig, Patrice (2012). [\"Visitors from hell: transformative hospitality to ghosts in a Lao Buddhist festival\"](https:\/\/www.academia.edu\/1963902). *Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute*. **18**: S90–S102. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1111\/j.1467-9655.2012.01765.x](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111%2Fj.1467-9655.2012.01765.x). [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [1359-0987](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/1359-0987). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170510133041\/http:\/\/www.academia.edu\/1963902\/Visitors_from_Hell_Transformative_Hospitality_to_Ghosts_in_a_Lao_Buddhist_festival._Journal_of_the_Royal_Anthropological_Institut_2012_Vol.18_s1_90-102) from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved December 5, 2017.\n47. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Source_52-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Source_52-1) [Langer (2007)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#CITEREFLanger2007), pp. 153, 155, 173, 187, 191.\n48. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-53)**\n    Buswell, Robert E (2004). *Encyclopedia of Buddhism*. Macmillan Reference USA. p. 21. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0028659107](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0028659107 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0028659107\")\n    \n    .\n49. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-54)**\n    Williams, Paul (2005). [*Buddhism: Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=PO0lZ-TFssMC&q=mataka+d%C4%81n%C4%93s&pg=PA24). Taylor & Francis. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9780415332330](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9780415332330 \"Special:BookSources\/9780415332330\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830152440\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=PO0lZ-TFssMC&q=mataka+d%C4%81n%C4%93s&pg=PA24) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2020.\n50. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-55)**\n    Harding, John S (June 17, 2013). [*Studying Buddhism in Practice*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=MDO_7BncqKwC). Routledge. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9781136501883](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9781136501883 \"Special:BookSources\/9781136501883\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20161220082229\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=MDO_7BncqKwC&printsec=frontcover) from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016.\n51. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-56)**\n    [\"Archived copy\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20160527225922\/http:\/\/ahandfulofleaves.org\/documents\/Buddhist%20Rituals%20of%20Death%20and%20Rebirth_Contemporary%20Sri%20Lankan%20Practice%20and%20its%20Origins_Langer.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.ahandfulofleaves.org\/documents\/Buddhist%20Rituals%20of%20Death%20and%20Rebirth_Contemporary%20Sri%20Lankan%20Practice%20and%20its%20Origins_Langer.pdf) (PDF) on May 27, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016.\n    \n    `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title \"Category:CS1 maint: archived copy as title\"))\n52. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-57)**\n    [\"Ancestors - Dictionary definition of Ancestors \\| Encyclopedia.com: FREE online dictionary\"](http:\/\/www.encyclopedia.com\/religion\/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps\/ancestors). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170206185559\/http:\/\/www.encyclopedia.com\/religion\/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps\/ancestors) from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017.\n53. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-58)**\n    [\"Sat Thai Festival - Bangkok 101\"](http:\/\/www.bangkok101.com\/sat-thai-festival\/). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170207084352\/http:\/\/www.bangkok101.com\/sat-thai-festival\/) from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017.\n54. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-59)**\n    [\"Thailand Events & Festivals of October\"](http:\/\/www.sawadee.com\/thailand\/festivals\/festival10.html). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170206184757\/http:\/\/www.sawadee.com\/thailand\/festivals\/festival10.html) from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017.\n55. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-60)**\n    [\"Japanese Culture - Etiquette\"](https:\/\/culturalatlas.sbs.com.au\/japanese-culture\/japanese-culture-etiquette). *Cultural Atlas*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230326031050\/https:\/\/culturalatlas.sbs.com.au\/japanese-culture\/japanese-culture-etiquette) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n56. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-61)**\n    Davies, Roger J.; Ikeno, Osamu (June 14, 2011). [*Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=rADRAgAAQBAJ&dq=Ch%C5%ABgen+gifts&pg=PT124). Tuttle Publishing. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-4629-0051-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-4629-0051-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-4629-0051-0\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830151928\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=rADRAgAAQBAJ&dq=Ch%C5%ABgen+gifts&pg=PT124) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n57. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon_62-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon_62-1)\n    Morton, Lisa (September 15, 2015). [*Ghosts: A Haunted History*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=6T0pCgAAQBAJ&dq=obon+ghost+festival&pg=PT102). Reaktion Books. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-78023-537-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-78023-537-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-78023-537-0\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830151932\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=6T0pCgAAQBAJ&dq=obon+ghost+festival&pg=PT102) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n58. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-63)**\n    Car, Nikki Van De (March 14, 2023). [*Ritual: Magical Celebrations of Nature and Community from Around the World*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=VL14EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT66). Running Press. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-7624-8143-9](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-7624-8143-9 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-7624-8143-9\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830151933\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=VL14EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT66) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n59. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-64)**\n    Ph.D, Helen J. Baroni (January 15, 2002). [*The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=smNM4ElP3XgC&pg=PA247). The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. p. 247. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-8239-2240-6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-8239-2240-6 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-8239-2240-6\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830152031\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=smNM4ElP3XgC&pg=PA247) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.\n60. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-sastri_65-0)**\n    Sastri, S. M. Natesa (1988). [*Hindu feasts, fasts and ceremonies*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=_ibsEj8ihuoC&q=mahalaya&pg=PA15). Asian Educational Services. pp. 15–17\\. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-81-206-0402-5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-81-206-0402-5 \"Special:BookSources\/978-81-206-0402-5\")\n    \n    . [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230830152458\/https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=_ibsEj8ihuoC&q=mahalaya&pg=PA15) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2020.\n61. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-66)**\n    [\"Galungan and Kuningan in Bali - Bali Magazine\"](http:\/\/www.bali-indonesia.com\/magazine\/galungan-kuningan.htm). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190703150449\/http:\/\/www.bali-indonesia.com\/magazine\/galungan-kuningan.htm) from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.\n62. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-67)**\n    [\"Balinese ceremonies: Galungan and Kuningan\"](https:\/\/www.balispirit.com\/community\/ceremony-public\/galungan-and-kuningan). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190703150448\/https:\/\/www.balispirit.com\/community\/ceremony-public\/galungan-and-kuningan) from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.\n63. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-68)**\n    [\"The calendars of Bali\"](https:\/\/www.vilondo.com\/when-to-go-to-bali\/balinese-holidays\/the-calendars-of-bali\/). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190703150445\/https:\/\/www.vilondo.com\/when-to-go-to-bali\/balinese-holidays\/the-calendars-of-bali\/) from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.\n\n## General and cited bibliography\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=25 \"Edit section: General and cited bibliography\")\\]\n\n- Bandō, Shōjun, ed. (2005), \"The Ullambana Sutra (Taishō Vol. 16, No. 685)\", [*Apocryphal Scriptures*](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20130210115042\/http:\/\/www.bdkamerica.org\/digital\/dBET_ApocryphalScriptures_2005.pdf) (PDF), Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai English Tripitaka Series, Berkeley: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, pp. 17–44, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [978-1-886439-29-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-886439-29-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-886439-29-0\")\n  \n  , archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.bdkamerica.org\/digital\/dBET_ApocryphalScriptures_2005.pdf) (PDF) on February 10, 2013\n  .\n- Chow, Shu Kai (周樹佳) (2015),\n  \n  鬼月鉤沉-中元、盂蘭、餓鬼節\n  \n  \\[*Investigation of Ghost Month - Zhong Yuan, Ullambana and Hungry Ghost Festivals*\\] (in Traditional Chinese), Hong Kong: Chung Hwa Books (Hong Kong), [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [9789888366392](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9789888366392 \"Special:BookSources\/9789888366392\")\n- Langer, Rita (2007), [*Buddhist Rituals of Death and Rebirth: Contemporary Sri Lankan Practice and Its Origins*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=dXB9AgAAQBAJ), Abingdon: Routledge, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [9781134158720](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9781134158720 \"Special:BookSources\/9781134158720\")\n  .\n- Karashima, Seishi (2013a), \"The Meaning of Yulanpen 盂蘭盆 \"Rice Bowl\" On Pravāraṇā Day\", *Annual Report of the International Research Institute for Advance Buddhology at Soka University for the Academic Year 2012*, **XVI**: 289–305\n- Karashima, Seishi (辛嶋静志) (2013b),\n  \n  「盂蘭盆」の本当の意味 ―千四百間の誤解を解く\n  \n  \\[The Real Meaning of Urabon \\[Yulanpen\\] –The Solution to a 1400 Year Misunderstanding\\], *大法輪 (The Great Wheel of the Dharma)* (in Japanese): 182–189\n  `{{citation}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list \"Category:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list\"))\n- Karashima, Seishi (辛嶋静志)(in Chinese as 辛島靜志) (2014),\n  \n  盂蘭盆之意-自恣日的“飯鉢”\n  \n  \\[The Meaning of Yulanpen 盂蘭盆 \"Rice Bowl\" On Pravāraṇā Day\\], *中華文史論叢 (Journal of Chinese Literature and History)* (in Traditional Chinese) (114), translated by Qiu, Yun Qing (裘雲青): 279–301\n  `{{citation}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list \"Category:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list\"))\n- Mair, Victor H. (1989), [*T'ang Transformation Texts*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=lylrmgD2Bv8C), [Cambridge](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cambridge,_Massachusetts \"Cambridge, Massachusetts\"): Harvard University Press, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [9780674868151](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9780674868151 \"Special:BookSources\/9780674868151\")\n  .\n- Teiser, Stephen F. (1988), [*The Ghost Festival in Medieval China*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=anGlBZDWWLwC), [Princeton](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Princeton,_New_Jersey \"Princeton, New Jersey\"): Princeton University Press, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [978-0-691-02677-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-691-02677-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-691-02677-0\")\n  .\n\n- [The Bristol University Buddhist Death Ritual Project](http:\/\/www.bristol.ac.uk\/religion\/buddhist-centre\/projects\/bdr\/) Images and a documentary film by Ingmar Heise and Han Zhang \"The Spirit's Happy Days: Buddhist Festivals for the Dead in Southeast China\" can be downloaded there.\n- [Zhong Yuan Jie (Hungry Ghost Festival) - INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE](https:\/\/www.roots.gov.sg\/en\/ich-landing\/ich\/zhong-yuan-jie-hungry-ghost-festival)\n- [Zhongyuan Festival](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20120805025839\/http:\/\/www.china.org.cn\/english\/olympic\/211929.htm)\n- [Chinese Ghost Culture](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20090830201251\/http:\/\/www.chinaculture.org\/gb\/en_chinaway\/2004-03\/17\/content_46337.htm)\n- [Hong Kong University Library Digital Archives Oral History Project of Hong Kong](http:\/\/sunzi1.lib.hku.hk\/hkoh\/search_theme.jsp?theme_code=T903)\n- Waters, Dan (2004). [\"The Hungry Ghosts Festival in Aberdeen Street, Hong Kong\"](http:\/\/sunzi.lib.hku.hk\/hkjo\/view\/44\/4402703.pdf) (PDF). *Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Branch*. **44**: 41–55\\.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	This article is about the Chinese festival and its related traditions. For the festival in the Thai province of Loei, see Phi Ta Khon . For the festival in Nepal, see Ghost Festival (Nepal) . Ghost Festival A paper effigy of the Guanyin in Shatin , Hong Kong. Official name Zhongyuan Festival ( Taoism ) Yulanpen Festival ( Buddhism ) Also called Spirit Festival Observed by Buddhists Confunianists Taoists Significance To commemorate the opening of the gates of Hell and Heaven, and spiritual realm permitting all spirits and souls to receive sustenance, money, and other offerings. Observances Ancestor worship , offering food, burning joss paper , chanting of scriptures Date 15th day of the 7th Chinese lunisolar month 2025 date 6 September 2026 date 27 August 2027 date 16 August 2028 date 3 September Related to Obon (in Japan) Baekjung (in Korea) Vu Lan (in Vietnam) Pchum Ben (observed by Khmer people ) and Sen Kbal tek , សែនក្បាលទឹក (observed by Chinese-Cambodians) (in Cambodia) Boun Khao Padap Din (in Laos) Mataka dānēs (in Sri Lanka) Sat Thai (in Thailand) Ghost Festival Food offerings for the Ghost Festival Traditional Chinese 中元節 Simplified Chinese 中元节 Literal meaning mid-origin festival Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin zhōng yuán jié Bopomofo ㄓㄨㄥㄩㄢˊㄐㄧㄝˊ Wade–Giles chung yüan 2 chieh 2 Yale Romanization jūng ywán jyé Hakka Pha̍k-fa-sṳ Chûng-ngièn-chiet Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization jūng yùhn jit Jyutping zung 1 jyun 4 zit 3 Southern Min Hokkien POJ Tiong-goân-cheh / Tiong-goân-choeh / Tiong-goân-chiat Tâi-lô Tiong-guân-tseh / Tiong-guân-tsueh / Tiong-guân-tsiat Teochew Peng'im Dong 1 nguêng 5 /nguang 5 zoih 4 Eastern Min Fuzhou BUC Dṳ̆ng-nguòng-cáik Alternative Chinese name Traditional Chinese 盂蘭盆節 Simplified Chinese 盂兰盆节 Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Yú lán pén jié Bopomofo ㄩˊㄌㄢˊㄆㄣˊㄐㄧㄝˊ Wade–Giles yü 2 lan 2 p'ên 2 chieh 2 Yale Romanization yú-lán-pén-jyé Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization yùh làahn pùhn jit Jyutping jyu 4 laan 4 pun 4 zit 3 Eastern Min Fuzhou BUC Uò-làng-buòng Second alternative Chinese name Chinese 七月半 Transcriptions Hakka Pha̍k-fa-sṳ Chhit-ngie̍t-pan Southern Min Hokkien POJ Chhit-goe̍h-poàⁿ Tâi-lô Tshit-gue̍h-puànn Teochew Peng'im Cig 4 ghuêh 8 buan 3 The Ghost Festival or Hungry Ghost Festival , also known as the Zhongyuan Festival in Taoism and the Yulanpen Festival in Buddhism , is a traditional festival held in certain East and Southeast Asian countries. According to the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar , the Ghost Festival is on the 15th night of the seventh month (14th in parts of southern China). [ 1 ] [ 2 ] : 4, 6 [ note 1 ] In Chinese culture , the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the traditional Chinese calendar is called Ghost Day or (especially in Taiwan) Pudu ( Chinese : 普渡 ; pinyin : Pǔdù ; Pe̍h-ōe-jī : Phó͘-tō͘ ) [ 3 ] and the seventh month is generally regarded as the Ghost Month , in which ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased ancestors, come out from the lower realm ( Diyu or Preta ). Distinct from both the Qingming Festival (or Tomb Sweeping Day, in spring) and Double Ninth Festival (in autumn) in which living descendants pay homage to their deceased ancestors, during Ghost Festival, the deceased are believed to visit the living. [ 4 ] On the fifteenth day the realms of Heaven and Hell and the realm of the living are open, and both Taoists and Buddhists would perform rituals to transmute and absolve the sufferings of the deceased. Intrinsic to the Ghost Month is veneration of the dead , where traditionally the filial piety of descendants extends to their ancestors even after their deaths. Activities during the month would include preparing ritualistic food offerings, burning incense contain Styrax benzoin , and burning joss paper , a papier-mâché form of material items such as clothes, gold, and other fine goods for the visiting spirits of the ancestors. Elaborate meals (often vegetarian) would be served with empty seats for each of the deceased in the family, treating the deceased as if they are still living. Ancestor worship is what distinguishes Qingming Festival from Ghost Festival, because the latter includes paying respects to all deceased, including the same and younger generations, while the former only includes older generations. Other festivities may include buying and releasing miniature paper boats and lanterns on water, which signifies giving directions to the lost ghosts and spirits of the ancestors and other deities. [ 5 ] A Chinese wood cut of Mulian asking the Buddha to save his mother, who has turned into a hungry ghost from hell. The name relates to the concept of the hungry ghost , the Chinese translation of the term preta in Buddhism . It plays a role in Chinese Buddhism and Taoism as well as in Chinese folk religion , and represents beings who were originally living people, who have died, and who are driven by intense emotional needs in an animalistic way. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] As a Taoist festival: Taoism has the "Three Yuan" theory (representing the Three Great Emperor-Officials ), which the name "Zhong Yuan" comes from. [ 9 ] : 195–196 The festival flourished during the Tang dynasty , whose rulers were partial to Taoism; and "Zhongyuan" became well established as the holiday's name. [ 10 ] As a Buddhist festival: The origin story of the modern Ghost Festival, ultimately originated from ancient India , deriving from the Mahayana scripture known as the Yulanpen or Ullambana Sutra . [ 11 ] : 301, 302 [ note 2 ] The sutra records the time when Maudgalyāyana achieves abhijñā and uses his newfound powers to search for his deceased parents. Maudgalyayana discovers that his deceased mother was reborn into the preta or hungry ghost realm. She was in a wasted condition and Maudgalyayana tried to help her by giving her a bowl of rice. Unfortunately as a preta, she was unable to eat the rice as it was transformed into burning coal. Maudgalyayana then asks the Buddha to help him; whereupon Buddha explains how one is able to assist one's current parents and deceased parents in this life and in one's past seven lives by willingly offering food, etc., to the sangha or monastic community during Pravarana (the end of the monsoon season or vassa ), which usually occurs on the 15th day of the seventh month whereby the monastic community transfers the merits to the deceased parents, etc., [ 12 ] : 185 [ note 3 ] [ 11 ] : 293 [ note 4 ] [ 13 ] : 286 [ note 5 ] The Theravadan forms of the festival in South and Southeast Asia (including Cambodia 's Pchum Ben ) are much older, deriving from the Petavatthu , a scripture in the Pali Canon that probably dates to the 3rd century BC. [ 14 ] The Petavatthu account is broadly similar to that later recorded in the Yulanpen Sutra , although it concerns the disciple Sāriputta and his family rather than Moggallāna . Chinese lotus lanterns floating in a river. The Ghost Festival is held during the seventh month of the Chinese calendar . It also falls at the same time as a full moon, the new season, the fall harvest, the peak of Buddhist monastic asceticism, the rebirth of ancestors, and the assembly of the local community. [ 15 ] During this month, the gates of hell are opened up and ghosts are free to roam the earth where they seek food and entertainment. These ghosts are believed to be spirits of those without descendants (or, traditionally, without descendants in the male line) or whose descendants did not pay tribute to them after they died. [ 16 ] [ 17 ] They are desperately hungry, thirsty, and restless as a result. [ 16 ] [ 17 ] Family members offer food and drink to the ghosts and burn hell bank notes and other forms of joss paper . [ 18 ] Joss paper items are believed to have value in the afterlife, considered to be very similar in some aspects to the material world. Families pay tribute to wandering ghosts of strangers so that these homeless souls do not intrude on their lives and bring misfortune. A large feast is held for the ghosts on the day of the ghost festival or thereabouts, when people bring samples of food and place them on an altar or outside a temple or house, to please the ghosts and ward off bad luck. [ 17 ] [ 9 ] : 196–197 Lotus -shaped lanterns are lit and set afloat in rivers to symbolically guide lost souls to the afterlife . [ 19 ] In some East Asian countries today, live performances are held and everyone is invited to attend. The first row of seats are always empty as this is where the ghosts sit. The shows are always put on at night and at high volumes as the sound is believed to attract and please the ghosts. Some shows include Chinese opera , dramas, and in some areas, even burlesque shows. Traditionally Chinese opera was the main source of entertainment but the newer shows, concerts, dramas, wars, and so forth are referred to as Getai . [ 20 ] These acts are better known as "Merry-making". [ 21 ] For rituals, Chinese Buddhists and Taoists hold ceremonies to relieve ghosts from suffering, many of them holding ceremonies in the afternoon or at night (as it is believed that the ghosts are released from hell when the sun sets). Altars are built for the deceased and priests and monks alike perform rituals for the benefit of ghosts. Monks and priests often throw rice or other small foods into the air in all directions to distribute them to the ghosts. [ 21 ] An example of such a ritual is the Chinese Buddhist Yujia Yankou rite, which is performed to facilitate the physical and spiritual nourishment of all sentient beings in saṃsāra , including the hungry ghosts. [ 22 ] During the evening, incense is burnt in front of the doors of households. [ 19 ] Incense stands for prosperity in Chinese culture, so families believe that there is more prosperity in burning more incense. [ 21 ] During the festival, some shops are closed as they want to leave the streets open for the ghosts. In the middle of each street stands an altar of incense with fresh fruit and sacrifices displayed on it. [ 21 ] Fourteen days after the festival, to make sure all the hungry ghosts find their way back to hell, people float water lanterns and set them outside their houses. These lanterns are made by setting a lotus flower-shaped lantern on a paper boat. The lanterns are used to direct the ghosts back to the underworld, and when they go out, it symbolizes that they have found their way back. [ 21 ] Celebrations in other parts of Asia [ edit ] A Getai Performance in Singapore. Singapore and Malaysia [ edit ] During the 1800s to 1980s in Singapore , temples and various organisations would hire opera troupes to perform street opera for the wandering ghosts and residents alike. [ 23 ] Malaysian Chinese would also celebrate the festival with street opera. With the decline of street opera in both Singapore and Malaysia, modern concert-like performances became a prominent feature of the Ghost Festival. Those live concerts are popularly known as Getai in Mandarin ( simplified Chinese : 歌台 ; traditional Chinese : 歌臺 ; pinyin : gētái ) or Koh-tai ( Hokkien Chinese : 歌臺 ; Pe̍h-ōe-jī : ko-tâi ) meaning song stages. [ 24 ] They are performed by groups of singers, dancers, entertainers, and opera troops or puppet shows on a temporary stage that is set up within a residential district. The festival is usually funded by the temples or organisations of each individual district. During these Getai the front row is left empty for the special guests—the ghosts. [ 25 ] It is known to be bad luck to sit on the front row of red seats, if anyone were to sit on them, they would become sick or similarly ailed. A man throws the Hell notes during Hungry Ghost Festival in Vihara Gunung Timur , Medan , Indonesia. In Indonesia, the festival is popularly known as Chit Gwee Pua ( Hokkien Chinese : 七月半 ; Pe̍h-ōe-jī : Chhit-goe̍h-pòaⁿ ) or Chit Nyiat Pan ( Hakka Chinese : 七月半 ; Pha̍k-fa-sṳ : Chhit-ngie̍t-pan ), Cioko , or Sembahyang Rebutan in Indonesian (Scrambling prayer). Observers gather around temples and bring an offering to a spirit who died in an unlucky way, and after that, they distribute it to the poor. The way people scramble the offerings is the origin of the festival name, and the festival is mostly known in Java Island . Other areas like North Sumatra , Riau , and Riau islands also conduct live concerts known as Getai ( Mandarin simplified Chinese : 歌台 ; traditional Chinese : 歌臺 ; pinyin : gētái ) like those in Malaysia and Singapore, and there are also times when observers conduct Tomb sweeping known as Sembahyang Kubur to respect ancestor spirits and garner luck. This is done by buying hell notes or Kim Cua ( Hokkien Chinese : 金紙 ; Pe̍h-ōe-jī : kim-chóa ) and paper-based goods like paper house, paper horse, paper car, etc., which will end up being burned as it is believed that burned goods will be sent to help the spirits feel better in afterlife. In the Philippines , the occasion is more popularly known as Ghost Month , as it affects the entire seventh lunisolar month of the Chinese calendar around August to September (which coincided with the months of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows respectively). The month-long observances are mostly traditionally practiced and originated by Chinese Filipinos which its observance has since spread to other Filipinos that have become aware of it, since it reverberates economically through the stock market as a sizable amount of investors stop investing and put off their investments for later dates past the occasion. [ 26 ] Generally, those who observe it find it to be a very unlucky time of the year, as traditional belief states that the souls of dead relatives, wandering souls or vengeful spirits roam the earth during the month-long occasion. This means that practitioners take extra precautions and caution others of making important decisions when it comes to relationships, professions, businesses, and finances. People avoid practices like, making life-changing decisions, getting married or engaged, starting new businesses, moving to a new home, traveling, signing contracts, making impulsive major financial decisions, committing to big professional projects, inaugurations, buying or selling off high priced possessions such as cars, phones, or real estate properties, staying late out at night especially kids and elderlies, making noise or whistling at night, leaving food or hanging clothes out after sunset and leaving them overnight since their human-like shape may invite spirits, or even taking pictures at night, wearing black clothes, tapping people on the head or shoulders as it may affect their luck, picking up coins or strange items you find since these may belong to the dead, or even constantly talking to oneself, or going to cemeteries alone, or answering unknown whispers or sobbing, or being constantly close to bodies of water, or constantly talking about ghosts or death. Besides these many avoidances, practitioners also make offerings and prayers for the souls of the dead, such as burning spirit money , lighting incense , and laying out food like fruits and drinks on home or temple altars or cemetery tombs or graves or mausoleums of deceased relatives that people during this month also start to visit. Some people also start to hold memorial services to deceased relatives or ancestors held either at home or at a Chinese temple or funeral home . [ 27 ] [ 28 ] [ 29 ] [ 30 ] Due to occasion being held around the months of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, many Filipino Catholics and other Christians had tend to focus on the devotion of the Virgin Mary at home or at a church instead as a result of responsas by Catholic and Christian authorities. The Ghost Festival being celebrated in the Bangka Lungshan Temple in Taiwan. Traditionally, it is believed that ghosts haunt the island of Taiwan for the entire seventh lunisolar month, when the mid-summer Ghost Festival is held. [ 31 ] The month is known as Ghost Month . [ 32 ] The first day of the month is marked by opening the gate of a temple, symbolizing the gates of hell. On the twelfth day, lamps on the main altar are lit. On the thirteenth day, a procession of lanterns is held. On the fourteenth day, a parade is held for releasing water lanterns. Incense and food are offered to the spirits to deter them from visiting homes and spirit paper money is also burnt as an offering. [ 33 ] During the month, people avoid surgery, buying cars, swimming, moving house, marrying, whistling, and going out or taking pictures after dark. [ 34 ] [ 35 ] [ 36 ] [ 37 ] Various food items being offered for the wandering souls in Tháng Cô Hồn [ vi ] . This festival is known as Tết Trung Nguyên [ 38 ] and is viewed as a time for the pardoning of condemned souls who are released from hell. The "homeless" should be "fed" and appeased with offerings of food. Merits for the living are also earned by the release of birds and fish. The lunisolar month in which the festival takes place is colloquially known as Tháng Cô Hồn - the month of lonely spirits, and believed to be haunted and particularly unlucky. Influenced by Buddhism , this holiday coincides with Vu Lan , the Vietnamese transliteration for Ullambana. In modern times, Vu Lan is also seen as Parents' Day. [ 39 ] People with living parents would bear a red rose and would give thanks while those without can choose to bear a white rose; and attend services to pray for the deceased. Buddhist traditions [ edit ] A kantong (container made from leaves with flowers and offering) for floating on water during Pchum Ben Day in Cambodia. In Asian Theravadin Buddhist countries, related traditions, ceremonies, and festivals also occur. Like its Ullambana Sutra -origins in Mahayana Buddhist countries, the Theravada scripture, the Petavatthu gave rise to the idea of offering food to the hungry ghosts in the Theravada tradition as a form of merit-making. In stories published in the Petavatthu Maudgalyayana , who also plays the central role in the rise of the concept in the Mahayana tradition, along with Sariputta also play a role in the rise of the concept in the Theravada tradition. [ 40 ] [ 41 ] [ 42 ] Similarly to the rise of the concept in Mahayana Buddhism, a version of Maudgalyayana Rescues His Mother , where Maudgalyayana is replaced by Sariputta is recorded in the Petavatthu and is in part the basis behind the practice of the concept in Theravadin societies. [ 43 ] The concept of offering food to the hungry ghosts is also found in early Buddhist literature, in the Tirokudda Kanda . [ 44 ] In Cambodia, a fifteen-day-long annual festival known as Pchum Ben occurs generally in September or October. Cambodians pay their respects to deceased relatives up to seven generations. The gates of hell are believed to open during this period and many people make offerings to these hungry ghosts. [ 45 ] In Laos, a festival known as, Boun khao padap din usually occurs in September each year and goes on for two weeks. During this period, it is believed that hungry ghosts are freed from hell and enter the world of the living. A second festival known as Boun khao salak occurs directly after the conclusion of Boun khay padab din . During this period, food offerings are made to the hungry ghosts. [ 46 ] In Sri Lanka, food offerings are made to Buddhist monks as a way for indirectly offering them to their relatives who might have been born as a hungry ghost. This is typically offered on the seventh day, three months and one year after the death day of a deceased person. It is a ceremony conducted after death as part of traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist funeral rites and is known as mataka dānēs or matakadānaya . [ 47 ] [ 48 ] [ 49 ] The offerings that are made acquire merit which are then transformed back into the equivalent goods in the world of the hungry ghosts. [ 47 ] The offering that is offered on the seventh day, comes a day after personalized food offerings are given in the garden to the spirit of the deceased relative, which occurs on the sixth day. [ 50 ] [ 51 ] The deceased who do not reach the proper afterworld, the Hungry Ghost realm , are feared by the living as they are believed to cause various sicknesses and disasters to the living. Buddhist monks are called upon to perform pirit to ward off the floating spirits. The rite is also practiced in Thailand and Myanmar and is also practiced during the Ghost Festival that is observed in other Asian countries. [ 52 ] In Thailand, a fifteen-day-long annual festival known as Sat Thai is celebrated between September and October in Thailand especially in southern Thailand, particularly in the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat . [ 53 ] Like related festivals and traditions in other parts of Asia, the deceased are believed to come back to earth for fifteen days and people make offerings to them. The festival is known as Sat Thai to differentiate it from the Chinese Ghost Festival which is known as Sat Chin in the Thai language . [ 54 ] Japanese volunteers perform tōrō nagashi : placing candle-lit lanterns for the dead into flowing water during Obon , in this case into the Sasebo River . Chūgen (中元), also Ochūgen ( お中元 ) , is an annual event in Japan on the 15th day of the 7th month, when people give gifts, especially to their superiors. [ 55 ] [ 56 ] Originally it was an annual event for giving gifts to the ancestral spirits. One of the three days that form the sangen ( 三元 ) of Daoism , it is sometimes considered a zassetsu , a type of seasonal day in the Japanese calendar . Obon (sometimes transliterated O-bon ), or simply Bon , is the Japanese version of the Ghost Festival. [ 57 ] It has since been transformed over time into a family reunion holiday during which people from the big cities return to their home towns and visit and clean the resting places of their ancestors. [ 58 ] [ 59 ] Traditionally including a dance called Bon Odori , [ 57 ] Obon has existed in Japan for more than 500 years. In modern Japan, it is held on July 15 in the eastern part ( Kantō ) and on August 15 in the western part ( Kansai ). In Okinawa and the Amami Islands , it is celebrated as in China, on the 15th day of the 7th lunisolar month. This festival is known as Bun / Usōrō . Pitri Paksha rites being performed on the banks of the Hooghly River at Jagannath Ghat in Kolkata . The performance of Shraddha by a son during Pitru Paksha is regarded as compulsory by Hindus , to ensure that the soul of the ancestor goes to heaven . In this context, the scripture Garuda Purana says, "there is no salvation for a man without a son". The scriptures preach that a householder should propitiate ancestors (Pitris) , along with the gods (devas) , ghosts (bhutas) , and guests. The scripture Markandeya Purana says that if the ancestors are content with the shraddhas, they will bestow health, wealth, knowledge and longevity, and ultimately heaven and salvation ( moksha ) upon the performer. [ 60 ] In Bali and some parts of Indonesia, particularly among the indigenous Hindus of Indonesia, ancestors who have died and cremated are said to return to visit their former homes. This day is known as Hari Raya Galungan and celebrations typically last over two weeks, often in the form of specific food and religious offerings along with festivities. [ 61 ] [ 62 ] The festival date is often calculated according to the Balinese pawukon calendar and typically occurs every 210 days. [ 63 ] All Souls' Day Buddhist art Chinese ghosts Lantern Festival Nine Emperor God / Festival of Nine Emperor God (Chinese: 九皇 , Hokkien: Kow Ong Yah, Cantonese: Kow Wong Yeh) Phi Ta Khon Tōrō nagashi Notes on references [ edit ] ^ Chow, page 4, quoting 1783 Qianlong era "Annals of Guishan County" ( 歸善縣志 ) Scroll 15 - Customs: ' 鬼節原是農曆七月十五，但元末明初之際，有言客家為了躲避元兵，提前一日過節，以便南下走難，自此鬼節就變成七月十四，流傳至今。 ' English translation: 'The Ghost Festival originally was on the 15th day of the 7th month in the Chinese calendar, but during the late Yuan to early Ming period, it's said that the Hakkas in order to escape the Yuan troops, celebrated the Ghost Festival one day earlier, in order to escape disaster they fled southward. Since that time and continuing today, the date of the Ghost Festival changed to the 14th day of the 7th [lunisolar] month' [in parts of Southern China]. ^ Karashima: On p. 302 'Although this sutra has often been regarded as apocryphal [Japanese version has in recent times], the contents and ideas in it are well rooted in India as we have seen above. In addition to that, the vocabulary and usage of Chinese words are more archaic, compared with Kumārajīva's corpus (401-413 CE), while they resemble greatly the translations by Dharmarakṣa (fl. 265?-311 CE). Moreover, the transliteration 鉢和羅 (EH pat γwa la > MC pwât γwâ lâ} of Skt. pravāra (ṇā), which only occurs in this sutra and its adaptation, i.e. the Baoen Fengpen jing 報恩奉盆經 (T. 16, no. 686, 780a20), indicates clearly that this sutra is not apocryphal but a genuine translation, because only somebody who knew the original Indian form was able to transliterate it thus correctly into Chinese. In conclusion, I assume that [<-preceding 3 words missing in Japanese version] this sutra is not apocryphal, but a translation from an Indian text translated by Dharmarakṣa or somebody else in pre-Kumārajīva times [Japanese version has 3rd to 4th century CE]. [c.f. p 189 for equivalent in Japanese version] c.f. p 301 for derivation of Yulan from Middle Indic (Gandhari) olana. ^ Karashima: ' 東アジアの盂蘭盆と東南アジアのワン・オ一クパンサーなどは、いずれも、釈尊の時代に規定された様に七月十五日の自恣の日を祝っているのだが（日本ではこのことはすでに意識されていない）、東南アジアでは古代インドの暦に基づいて行われるのに対し、東アジアでは、中国の太陰暦に従っているので、ニケ月の差があり、これらが同一の行事ということに気付く人は少ない。 ' English Translation: 'Both the East Asian Urabon [Yulanpen] and Southeast Asian Wan Ok Phansa [Thai name for Pravāraṇā] are celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month, the day of Pravāraṇā just as it was promulgated in Lord Buddha's time (in Japan, this matter is not known to people). In Southeast Asian countries, they use the ancient Indian calendar [or Buddhist calendar ] as opposed to East Asian countries where they use the Chinese calendar . As there is a two month difference between the two calendars, few people realized that the two are [in fact] the same event.' ^ Karashima: Pravāraṇā (Pāli Pavāraṇā) zizi 自恣 and suiyi 隨意 in Chinese, is a ceremony held at the end of the three-month rainy season retreat [also called vassa] by Buddhist monks. In Theravada Buddhism and in Nepal, it was and is still held on the full moon day of the seventh or eight month. i.e. Āśvina (September–October) or Kārttika (October–November) respectively. ^ Karashima: '對佛教徒來說，自古印度年曆（元旦相當於公曆三月中至四月中）四月十五日（公曆六至七月）或五月十五日（公曆七至八月）開始的三個月是雨安居。直至今天，西藏、尼泊爾、東南亞地區的僧人依然在此期間行雨安居。這一習俗也傳到沒有雨季的中國大陸中原地域，年曆和數字被原封不動地保留下來，但由印度年曆變為中國太陰曆。在中國、日本、朝鮮半島等東亞地區，雨安居從陰曆四月（公曆五月）開始，持續三個月。 ' English Translation: 'From the Buddhist viewpoint, based on the Ancient Indian calendar [or Buddhist calendar] (New Years is in the middle of March to the middle of April [in the Gregorian calendar]) the 15th day of the fourth month [Āṣāḍha] (June to July [in the Gregorian calendar]) or the 15th day of the fifth month [Śrāvaṇa] (July to August [in Gregorian calendar]) is the start of three month period called vassa. From ancient times to even today, the monastic community of Tibet, Nepal and Southeast Asia still follow this schedule to observe vassa. This custom was also transmitted to China which does not have a rainy season, the calendar and dates preserved unchanged from the original but instead of using the ancient Indian calendar, the lunisolar Chinese calendar is used. In China, Japan, the Korean peninsula and other East Asian regions, vassa starts on the fourth month of the lunisolar Chinese calendar (May (in the Gregorian calendar) and lasts 3 months.' [n.b. Since the start of vassa is fixed in East Asia in the fourth month, Pravāraṇā is also fixed to the 15th day of the seventh month]. ^ "Zhongyuan festival" . China.org.cn . China Internet Information Center. Archived from the original on October 19, 2017 . Retrieved November 1, 2017 . ^ Chow 2015 ^ "Ghost Festival" . OFTaiwan . August 22, 2017 . Retrieved February 15, 2024 . ^ "Culture insider - China's ghost festival" . China Daily. August 8, 2014. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017 . 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Retrieved March 26, 2023 . ^ a b Karashima 2013a ^ Karashima 2013b ^ Karashima 2014 ^ Langer (2007) , p. 276. ^ Teiser (1988) . ^ a b Eberhard, Wolfram (1952). "The Feast of the Souls". Chinese Festivals . New York: H. Wolff. pp. 129– 133. ^ a b c Stepanchuk, Carol (1991). Mooncakes and Hungry Ghosts: Festivals of China . San Francisco: China Books & Periodicals. pp. 71– 79. ISBN 0-8351-2481-9 . ^ "Hungry Ghost Festival". Essortment, 2002. Retrieved 20 October 2008. Essortment Articles. Archived February 23, 2009, at the Wayback Machine ^ a b Wei, Liming (2010). Chinese Festivals: Traditions, Customs and Rituals (Second ed.). Beijing. pp. 46– 49. ISBN 9787508516936 . {{ cite book }} : CS1 maint: location missing publisher ( link ) ^ "Chinese Culture: Hungry Ghost Festival" Modern China Archived February 3, 2009, at the Wayback Machine ^ a b c d e "Ghost Festival" ChinaVoc 2001–2007, Online Store. Archived 8 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine ^ Lye, Hun Yeow, Department of Religious Studies, University of Virginia. "Feeding Ghosts: A Study of the Yuqie Yankou Rite" . libraetd.lib.virginia.edu . Retrieved May 13, 2025 . {{ cite web }} : CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ( link ) ^ Soon, Lee Tong (2000). "Professional Chinese Opera Troupes and Street Opera Performance in Singapore" . Asian Music . 31 (2): 35– 70. doi : 10.2307/834397 . ISSN 0044-9202 . JSTOR 834397 . ^ "Hungry Ghost Festival" . Archived from the original on July 26, 2018 . Retrieved July 26, 2018 . ^ "Hungry Ghost Festival" . Archived from the original on July 26, 2018 . Retrieved July 26, 2018 . ^ "Why August is called the "Ghost Month" " . Security Bank Financial Blog . July 18, 2022. ^ Dy-Zulueta, Dolly (January 5, 2024). "Lifestyle: The Budgetarian: Money Do's and Don'ts during Ghost Month" . Philstar.com . ^ Beltran, Cito (October 27, 2023). "Opinion: Filipino Hungry Ghost Month" . The Philippine Star . ^ "Lifestyle: Why Does Everything* Seem To Stop During Ghost Month?" . Cosmopolitan Philippines . August 16, 2023. ^ "Starweek Magazine: Ghost Month" . The Philippine Star . August 12, 2018. ^ Mid-Summer Ghost Festival Archived January 18, 2011, at the Wayback Machine , China Town Connection Archived September 19, 2010, at the Wayback Machine . ^ Ghost Month Archived 3 December 2010 at the Wayback Machine , Ghost Festival Archived 29 December 2010 at the Wayback Machine , Government Information Office Archived 3 April 2005 at the Wayback Machine , Taiwan . ^ Taiwan's Ghost Festival and Other Religious Events Archived October 29, 2010, at the Wayback Machine , Go2Taiwan.net Archived August 31, 2010, at the Wayback Machine . ^ "13 unlucky taboos to evade during Ghost Month in Taiwan" . Taiwan News . July 28, 2022. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023 . Retrieved March 26, 2023 . ^ Loh, Lainey. "Hungry Ghost Festival 2022: 7 Things You Shouldn't Do" . 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"Visitors from hell: transformative hospitality to ghosts in a Lao Buddhist festival" . Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute . 18 : S90– S102. doi : 10.1111/j.1467-9655.2012.01765.x . ISSN 1359-0987 . Archived from the original on May 10, 2017 . Retrieved December 5, 2017 . ^ a b Langer (2007) , pp. 153, 155, 173, 187, 191. ^ Buswell, Robert E (2004). Encyclopedia of Buddhism . Macmillan Reference USA. p. 21. ISBN 978-0028659107 . ^ Williams, Paul (2005). Buddhism: Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia . Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9780415332330 . Archived from the original on August 30, 2023 . Retrieved October 4, 2020 . ^ Harding, John S (June 17, 2013). Studying Buddhism in Practice . Routledge. ISBN 9781136501883 . Archived from the original on December 20, 2016 . Retrieved December 7, 2016 . ^ "Archived copy" (PDF) . Archived from the original (PDF) on May 27, 2016 . Retrieved December 7, 2016 . {{ cite web }} : CS1 maint: archived copy as title ( link ) ^ "Ancestors - Dictionary definition of Ancestors \| Encyclopedia.com: FREE online dictionary" . Archived from the original on February 6, 2017 . Retrieved February 6, 2017 . ^ "Sat Thai Festival - Bangkok 101" . Archived from the original on February 7, 2017 . Retrieved February 6, 2017 . ^ "Thailand Events & Festivals of October" . Archived from the original on February 6, 2017 . Retrieved February 6, 2017 . ^ "Japanese Culture - Etiquette" . Cultural Atlas . Archived from the original on March 26, 2023 . Retrieved March 26, 2023 . ^ Davies, Roger J.; Ikeno, Osamu (June 14, 2011). Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture . Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4629-0051-0 . Archived from the original on August 30, 2023 . Retrieved March 26, 2023 . ^ a b Morton, Lisa (September 15, 2015). Ghosts: A Haunted History . Reaktion Books. ISBN 978-1-78023-537-0 . Archived from the original on August 30, 2023 . Retrieved March 26, 2023 . ^ Car, Nikki Van De (March 14, 2023). Ritual: Magical Celebrations of Nature and Community from Around the World . Running Press. ISBN 978-0-7624-8143-9 . Archived from the original on August 30, 2023 . Retrieved March 26, 2023 . ^ Ph.D, Helen J. Baroni (January 15, 2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism . The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. p. 247. ISBN 978-0-8239-2240-6 . Archived from the original on August 30, 2023 . Retrieved March 26, 2023 . ^ Sastri, S. M. Natesa (1988). Hindu feasts, fasts and ceremonies . Asian Educational Services. pp. 15– 17. ISBN 978-81-206-0402-5 . Archived from the original on August 30, 2023 . Retrieved October 4, 2020 . ^ "Galungan and Kuningan in Bali - Bali Magazine" . Archived from the original on July 3, 2019 . Retrieved July 3, 2019 . ^ "Balinese ceremonies: Galungan and Kuningan" . Archived from the original on July 3, 2019 . Retrieved July 3, 2019 . ^ "The calendars of Bali" . Archived from the original on July 3, 2019 . Retrieved July 3, 2019 . General and cited bibliography [ edit ] Bandō, Shōjun, ed. (2005), "The Ullambana Sutra (Taishō Vol. 16, No. 685)", Apocryphal Scriptures (PDF) , Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai English Tripitaka Series, Berkeley: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, pp. 17– 44, ISBN 978-1-886439-29-0 , archived from the original (PDF) on February 10, 2013 . Chow, Shu Kai ( 周樹佳 ) (2015), 鬼月鉤沉-中元、盂蘭、餓鬼節 [ Investigation of Ghost Month - Zhong Yuan, Ullambana and Hungry Ghost Festivals ] (in Traditional Chinese), Hong Kong: Chung Hwa Books (Hong Kong), ISBN 9789888366392 Langer, Rita (2007), Buddhist Rituals of Death and Rebirth: Contemporary Sri Lankan Practice and Its Origins , Abingdon: Routledge, ISBN 9781134158720 . Karashima, Seishi (2013a), "The Meaning of Yulanpen 盂蘭盆 "Rice Bowl" On Pravāraṇā Day", Annual Report of the International Research Institute for Advance Buddhology at Soka University for the Academic Year 2012 , XVI : 289– 305 Karashima, Seishi ( 辛嶋静志 ) (2013b), 「盂蘭盆」の本当の意味 ―千四百間の誤解を解く [The Real Meaning of Urabon [Yulanpen] –The Solution to a 1400 Year Misunderstanding], 大法輪 (The Great Wheel of the Dharma) (in Japanese): 182– 189 {{ citation }} : CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ( link ) Karashima, Seishi ( 辛嶋静志 )(in Chinese as 辛島靜志 ) (2014), 盂蘭盆之意-自恣日的“飯鉢” [The Meaning of Yulanpen 盂蘭盆 "Rice Bowl" On Pravāraṇā Day], 中華文史論叢 (Journal of Chinese Literature and History) (in Traditional Chinese) (114), translated by Qiu, Yun Qing ( 裘雲青 ): 279– 301 {{ citation }} : CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ( link ) Mair, Victor H. (1989), T'ang Transformation Texts , Cambridge : Harvard University Press, ISBN 9780674868151 . Teiser, Stephen F. (1988), The Ghost Festival in Medieval China , Princeton : Princeton University Press, ISBN 978-0-691-02677-0 . The Bristol University Buddhist Death Ritual Project Images and a documentary film by Ingmar Heise and Han Zhang "The Spirit's Happy Days: Buddhist Festivals for the Dead in Southeast China" can be downloaded there. Zhong Yuan Jie (Hungry Ghost Festival) - INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE Zhongyuan Festival Chinese Ghost Culture Hong Kong University Library Digital Archives Oral History Project of Hong Kong Waters, Dan (2004). "The Hungry Ghosts Festival in Aberdeen Street, Hong Kong" (PDF) . Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Branch . 44 : 41– 55.
Markdown	[Jump to content](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#bodyContent) Main menu Main menu move to sidebar hide Navigation - [Main page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page "Visit the main page [z]") - [Contents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents "Guides to browsing Wikipedia") - [Current events](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Current_events "Articles related to current events") - [Random article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random "Visit a randomly selected article [x]") - [About Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:About "Learn about Wikipedia and how it works") - [Contact us](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contact_us "How to contact Wikipedia") Contribute - [Help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents "Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia") - [Learn to edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Introduction "Learn how to edit Wikipedia") - [Community portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Community_portal "The hub for editors") - [Recent changes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RecentChanges "A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]") - [Upload file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard "Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia") - [Special pages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:SpecialPages "A list of all special pages [q]") [![](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/icons/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page) [Search](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search "Search Wikipedia [f]") Appearance - [Donate](https://donate.wikimedia.org/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en) - [Create account](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Ghost+Festival "You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory") - [Log in](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Ghost+Festival "You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. 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[o]") ## Contents move to sidebar hide - [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival) - [1 Origins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Origins) - [2 Observance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Observance) - [3 Celebrations in other parts of Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Celebrations_in_other_parts_of_Asia) Toggle Celebrations in other parts of Asia subsection - [3\.1 Singapore and Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Singapore_and_Malaysia) - [3\.2 Indonesia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Indonesia) - [3\.3 Philippines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Philippines) - [3\.4 Taiwan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Taiwan) - [3\.5 Vietnam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Vietnam) - [4 Related traditions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Related_traditions) Toggle Related traditions subsection - [4\.1 Buddhist traditions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Buddhist_traditions) - [4\.1.1 Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Cambodia) - [4\.1.2 Laos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Laos) - [4\.1.3 Sri Lanka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Sri_Lanka) - [4\.1.4 Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Thailand) - [4\.1.5 Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Japan) - [4\.1.5.1 Chūgen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Ch%C5%ABgen) - [4\.1.5.2 Bon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Bon) - [4\.1.6 Ryukyu Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Ryukyu_Islands) - [4\.2 Hindu traditions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Hindu_traditions) - [4\.2.1 India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#India) - [4\.2.2 Indonesia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Indonesia_2) - [5 See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#See_also) - [6 Notes on references](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Notes_on_references) - [7 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#References) - [8 General and cited bibliography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#General_and_cited_bibliography) - [9 External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#External_links) Toggle the table of contents # Ghost Festival 35 languages - [العربية](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%85%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%86_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A8%D8%AD_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B9 "مهرجان الشبح الجائع – Arabic") - [Asturianu](https://ast.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival_de_les_pantasmes "Festival de les pantasmes – Asturian") - [Azərbaycanca](https://az.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruh_festival%C4%B1 "Ruh festivalı – Azerbaijani") - [閩東語 / Mìng-dĕ̤ng-ngṳ̄](https://cdo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A9k-ngu%C5%8Fk-bu%C3%A1ng "Chék-nguŏk-buáng – Mindong") - [Deutsch](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tag_der_wandernden_Seelen "Tag der wandernden Seelen – German") - [Ελληνικά](https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%A6%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%B2%CE%AC%CE%BB_%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD_%CF%86%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%AC%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD "Φεστιβάλ των φαντασμάτων – Greek") - [Español](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival_de_los_fantasmas "Festival de los fantasmas – Spanish") - [فارسی](https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%B9%DB%8C%D8%AF_%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AD "عید ارواح – Persian") - [Français](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%AAte_des_fant%C3%B4mes "Fête des fantômes – French") - [客家語 / Hak-kâ-ngî](https://hak.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhit-ngie%CC%8Dt-pan "Chhit-ngie̍t-pan – Hakka Chinese") - [Հայերեն](https://hy.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D5%88%D6%82%D6%80%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B6%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%AB_%D6%83%D5%A1%D5%BC%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%B8%D5%B6 "Ուրվականների փառատոն – Armenian") - [Bahasa Indonesia](https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival_Hantu "Festival Hantu – Indonesian") - [Italiano](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ullambana "Ullambana – Italian") - [日本語](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%83 "中元 – Japanese") - [ភាសាខ្មែរ](https://km.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E1%9E%94%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%9A%E1%9E%9C%E1%9E%8F%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%8F%E1%9E%B7%E1%9E%94%E1%9E%BB%E1%9E%8E%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%99%E1%9E%97%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%87%E1%9E%BB%E1%9F%86%E1%9E%94%E1%9E%B7%E1%9E%8E%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%8C "ប្រវត្តិបុណ្យភ្ជុំបិណ្ឌ – Khmer") - [한국어](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EB%B0%B1%EC%A4%91%EB%82%A0 "백중날 – Korean") - [മലയാളം](https://ml.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B4%97%E0%B5%8B%E0%B4%B8%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B1%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B1%E0%B5%8D_%E0%B4%AB%E0%B5%86%E0%B4%B8%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B1%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B1%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%B5%E0%B5%BD "ഗോസ്റ്റ് ഫെസ്റ്റിവൽ – Malayalam") - [Bahasa Melayu](https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perayaan_Hantu_Lapar "Perayaan Hantu Lapar – Malay") - [Nederlands](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geestenfeest "Geestenfeest – Dutch") - [Norsk bokmål](https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sp%C3%B8kelsesfesten "Spøkelsesfesten – Norwegian Bokmål") - [Polski](https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Awi%C4%99to_Duch%C3%B3w "Święto Duchów – Polish") - [Português](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival_dos_Fantasmas "Festival dos Fantasmas – Portuguese") - [Русский](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A4%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C_%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D1%8B%D1%85_%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B2 "Фестиваль голодных духов – Russian") - [Simple English](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival "Ghost Festival – Simple English") - [Српски / srpski](https://sr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A4%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BB_%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0 "Фестивал духова – Serbian") - [Svenska](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sp%C3%B6kfesten "Spökfesten – Swedish") - [తెలుగు](https://te.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B0%98%E0%B1%8B%E0%B0%B8%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%9F%E0%B1%8D_%E0%B0%AB%E0%B1%86%E0%B0%B8%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%9F%E0%B0%BF%E0%B0%B5%E0%B0%B2%E0%B1%8D "ఘోస్ట్ ఫెస్టివల్ – Telugu") - [ไทย](https://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%99 "วันสารทจีน – Thai") - [Tagalog](https://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buwan_ng_Multo "Buwan ng Multo – Tagalog") - [Українська](https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A4%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C_%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%85_%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%85%D1%96%D0%B2 "Фестиваль голодних духів – Ukrainian") - [Oʻzbekcha / ўзбекча](https://uz.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ullam-bana_festivali "Ullam-bana festivali – Uzbek") - [Tiếng Việt](https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vu-lan "Vu-lan – Vietnamese") - [閩南語 / Bân-lâm-gí](https://zh-min-nan.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhit-goe%CC%8Dh-p%C3%B2a%E2%81%BF "Chhit-goe̍h-pòaⁿ – Minnan") - [粵語](https://zh-yue.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%9B%82%E8%98%AD%E7%AF%80 "盂蘭節 – Cantonese") - [中文](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%83%E7%AF%80%E8%88%87%E7%9B%82%E8%98%AD%E7%9B%86%E7%AF%80 "中元節與盂蘭盆節 – Chinese") [Edit links](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q696781#sitelinks-wikipedia "Edit interlanguage links") - [Article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival "View the content page [c]") - [Talk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Ghost_Festival "Discuss improvements to the content page [t]") English - [Read](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival) - [Edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit "Edit this page [e]") - [View history](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=history "Past revisions of this page [h]") Tools Tools move to sidebar hide Actions - [Read](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival) - [Edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit "Edit this page [e]") - [View history](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=history) General - [What links here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:WhatLinksHere/Ghost_Festival "List of all English Wikipedia pages containing links to this page [j]") - [Related changes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RecentChangesLinked/Ghost_Festival "Recent changes in pages linked from this page [k]") - [Upload file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:File_Upload_Wizard "Upload files [u]") - [Permanent link](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&oldid=1347300754 "Permanent link to this revision of this page") - [Page information](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=info "More information about this page") - [Cite this page](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CiteThisPage&page=Ghost_Festival&id=1347300754&wpFormIdentifier=titleform "Information on how to cite this page") - [Get shortened URL](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UrlShortener&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FGhost_Festival) Print/export - [Download as PDF](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:DownloadAsPdf&page=Ghost_Festival&action=show-download-screen "Download this page as a PDF file") - [Printable version](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&printable=yes "Printable version of this page [p]") In other projects - [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Ghost_Festival) - [Wikidata item](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q696781 "Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]") Appearance move to sidebar hide From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Traditional Buddhist and Taoist festival This article is about the Chinese festival and its related traditions. For the festival in the Thai province of Loei, see [Phi Ta Khon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phi_Ta_Khon "Phi Ta Khon"). For the festival in Nepal, see [Ghost Festival (Nepal)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival_\(Nepal\) "Ghost Festival (Nepal)"). \| Ghost Festival \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/HK_ShatinYuLanFestival_KingOfGhost.JPG/250px-HK_ShatinYuLanFestival_KingOfGhost.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HK_ShatinYuLanFestival_KingOfGhost.JPG)A paper effigy of the [Guanyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanyin "Guanyin") in [Shatin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shatin "Shatin"), Hong Kong. \| \| \| Official name \| Zhongyuan Festival ([Taoism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism "Taoism")) Yulanpen Festival ([Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism "Buddhism")) \| \| Also called \| Spirit Festival \| \| Observed by \| [Buddhists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhists "Buddhists") [Confunianists](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Confunianists&action=edit&redlink=1 "Confunianists (page does not exist)") [Taoists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoists "Taoists") \| \| Significance \| To commemorate the opening of the gates of [Hell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell "Hell") and Heaven, and spiritual realm permitting all spirits and souls to receive sustenance, money, and other offerings. \| \| Observances \| [Ancestor worship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancestor_worship "Ancestor worship"), offering food, burning [joss paper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_paper "Joss paper"), chanting of scriptures \| \| Date \| 15th day of the 7th Chinese lunisolar month \| \| 2025 date \| 6 September \| \| 2026 date \| 27 August \| \| 2027 date \| 16 August \| \| 2028 date \| 3 September \| \| Related to \| [Obon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_Festival "Bon Festival") (in Japan) [Baekjung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miryang_Baekjung_Festival "Miryang Baekjung Festival") (in Korea) [Vu Lan](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vu_Lan&action=edit&redlink=1 "Vu Lan (page does not exist)") (in Vietnam) [Pchum Ben](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pchum_Ben "Pchum Ben") (observed by [Khmer people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_people "Khmer people")) and [Sen Kbal tek](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sen_Kbal_tek&action=edit&redlink=1 "Sen Kbal tek (page does not exist)"), សែនក្បាលទឹក (observed by Chinese-Cambodians) (in Cambodia) [Boun Khao Padap Din](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Laos) (in Laos) [Mataka dānēs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Sri_Lanka) (in Sri Lanka) [Sat Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sat_Thai "Sat Thai") (in Thailand) \| \| Ghost Festival \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Ancestor_worship003.JPG/250px-Ancestor_worship003.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ancestor_worship003.JPG)Food offerings for the Ghost Festival \| \| \| [Traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters "Traditional Chinese characters") \| [中元節](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%83%E7%AF%80 "wikt:中元節") \| \| [Simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters "Simplified Chinese characters") \| [中元节](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%83%E8%8A%82 "wikt:中元节") \| \| Literal meaning \| mid-origin festival \| \| Transcriptions \| \| \| [Standard Mandarin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Chinese "Standard Chinese") \| \| \| [Hanyu Pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanyu_Pinyin "Hanyu Pinyin") \| zhōng yuán jié \| \| [Bopomofo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bopomofo "Bopomofo") \| ㄓㄨㄥㄩㄢˊㄐㄧㄝˊ \| \| [Wade–Giles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wade%E2%80%93Giles "Wade–Giles") \| chung yüan2 chieh2 \| \| [Yale Romanization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale_romanization_of_Mandarin "Yale romanization of Mandarin") \| jūng ywán jyé \| \| [Hakka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakka_Chinese "Hakka Chinese") \| \| \| [Pha̍k-fa-sṳ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pha%CC%8Dk-fa-s%E1%B9%B3 "Pha̍k-fa-sṳ") \| Chûng-ngièn-chiet \| \| [Yue: Cantonese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantonese "Cantonese") \| \| \| [Yale Romanization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese "Yale romanization of Cantonese") \| jūng yùhn jit \| \| [Jyutping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyutping "Jyutping") \| zung1 jyun4 zit3 \| \| [Southern Min](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Min "Southern Min") \| \| \| [Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkien "Hokkien") [POJ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī") \| Tiong-goân-cheh / Tiong-goân-choeh / Tiong-goân-chiat \| \| [Tâi-lô](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_Romanization_System "Taiwanese Romanization System") \| Tiong-guân-tseh / Tiong-guân-tsueh / Tiong-guân-tsiat \| \| [Teochew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teochew_dialect "Teochew dialect") [Peng'im](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guangdong_Romanization#Teochew "Guangdong Romanization") \| Dong1 nguêng5/nguang5 zoih4 \| \| [Eastern Min](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Min "Eastern Min") \| \| \| [Fuzhou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuzhou_dialect "Fuzhou dialect") [BUC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foochow_Romanized "Foochow Romanized") \| Dṳ̆ng-nguòng-cáik \| \| Alternative Chinese name \| \| \| [Traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters "Traditional Chinese characters") \| [盂蘭盆節](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E7%9B%82%E8%98%AD%E7%9B%86%E7%AF%80 "wikt:盂蘭盆節") \| \| [Simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters "Simplified Chinese characters") \| [盂兰盆节](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E7%9B%82%E5%85%B0%E7%9B%86%E8%8A%82 "wikt:盂兰盆节") \| \| Transcriptions \| \| \| [Standard Mandarin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Chinese "Standard Chinese") \| \| \| [Hanyu Pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanyu_Pinyin "Hanyu Pinyin") \| Yú lán pén jié \| \| [Bopomofo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bopomofo "Bopomofo") \| ㄩˊㄌㄢˊㄆㄣˊㄐㄧㄝˊ \| \| [Wade–Giles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wade%E2%80%93Giles "Wade–Giles") \| yü2 lan2 p'ên2 chieh2 \| \| [Yale Romanization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale_romanization_of_Mandarin "Yale romanization of Mandarin") \| yú-lán-pén-jyé \| \| [Yue: Cantonese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantonese "Cantonese") \| \| \| [Yale Romanization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese "Yale romanization of Cantonese") \| yùh làahn pùhn jit \| \| [Jyutping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyutping "Jyutping") \| jyu4 laan4 pun4 zit3 \| \| [Eastern Min](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Min "Eastern Min") \| \| \| [Fuzhou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuzhou_dialect "Fuzhou dialect") [BUC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foochow_Romanized "Foochow Romanized") \| Uò-làng-buòng \| \| Second alternative Chinese name \| \| \| [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language "Chinese language") \| [七月半](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%B8%83%E6%9C%88%E5%8D%8A "wikt:七月半") \| \| Transcriptions \| \| \| [Hakka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakka_Chinese "Hakka Chinese") \| \| \| [Pha̍k-fa-sṳ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pha%CC%8Dk-fa-s%E1%B9%B3 "Pha̍k-fa-sṳ") \| Chhit-ngie̍t-pan \| \| [Southern Min](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Min "Southern Min") \| \| \| [Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkien "Hokkien") [POJ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī") \| Chhit-goe̍h-poàⁿ \| \| [Tâi-lô](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_Romanization_System "Taiwanese Romanization System") \| Tshit-gue̍h-puànn \| \| [Teochew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teochew_dialect "Teochew dialect") [Peng'im](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guangdong_Romanization#Teochew "Guangdong Romanization") \| Cig4 ghuêh8 buan3 \| \| \| \|---\| \| Part of [a series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Buddhism_in_China "Category:Buddhism in China") on \| \| [Chinese Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Buddhism "Chinese Buddhism") \| \| [![Liao dynasty statue of the Eleven Headed Guanyin in Dule Temple in Tianjin, China.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Guanyin_-_panoramio.jpg/250px-Guanyin_-_panoramio.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Guanyin_-_panoramio.jpg "Liao dynasty statue of the Eleven Headed Guanyin in Dule Temple in Tianjin, China.") Liao dynasty statue of the Eleven Headed [Guanyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanyin "Guanyin") in [Dule Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dule_Temple "Dule Temple") in [Tianjin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianjin "Tianjin"), [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China "China"). \| \| [History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Chinese_Buddhism "History of Chinese Buddhism") [Buddhism in Central Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Central_Asia "Buddhism in Central Asia") [Silk Road transmission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silk_Road_transmission_of_Buddhism "Silk Road transmission of Buddhism") [Dunhuang manuscripts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunhuang_manuscripts "Dunhuang manuscripts") [White Lotus society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Lotus_society "White Lotus society") [Bureau of Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Buddhist_and_Tibetan_Affairs "Bureau of Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs") [Four Buddhist Persecutions in China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Buddhist_Persecutions_in_China "Four Buddhist Persecutions in China") [Religion in the Song dynasty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_Song_dynasty "Religion in the Song dynasty") [Transmission to the US](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_the_United_States "Buddhism in the United States") \| \| Main Traditions [Chan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chan_Buddhism "Chan Buddhism") [Five Houses of Chan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Houses_of_Chan "Five Houses of Chan") [Linji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linji_school "Linji school") [Caodong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caodong_school "Caodong school") [Guiyang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guiyang_school "Guiyang school") [Fayan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fayan_school "Fayan school") [Yunmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yunmen_school "Yunmen school") [Oxhead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxhead_school "Oxhead school") [Hongzhou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongzhou_school "Hongzhou school") [Heze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heze_School "Heze School") [East Mountain Teaching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Mountain_Teaching "East Mountain Teaching") [Tiantai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiantai "Tiantai") [Huayan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huayan_school "Huayan school") [Pure Land](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pure_Land_Buddhism "Pure Land Buddhism") [Vinaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmaguptaka "Dharmaguptaka") [Nanshan Vinaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nanshan_Vinaya&action=edit&redlink=1 "Nanshan Vinaya (page does not exist)") [Weishi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asian_Yog%C4%81c%C4%81ra "East Asian Yogācāra") [Sanlun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asian_M%C4%81dhyamaka "East Asian Mādhyamaka") [Zhenyan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhenyan "Zhenyan") [Humanistic Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanistic_Buddhism "Humanistic Buddhism") [Chengshi](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chengshi_school&action=edit&redlink=1 "Chengshi school (page does not exist)") [Niepan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvana_School "Nirvana School") \| \| Important Figures Han dynasty to Northern and Southern dynasties (202 BC – 589 AD) [An Shigao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Shigao "An Shigao") [Lokakṣema](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lokaksema_\(Buddhist_monk\) "Lokaksema (Buddhist monk)") [Kang Senghui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kang_Senghui "Kang Senghui") [Zhu Zixing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhu_Zixing "Zhu Zixing") [Zhi Qian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhi_Qian "Zhi Qian") [Po-Srimitra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Po-Srimitra "Po-Srimitra") [Fotu Cheng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fotu_Cheng "Fotu Cheng") [Zhi Dun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhi_Dun "Zhi Dun") [Lushan Huiyuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lushan_Huiyuan "Lushan Huiyuan") [Faxian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faxian "Faxian") [Kumārajīva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kum%C4%81raj%C4%ABva "Kumārajīva") [Sengzhao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sengzhao "Sengzhao") [Daosheng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daosheng "Daosheng") [Dharmakṣema](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmak%E1%B9%A3ema "Dharmakṣema") [Baozhi](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baozhi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Baozhi (page does not exist)") [Sengyou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sengyou "Sengyou") [Emperor Wu of Liang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Wu_of_Liang "Emperor Wu of Liang") [Tanluan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tan-luan "Tan-luan") [Dazu Huike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dazu_Huike "Dazu Huike") [Sengcan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sengcan "Sengcan") [Fu Dashi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fu_Dashi "Fu Dashi") [Paramartha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramartha_\(Chinese_monk\) "Paramartha (Chinese monk)") [Song Yun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_Yun "Song Yun") [Huisheng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huisheng_\(monk\) "Huisheng (monk)") [Nanyue Huisi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanyue_Huisi "Nanyue Huisi") [Jingying Huiyuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jingying_Huiyuan "Jingying Huiyuan") [Zhiyi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhiyi "Zhiyi") [Bodhidharma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhidharma "Bodhidharma") [Master Yuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_Yuan "Master Yuan") [Bodhiruci](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhiruci "Bodhiruci") [Budai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budai "Budai") Sui dynasty to Tang dynasty (581 - 907) [Jizang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jizang "Jizang") [Dayi Daoxin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dayi_Daoxin "Dayi Daoxin") [Daochuo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daochuo "Daochuo") [Guanding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanding "Guanding") [Daoxuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daoxuan "Daoxuan") [Daman Hongren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daman_Hongren "Daman Hongren") [Zhiyan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhiyan "Zhiyan") [Xuanzang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xuanzang "Xuanzang") [Yuquan Shenxiu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuquan_Shenxiu "Yuquan Shenxiu") [Shandao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shandao "Shandao") [Huaigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huaigan "Huaigan") [Woncheuk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woncheuk "Woncheuk") [Kuiji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuiji "Kuiji") [Yijing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yijing_\(monk\) "Yijing (monk)") [Li Tongxuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_Tongxuan "Li Tongxuan") [Huineng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huineng "Huineng") [Fazang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fazang "Fazang") [Śubhakarasiṃha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Aubhakarasi%E1%B9%83ha "Śubhakarasiṃha") [Vajrabodhi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrabodhi "Vajrabodhi") [Cimin Huiri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cimin_Huiri "Cimin Huiri") [Yi Xing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi_Xing "Yi Xing") [Shenhui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenhui "Shenhui") [Jianzhen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jianzhen "Jianzhen") [Amoghavajra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amoghavajra "Amoghavajra") [Mazu Daoyi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazu_Daoyi "Mazu Daoyi") [Zhanran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhanran "Zhanran") [Baotang Wuzhu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baotang_Wuzhu "Baotang Wuzhu") [Wukong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wukong_\(monk\) "Wukong (monk)") [Wulong Shaokang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wulong_Shaokang "Wulong Shaokang") [Chengguan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chengguan_\(monk\) "Chengguan (monk)") [Layman Pang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layman_Pang "Layman Pang") [Huiguo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huiguo "Huiguo") [Fazhao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fazhao "Fazhao") [Wu Yantong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu_Yantong "Wu Yantong") [Zhenzhou Puhua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhenzhou_Puhua "Zhenzhou Puhua") [Moheyan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moheyan "Moheyan") [Guifeng Zongmi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guifeng_Zongmi "Guifeng Zongmi") [Linji Yixuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linji_Yixuan "Linji Yixuan") [Zhaozhou Congshen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhaozhou_Congshen "Zhaozhou Congshen") [Daosui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daosui "Daosui") [Guanxiu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanxiu "Guanxiu") [Yunmen Wenyan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yunmen_Wenyan "Yunmen Wenyan") [Hanshan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanshan_\(poet\) "Hanshan (poet)") [Shide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shide_\(monk\) "Shide (monk)") [Fenggan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenggan "Fenggan") Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms to Song dynasty (907 - 1279) [Yongming Yanshou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yongming_Yanshou "Yongming Yanshou") [Siming Zhili](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siming_Zhili "Siming Zhili") [Ciyun Zunshi](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ciyun_Zunshi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Ciyun Zunshi (page does not exist)") [Dānapāla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C4%81nap%C4%81la "Dānapāla") [Devasantika](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Devasantika&action=edit&redlink=1 "Devasantika (page does not exist)") [Changshui Zixuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Changshui_Zixuan&action=edit&redlink=1 "Changshui Zixuan (page does not exist)") [Jinshui Jingyuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jinshui_Jingyuan&action=edit&redlink=1 "Jinshui Jingyuan (page does not exist)") [Furong Daokai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furong_Daokai "Furong Daokai") [Gushan Zhiyuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gushan_Zhiyuan&action=edit&redlink=1 "Gushan Zhiyuan (page does not exist)") [Renyue Jingjue](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Renyue_Jingjue&action=edit&redlink=1 "Renyue Jingjue (page does not exist)") [Qingshui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarch_Ching_Chwee "Patriarch Ching Chwee") [Yuanzhao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuanzhao "Yuanzhao") [Yuanwu Keqin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuanwu_Keqin "Yuanwu Keqin") [Hongzhi Zhengjue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongzhi_Zhengjue "Hongzhi Zhengjue") [Zhenxie Qingliao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhenxie_Qingliao "Zhenxie Qingliao") [Yuanwu Keqin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuanwu_Keqin "Yuanwu Keqin") [Foyan Qingyuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foyan_Qingyuan "Foyan Qingyuan") [Dahui Zonggao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dahui_Zonggao "Dahui Zonggao") [Mao Ziyuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mao_Ziyuan "Mao Ziyuan") [Pu'an Yinsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pu%27an_Yinsu&action=edit&redlink=1 "Pu'an Yinsu (page does not exist)") [Ji Gong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ji_Gong "Ji Gong") [Zongxiao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zongxiao "Zongxiao") [Wansong Xingxiu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wansong_Xingxiu "Wansong Xingxiu") [Wumen Huikai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wumen_Huikai "Wumen Huikai") Yuan dynasty to Ming dynasty (1271 - 1644) [Yuanmeng Yunze](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yuanmeng_Yunze&action=edit&redlink=1 "Yuanmeng Yunze (page does not exist)") [Zhongfeng Mingben](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhongfeng_Mingben "Zhongfeng Mingben") [Tianru Weize](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tianru_Weize&action=edit&redlink=1 "Tianru Weize (page does not exist)") [Biefeng Datong](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Biefeng_Datong&action=edit&redlink=1 "Biefeng Datong (page does not exist)") [Shiwu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiwu "Shiwu") [Yao Guangxiao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yao_Guangxiao "Yao Guangxiao") [Li Zhi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_Zhi_\(philosopher\) "Li Zhi (philosopher)") [Yunqi Zhuhong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yunqi_Zhuhong "Yunqi Zhuhong") [Zibo Zhenke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zibo_Zhenke "Zibo Zhenke") [Hanshan Deqing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanshan_Deqing "Hanshan Deqing") [Youxi Chuandeng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youxi_Chuandeng "Youxi Chuandeng") [Miyun Yuanwu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyun_Yuanwu "Miyun Yuanwu") [Yuan Hongdao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuan_Hongdao "Yuan Hongdao") [Ouyi Zhixu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouyi_Zhixu "Ouyi Zhixu") [Yinyuan Longqi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yinyuan_Longqi "Yinyuan Longqi") Qing dynasty to modern period (1644 - present) [Poshan Haiming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poshan_Haiming "Poshan Haiming") [Tianxi Shoudeng](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tianxi_Shoudeng&action=edit&redlink=1 "Tianxi Shoudeng (page does not exist)") [Zhangxue Tongzui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhangxue_Tongzui "Zhangxue Tongzui") [Hong Ren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Ren "Hong Ren") [Kun Can](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kun_Can "Kun Can") [Bada Shanren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bada_Shanren "Bada Shanren") [Shitao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shitao "Shitao") [Yulin Tongxiu](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yulin_Tongxiu&action=edit&redlink=1 "Yulin Tongxiu (page does not exist)") [Baiting Xufa](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baiting_Xufa&action=edit&redlink=1 "Baiting Xufa (page does not exist)") [Datian Tongli](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Datian_Tongli&action=edit&redlink=1 "Datian Tongli (page does not exist)") [Peng Shaosheng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peng_Shaosheng "Peng Shaosheng") [Jixing Chewu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jixing_Chewu "Jixing Chewu") [Yang Wenhui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yang_Wenhui "Yang Wenhui") [Xuyun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xuyun "Xuyun") [Yinguang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yinguang "Yinguang") [Zhuan Dao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhuan_Dao "Zhuan Dao") [Tanxu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanxu "Tanxu") [Yuanying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuanying "Yuanying") [Hong Yi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Yi "Hong Yi") [Su Manshu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Su_Manshu "Su Manshu") [Nenghai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nenghai "Nenghai") [Taixu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taixu "Taixu") [Guang Qin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guang_Qin "Guang Qin") [Charles Luk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Luk "Charles Luk") [Yin Shun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yin_Shun "Yin Shun") [Benhuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benhuan "Benhuan") [Hong Choon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Choon "Hong Choon") [Dongchu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongchu "Dongchu") [Zhao Puchu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhao_Puchu "Zhao Puchu") [Ho Yuen Hoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Yuen_Hoe "Ho Yuen Hoe") [Mengcan](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mengcan&action=edit&redlink=1 "Mengcan (page does not exist)") [Chan Yun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chan_Yun "Chan Yun") [Hsuan Hua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hsuan_Hua "Hsuan Hua") [Nan Huai-Chin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nan_Huai-Chin "Nan Huai-Chin") [Sik Kok Kwong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sik_Kok_Kwong "Sik Kok Kwong") [Ashin Jinarakkhita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashin_Jinarakkhita "Ashin Jinarakkhita") [Yicheng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yicheng_\(monk\) "Yicheng (monk)") [Chin Kung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chin_Kung "Chin Kung") [Hsing Yun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hsing_Yun "Hsing Yun") [Wei Chueh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wei_Chueh "Wei Chueh") [Sheng-yen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheng-yen "Sheng-yen") [Cheng Yen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheng_Yen "Cheng Yen") [Red Pine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Pine_\(author\) "Red Pine (author)") [Hsin Tao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hsin_Tao "Hsin Tao") [Martin Verhoeven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Verhoeven "Martin Verhoeven") [Heng Sure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heng_Sure "Heng Sure") [Richard Hunn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upasaka_Wen_Shu "Upasaka Wen Shu") [Haiyun Jimeng](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Haiyun_Jimeng&action=edit&redlink=1 "Haiyun Jimeng (page does not exist)") [Chi Chern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi_Chern "Chi Chern") [Yifa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yifa "Yifa") [Shi Yan Ming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shi_Yan_Ming "Shi Yan Ming") [Imee Ooi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imee_Ooi "Imee Ooi") [Yinshun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shi_Yinshun "Shi Yinshun") \| \| Major Texts Buddhist Canons [Chinese Buddhist canon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Buddhist_canon "Chinese Buddhist canon") [Taishō Tripiṭaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taish%C5%8D_Tripi%E1%B9%ADaka "Taishō Tripiṭaka") [Panjiao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panjiao "Panjiao") Major Sūtras and Mantras [Heart Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_S%C5%ABtra "Heart Sūtra") [Large Prajñāpāramitā Sūtras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_Praj%C3%B1%C4%81p%C4%81ramit%C4%81_S%C5%ABtras "Large Prajñāpāramitā Sūtras") [Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%ADas%C4%81hasrik%C4%81_Praj%C3%B1%C4%81p%C4%81ramit%C4%81_S%C5%ABtra "Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra") [Diamond Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_S%C5%ABtra "Diamond Sūtra") [Lotus Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_S%C5%ABtra "Lotus Sūtra") [Avataṃsaka Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avata%E1%B9%83saka_S%C5%ABtra "Avataṃsaka Sūtra") [Amitābha Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amit%C4%81bha_S%C5%ABtra "Amitābha Sūtra") [Pure Land Rebirth Mantra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amitabha_Pure_Land_Rebirth_Dharani "Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Dharani") [Amitāyus Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amit%C4%81yus_Sutra "The Amitāyus Sutra") [Amitāyus Contemplation Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amit%C4%81yus_Contemplation_S%C5%ABtra "Amitāyus Contemplation Sūtra") [Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81y%C4%81na_Mah%C4%81parinirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a_S%C5%ABtra "Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra") [Śūraṅgama Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C5%ABra%E1%B9%85gama_S%C5%ABtra "Śūraṅgama Sūtra") [Sūtra of Perfect Enlightenment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%ABtra_of_Perfect_Enlightenment "Sūtra of Perfect Enlightenment") [Platform Sūtra of the Sixth Patriarch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platform_Sutra "Platform Sutra") [Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La%E1%B9%85k%C4%81vat%C4%81ra_S%C5%ABtra "Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra") [Vimalakirti Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimalakirti_Sutra "Vimalakirti Sutra") [Śrīmālādevī Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Ar%C4%ABm%C4%81l%C4%81dev%C4%AB_S%C5%ABtra "Śrīmālādevī Sūtra") [Śūraṅgama Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C5%ABra%E1%B9%85gama_S%C5%ABtra "Śūraṅgama Sūtra") [Śūraṅgama mantra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C5%ABra%E1%B9%85gama_mantra "Śūraṅgama mantra") [Medicine Buddha Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine_Buddha "Medicine Buddha") [Kṣitigarbha Pūrvapraṇidhāna Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%E1%B9%A3itigarbha_Bodhisattva_P%C5%ABrvapra%E1%B9%87idh%C4%81na_S%C5%ABtra "Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva Pūrvapraṇidhāna Sūtra") [Daśacakra Kṣitigarbha Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Da%C5%9Bacakra_K%E1%B9%A3itigarbha_S%C5%ABtra&action=edit&redlink=1 "Daśacakra Kṣitigarbha Sūtra (page does not exist)") [Mahāvairocana Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavairocana_Sutra "Mahavairocana Sutra") [Vajraśekhara Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrasekhara_Sutra "Vajrasekhara Sutra") [Susiddhikara Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susiddhikara_S%C5%ABtra "Susiddhikara Sūtra") [Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C4%81ra%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Davy%C5%ABha_S%C5%ABtra "Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra") [Cundī Dhāraṇī](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cundi_\(Buddhism\)#Cund%C4%AB_Dh%C4%81ra%E1%B9%87%C4%AB "Cundi (Buddhism)") [Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O%E1%B9%83_ma%E1%B9%87i_padme_h%C5%AB%E1%B9%83 "Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ") [Great Compassionate Dhāraṇī Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C4%ABlaka%E1%B9%87%E1%B9%ADha_Dh%C4%81ra%E1%B9%87%C4%AB "Nīlakaṇṭha Dhāraṇī") [Uṣṇīṣa Vijaya Dhāraṇī Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87%C4%AB%E1%B9%A3a_Vijaya_Dh%C4%81ra%E1%B9%87%C4%AB#U%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87%C4%AB%E1%B9%A3a_Vijaya_Dh%C4%81ra%E1%B9%87%C4%AB_S%C5%ABtra "Uṣṇīṣa Vijaya Dhāraṇī") [Cintāmaṇicakra Dhāraṇī Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cint%C4%81ma%E1%B9%87icakra "Cintāmaṇicakra") [Mahāmayūrī Vidyārājñī Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamayuri_Vidyarajni_Sutra "Mahamayuri Vidyarajni Sutra") [Dhāraṇī of Avalokiteśvara Ekadaśamukha Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleven-Faced_Avalokitesvara_Heart_Dharani_Sutra "Eleven-Faced Avalokitesvara Heart Dharani Sutra") [Humane King Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humane_King_Sutra "Humane King Sutra") [Golden Light Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Light_Sutra "Golden Light Sutra") [Ghanavyūha Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghanavy%C5%ABha_S%C5%ABtra "Ghanavyūha Sūtra") [Ullambana Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yulanpen_Sutra "Yulanpen Sutra") [Samantabhadra Meditation Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samantabhadra_Meditation_Sutra "Samantabhadra Meditation Sutra") [Sandhinirmocana Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandhinirmocana_Sutra "Sandhinirmocana Sutra") [Daśabhūmika Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Stages_Sutra "Ten Stages Sutra") [Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81ratnak%C5%AB%E1%B9%ADa_S%C5%ABtra "Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra") [Karuṇāpuṇḍarīka Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Karu%E1%B9%87%C4%81pu%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Dar%C4%ABka_S%C5%ABtra&action=edit&redlink=1 "Karuṇāpuṇḍarīka Sūtra (page does not exist)") [Sūtra of Forty-two Chapters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutra_of_Forty-two_Chapters "Sutra of Forty-two Chapters") [Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sūtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pratyutpanna_Sam%C4%81dhi_S%C5%ABtra "Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sūtra") [The Collation and Annotation of Saṃyuktāgama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Collation_and_Annotation_of_Sa%E1%B9%83yukt%C4%81gama "The Collation and Annotation of Saṃyuktāgama") [Ten Small Mantras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Small_Mantras "Ten Small Mantras") [Vajrasattva Hundred Syllable Mantra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrasattva#Hundred_Syllable_Mantra "Vajrasattva") Major Sāstras and Treatises [Discourse on the Pure Land](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discourse_on_the_Pure_Land "Discourse on the Pure Land") [Awakening of Faith in the Mahāyāna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awakening_of_Faith_in_the_Mahayana "Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana") [Abhidharmakośa-bhāsya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhidharmako%C5%9Ba-bh%C4%81sya "Abhidharmakośa-bhāsya") [Triṃśikā-vijñaptimātratā](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tri%E1%B9%83%C5%9Bik%C4%81-vij%C3%B1aptim%C4%81trat%C4%81 "Triṃśikā-vijñaptimātratā") [Mūlamadhyamakakārikā](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C5%ABlamadhyamakak%C4%81rik%C4%81 "Mūlamadhyamakakārikā") [Yogācārabhūmi-Śāstra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yog%C4%81c%C4%81rabh%C5%ABmi-%C5%9A%C4%81stra "Yogācārabhūmi-Śāstra") [Tattvasiddhi Śāstra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattvasiddhi_%C5%9A%C4%81stra "Tattvasiddhi Śāstra") [Ratnagotravibhāga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratnagotravibh%C4%81ga "Ratnagotravibhāga") [Cheng Weishi Lun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheng_Weishi_Lun "Cheng Weishi Lun") [Da Zhidu Lun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Da_Zhidu_Lun "Da Zhidu Lun") [Mohe Zhiguan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohe_Zhiguan "Mohe Zhiguan") [Mouzi Lihuolun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouzi_Lihuolun "Mouzi Lihuolun") Major Chan Manuals, Monastic Codes and Gong'an Collections [Two Entrances and Four Practices](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_Entrances_and_Four_Practices "Two Entrances and Four Practices") [Zuochan Yi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zuochan_Yi "Zuochan Yi") [Chanzong Yongjia ji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanzong_Yongjia_ji "Chanzong Yongjia ji") [Chanyuan Qinggui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanyuan_Qinggui "Chanyuan Qinggui") [Wumenguan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wumenguan "Wumenguan") [Biyan lu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biyan_lu "Biyan lu") [Congrong lu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Equanimity "Book of Equanimity") [Zhengfa Yanzang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhengfa_Yanzang "Zhengfa Yanzang") Major Histories [The History of the Temples of Luoyang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yang_Xuanzhi#Works "Yang Xuanzhi") [Records of the Western Regions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Records_of_the_Western_Regions "Records of the Western Regions") [Nanhai Jigui Neifa Zhuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Record_of_Buddhist_Practices_Sent_Home_from_the_Southern_Sea "A Record of Buddhist Practices Sent Home from the Southern Sea") [Ennin's Diary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ennin%27s_Diary "Ennin's Diary") [Transmission of the Lamp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jingde_Record_of_the_Transmission_of_the_Lamp "The Jingde Record of the Transmission of the Lamp") [Anthology of the Patriarchal Hall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthology_of_the_Patriarchal_Hall "Anthology of the Patriarchal Hall") [Memoirs of Eminent Monks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memoirs_of_Eminent_Monks "Memoirs of Eminent Monks") [Fozu Tongji](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fozu_Tongji&action=edit&redlink=1 "Fozu Tongji (page does not exist)") Literature [Xiaodao Lun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiaodao_Lun "Xiaodao Lun") [Xin Ming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xin_Ming "Xin Ming") [Xinxin Ming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinxin_Ming "Xinxin Ming") [Cantongqi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantongqi_\(Buddhism\) "Cantongqi (Buddhism)") [Baojing Sanmei Ge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_of_the_Precious_Mirror_Samadhi "Song of the Precious Mirror Samadhi") \| \| Practices and Rituals Initiation and Precepts [Three Refuges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refuge_in_Buddhism "Refuge in Buddhism") [Buddhist initiation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_initiation "Buddhist initiation") [Śīla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_ethics "Buddhist ethics") [Bodhisattva vow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattva_vow "Bodhisattva vow") [Five Precepts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Precepts "Five Precepts") [Eight Precepts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight_Precepts "Eight Precepts") [Bodhisattva Precepts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattva_Precepts "Bodhisattva Precepts") [Pratimokṣa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pratimok%E1%B9%A3a "Pratimokṣa") Specific Practices [Nianfo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nianfo "Nianfo") [Chan meditation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhyana_in_Buddhism "Dhyana in Buddhism") [Hua Tou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hua_Tou "Hua Tou") [Gong'an](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koan "Koan") [Walking meditation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walking_meditation "Walking meditation") [Samādhi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samadhi "Samadhi") [Buddha contemplation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddha_contemplation "Buddha contemplation") [Dhāraṇī](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dh%C4%81ra%E1%B9%87%C4%AB "Dhāraṇī") [Transfer of merit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_of_merit "Transfer of merit") [Buddhist devotion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_devotion "Buddhist devotion") [Jingxiang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jingxiang "Jingxiang") [Sutra copying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutra_copying "Sutra copying") [Fangsheng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_release "Life release") Rituals and Ceremonies [Puja](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C5%ABj%C4%81_\(Buddhism\) "Pūjā (Buddhism)") [Fanbai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanbai "Fanbai") [Chinese Buddhist liturgy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_liturgy#Chinese_Buddhist_liturgy_\(chaomu_kesong\) "Buddhist liturgy") [Offerings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offering_\(Buddhism\) "Offering (Buddhism)") [Prostration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostration_\(Buddhism\) "Prostration (Buddhism)") [Music](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_music#Chinese_Buddhist_music "Buddhist music") [Homa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homa_\(ritual\) "Homa (ritual)") [Yujia Yankou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yujia_Yankou "Yujia Yankou") [Shuilu Fahui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuilu_Fahui "Shuilu Fahui") [Repentance rituals](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Repentance_rituals&action=edit&redlink=1 "Repentance rituals (page does not exist)") [Liang Huang Bao Chan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_legends_about_Emperor_Wu_of_Liang#Repentance_Ritual_of_the_Emperor_of_Liang "Buddhist legends about Emperor Wu of Liang") [Dabei Chan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dabei_Chan "Dabei Chan") [Yaoshi Bao Chan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaoshi_Bao_Chan "Yaoshi Bao Chan") [Li Fo Da Chan Hui Wen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighty-eight_Buddhas_Great_Repentance_Text "Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance Text") [Kaiguang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddh%C4%81bhi%E1%B9%A3eka "Buddhābhiṣeka") [Uposatha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uposatha "Uposatha") [Ghost Festival]() Lineage and Culture [Tiyong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiyong "Tiyong") [Buddhist surname](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_surname "Buddhist surname") [Dharma name](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_name#China "Dharma name") [Dharma transmission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_transmission "Dharma transmission") \| \| Temples and Architecture List of Monasteries and Temples [List of Buddhist architecture in China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Buddhist_architecture_in_China "List of Buddhist architecture in China") [National Key Buddhist Temples in Han Chinese Area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Key_Buddhist_Temples_in_Han_Chinese_Area "National Key Buddhist Temples in Han Chinese Area") [List of Chinese Buddhist temples in Taiwan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Buddhist_temples_in_Taiwan "List of Buddhist temples in Taiwan") [List of Chinese Buddhist temples in Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Buddhist_temples_in_Singapore#Mahayana "List of Buddhist temples in Singapore") [List of Buddhist temples in Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Buddhist_temples_in_Malaysia "List of Buddhist temples in Malaysia") Buildings and Halls [Shanmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanmen "Shanmen") [Daxiong Baodian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daxiongbao_Dian "Daxiongbao Dian") [Guanyin Dian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanyin_Dian "Guanyin Dian") [Dizang Dian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dizang_Dian "Dizang Dian") [Yaoshi Dian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaoshi_Dian "Yaoshi Dian") [Tianwang Dian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianwang_Dian "Tianwang Dian") [Zushi Dian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarchs%27_Hall "Patriarchs' Hall") [Luohan Dian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luohan_Dian "Luohan Dian") [Zangjing Ge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zangjing_Ge "Zangjing Ge") [Fatang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatang "Fatang") [Dharani pillar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharani_pillar "Dharani pillar") [Pagoda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagoda "Pagoda") [Stupa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stupa "Stupa") Architectural Elements [Chinese architecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_architecture "Chinese architecture") [Ancient Chinese wooden architecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Chinese_wooden_architecture "Ancient Chinese wooden architecture") [Traditional Chinese roofing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_roofing "Traditional Chinese roofing") [Paifang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paifang "Paifang") [Chinese glazed roof tile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_glazed_roof_tile "Chinese glazed roof tile") [Chinese guardian lions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_guardian_lions "Chinese guardian lions") [Chiwen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiwen "Chiwen") [Dougong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dougong "Dougong") [Xieshan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asian_hip-and-gable_roof "East Asian hip-and-gable roof") [Caihua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caihua "Caihua") [Caisson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caisson_\(Asian_architecture\) "Caisson (Asian architecture)") [Spirit tablet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_tablet "Spirit tablet") [Shigandang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shigandang "Shigandang") [Chinese garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_garden "Chinese garden") Architectural Works [Yingzao Fashi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yingzao_Fashi "Yingzao Fashi") [Standard Design for Buddhist Temple Construction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Design_for_Buddhist_Temple_Construction "Standard Design for Buddhist Temple Construction") \| \| Sacred Sites [Mount Wutai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Wutai "Mount Wutai") [Mount Emei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Emei "Mount Emei") [Mount Jiuhua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Jiuhua "Mount Jiuhua") [Mount Putuo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Putuo "Mount Putuo") [Mount Lu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Lu "Mountain Lu") [Tiantai Mountain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiantai_Mountain "Tiantai Mountain") [Mount Xuedou](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mount_Xuedou&action=edit&redlink=1 "Mount Xuedou (page does not exist)") [Fanjingshan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanjingshan "Fanjingshan") [Mount Heng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Heng_\(Hunan\) "Mount Heng (Hunan)") [Mount Song](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Song "Mount Song") [Five Mountain System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Mountain_System "Five Mountain System") [White Horse Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Horse_Temple "White Horse Temple") [Dunhuang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunhuang "Dunhuang") [Mogao Grottoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogao_Grottoes "Mogao Grottoes") [Yulin Caves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yulin_Caves "Yulin Caves") [Five Temple Caves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Temple_Caves "Five Temple Caves") [Western Thousand Buddha Caves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Thousand_Buddha_Caves "Western Thousand Buddha Caves") [Eastern Thousand Buddha Caves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Thousand_Buddha_Caves "Eastern Thousand Buddha Caves") [Dazu Rock Carvings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dazu_Rock_Carvings "Dazu Rock Carvings") [Anyue Rock Carvings](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anyue_Rock_Carvings&action=edit&redlink=1 "Anyue Rock Carvings (page does not exist)") [Longmen Grottoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longmen_Grottoes "Longmen Grottoes") [Yungang Grottoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yungang_Grottoes "Yungang Grottoes") [Maijishan Grottoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maijishan_Grottoes "Maijishan Grottoes") [Tianlongshan Grottoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianlongshan_Grottoes "Tianlongshan Grottoes") [Shizhongshan Grottoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shizhongshan_Grottoes&action=edit&redlink=1 "Shizhongshan Grottoes (page does not exist)") [Bingling Temple Grottoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bingling_Temple "Bingling Temple") [Feilai Feng Grottos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingyin_Temple#Feilai_Feng_grottos "Lingyin Temple") [Tiantishan Caves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiantishan_Caves "Tiantishan Caves") [Shihong Temple Caves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shihong_Temple_Caves "Shihong Temple Caves") \| \| Culture and Arts [Cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_cuisine "Buddhist cuisine") [Influences on tea culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_tea_culture#Buddhism_and_tea "Chinese tea culture") [Chinese Buddhist art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_art#China "Buddhist art") [Chinese Buddhist sculpture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Buddhist_sculpture "Chinese Buddhist sculpture") [Shuilu ritual paintings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuilu_ritual_paintings "Shuilu ritual paintings") [Martial arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaolin_Kung_Fu "Shaolin Kung Fu") \| \| Organizations & Movements [Buddhist Association of China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_Association_of_China "Buddhist Association of China") [Hong Kong Buddhist Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Buddhist_Association "Hong Kong Buddhist Association") [Fo Guang Shan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fo_Guang_Shan "Fo Guang Shan") [Fo Guang University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fo_Guang_University "Fo Guang University") [Woodenfish Foundation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodenfish "Woodenfish") [Buddha's Light International Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddha%27s_Light_International_Association "Buddha's Light International Association") [Dharma Drum Mountain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_Drum_Mountain "Dharma Drum Mountain") [Dharma Drum University](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dharma_Drum_University&action=edit&redlink=1 "Dharma Drum University (page does not exist)") [Tzu Chi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tzu_Chi "Tzu Chi") [Tzu Chi Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tzu_Chi_Singapore "Tzu Chi Singapore") [Chung Tai Shan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chung_Tai_Shan "Chung Tai Shan") [Dharma Realm Buddhist Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_Realm_Buddhist_Association "Dharma Realm Buddhist Association") [Chinese Sangha of Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chinese_Sangha_of_Thailand&action=edit&redlink=1 "Chinese Sangha of Thailand (page does not exist)") [Singapore Buddhist Lodge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Buddhist_Lodge "Singapore Buddhist Lodge") [Malaysian Buddhist Institute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_Buddhist_Institute "Malaysian Buddhist Institute") \| \| Related Transmissions [Buddhism in India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_India "Buddhism in India") [Buddhism in Korea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Korea "Buddhism in Korea") [Buddhism in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Japan "Buddhism in Japan") [Buddhism in Vietnam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Vietnam "Buddhism in Vietnam") [Buddhism in Sri Lanka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Sri_Lanka "Buddhism in Sri Lanka") [Buddhism in Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Thailand "Buddhism in Thailand") [Buddhism in Myanmar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Myanmar "Buddhism in Myanmar") [Buddhism in Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Cambodia "Buddhism in Cambodia") [Buddhism in Laos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Laos "Buddhism in Laos") [Buddhism in Indonesia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Indonesia "Buddhism in Indonesia") [Buddhism in the Philippines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_the_Philippines "Buddhism in the Philippines") [Buddhism in Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Malaysia "Buddhism in Malaysia") [Buddhism in Tibet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Tibet "Buddhism in Tibet") [Buddhism in Mongolia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Mongolia "Buddhism in Mongolia") [Buddhism in Nepal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Nepal "Buddhism in Nepal") [Buddhism in Bhutan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Bhutan "Buddhism in Bhutan") \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Chinese_Buddhism "Template:Chinese Buddhism") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Chinese_Buddhism "Template talk:Chinese Buddhism") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Chinese_Buddhism "Special:EditPage/Template:Chinese Buddhism") \| \| \| \|---\| \| Part of [a series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Confucianism "Category:Confucianism") on \| \| [Confucianism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism "Confucianism") \| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/%E6%9C%A8%E9%90%B8_---_Confucian_wooden-clapper_bell.svg/120px-%E6%9C%A8%E9%90%B8_---_Confucian_wooden-clapper_bell.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%E6%9C%A8%E9%90%B8_---_Confucian_wooden-clapper_bell.svg) \| \| Early history [Spring and Autumn period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_and_Autumn_period "Spring and Autumn period") [Confucius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius "Confucius") [Warring States period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warring_States_period "Warring States period") [Mencius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mencius "Mencius") [Xunzi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xunzi_\(philosopher\) "Xunzi (philosopher)") [Western Han](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Han "Western Han") [Dong Zhongshu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dong_Zhongshu "Dong Zhongshu") [Gongsun Hong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gongsun_Hong "Gongsun Hong") \| \| Fundamental concepts [Tian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tian "Tian") [Ganying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactions_Between_Heaven_and_Mankind "Interactions Between Heaven and Mankind") [Zhengming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rectification_of_names "Rectification of names") [Xiao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filial_piety "Filial piety") [Sangang Wuchang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Fundamental_Bonds_and_Five_Constant_Virtues "Three Fundamental Bonds and Five Constant Virtues") [Li](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_\(Confucianism\) "Li (Confucianism)") [Ren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren_\(Confucianism\) "Ren (Confucianism)") [Xin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xin_\(heart-mind\) "Xin (heart-mind)") [Yi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi_\(Confucianism\) "Yi (Confucianism)") \| \| Schools [Xuanxue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xuanxue "Xuanxue") [Neo-Confucianism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Confucianism "Neo-Confucianism") [Han Learning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Learning "Han Learning") [Taigu school](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taigu_school "Taigu school") [Lingnan Confucianism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingnan_Confucianism "Lingnan Confucianism") [New Confucianism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Confucianism "New Confucianism") [Progressive Confucianism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_Confucianism "Progressive Confucianism") Hermeneutic schools [Old Text](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Texts "Old Texts") [New Text](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Text_Confucianism "New Text Confucianism") \| \| By country Asia [Korea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Confucianism "Korean Confucianism") [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo_neo-Confucianism "Edo neo-Confucianism") [Vietnam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_philosophy "Vietnamese philosophy") [Indonesia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Council_for_the_Confucian_Religion_in_Indonesia "Supreme Council for the Confucian Religion in Indonesia") Americas [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism_in_the_United_States "Confucianism in the United States") \| \| Texts [Ruzang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruzang "Ruzang") [Five Classics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Books_and_Five_Classics#Five_Classics "Four Books and Five Classics") [Classic of Poetry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classic_of_Poetry "Classic of Poetry") [Book of Documents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Documents "Book of Documents") [Book of Rites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Rites "Book of Rites") [Book of Changes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Ching "I Ching") [Spring and Autumn Annals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_and_Autumn_Annals "Spring and Autumn Annals") [Four Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Books_and_Five_Classics#Four_Books "Four Books and Five Classics") [Analects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analects "Analects") [Mencius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mencius_\(book\) "Mencius (book)") [Doctrine of the Mean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctrine_of_the_Mean "Doctrine of the Mean") [Great Learning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Learning "Great Learning") Other texts [Three Commentaries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Commentaries_on_the_Spring_and_Autumn_Annals "Three Commentaries on the Spring and Autumn Annals") [Rites of Zhou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rites_of_Zhou "Rites of Zhou") [Ceremonial Rites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette_and_Ceremonial "Etiquette and Ceremonial") [Classic of Filial Piety](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classic_of_Filial_Piety "Classic of Filial Piety") [Erya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erya "Erya") \| \| Organization [Religious Confucianism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_Confucianism "Religious Confucianism") [Confucian ritual religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucian_ritual_religion "Confucian ritual religion") [Confucian royal ancestral shrine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucian_royal_ancestral_shrine "Confucian royal ancestral shrine") [Temple of Confucius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Confucius "Temple of Confucius") [Confucian churches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucian_church "Confucian church") and sects [Holy Confucian Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Confucian_Church "Holy Confucian Church") [Indonesian Confucian Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Council_for_the_Confucian_Religion_in_Indonesia "Supreme Council for the Confucian Religion in Indonesia") [Universal Church of the Way and its Virtue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanrendao "Shanrendao") [Phoenix churches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_the_Gods_according_to_the_Confucian_Tradition "Way of the Gods according to the Confucian Tradition") [Xuanyuanism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xuanyuan_teaching "Xuanyuan teaching") [Shengdao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shengdao "Shengdao") [Nanyang Confucian Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanyang_Confucian_Association "Nanyang Confucian Association") \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Confucianism "Template:Confucianism") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Confucianism "Template talk:Confucianism") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Confucianism "Special:EditPage/Template:Confucianism") \| \| \| \|---\| \| Part of [a series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Taoism "Category:Taoism") on \| \| [Taoism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism "Taoism") \| \| [![Tao](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/07/Tao.svg/120px-Tao.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao "Tao") \| \| [Outline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_Taoism "Outline of Taoism") [History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Taoism "History of Taoism") \| \| Concepts [Taoist philosophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_philosophy "Taoist philosophy") [Tao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao "Tao") [De](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_\(Chinese\) "De (Chinese)") [Wuji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuji_\(philosophy\) "Wuji (philosophy)") [Taiji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiji_\(philosophy\) "Taiji (philosophy)") [Yin and yang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yin_and_yang "Yin and yang") [Bagua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagua "Bagua") [Wuxing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuxing_\(Chinese_philosophy\) "Wuxing (Chinese philosophy)") (five phases) [Bianhua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bianhua "Bianhua") [Fan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_\(Daoism\) "Fan (Daoism)") (reversal) [Wu wei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu_wei "Wu wei") (non-action) [Wu xin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-mind#Taoism "No-mind") (no-mind) [Ziran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziran "Ziran") [Xian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xian_\(Taoism\) "Xian (Taoism)") (immortal) [Zhenren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhenren "Zhenren") [True form](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_form_\(Taoism\) "True form (Taoism)") [Three Treasures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Treasures_\(traditional_Chinese_medicine\) "Three Treasures (traditional Chinese medicine)") [Jing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jing_\(Chinese_medicine\) "Jing (Chinese medicine)") [Qi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi "Qi") [Shen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shen_\(Chinese_religion\) "Shen (Chinese religion)") [Hun and po](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hun_and_po "Hun and po") \| \| Practices [Three Treasures (virtues)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Treasures_\(Taoism\) "Three Treasures (Taoism)") [Five Precepts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Precepts_\(Taoism\) "Five Precepts (Taoism)") [Ten Precepts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Precepts_\(Taoism\) "Ten Precepts (Taoism)") [Meditation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_meditation "Taoist meditation") Alchemy [Neidan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neidan "Neidan") [Waidan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waidan "Waidan") [Bugang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugang "Bugang") [Chu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chu_\(Taoism\) "Chu (Taoism)") [Diet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_diet "Taoist diet") ([Bigu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigu_\(grain_avoidance\) "Bigu (grain avoidance)")) [Sexual practices](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_sexual_practices "Taoist sexual practices") [Art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_art "Taoist art") [Fulu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulu "Fulu") [Priesthood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daoshi "Daoshi") \| \| [Texts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_literature "Taoist literature") [I Ching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Ching "I Ching") [Tao Te Ching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_Te_Ching "Tao Te Ching") [Zhuangzi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhuangzi_\(book\) "Zhuangzi (book)") [Huainanzi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huainanzi "Huainanzi") [Taipingjing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipingjing "Taipingjing") [Xiang'er](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiang%27er "Xiang'er") [Liezi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liezi "Liezi") [Sanhuangjing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanhuangjing "Sanhuangjing") [Huahujing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huahujing "Huahujing") [Qingjing Jing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qingjing_Jing "Qingjing Jing") [Baopuzi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baopuzi "Baopuzi") [Daozang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daozang "Daozang") \| \| [Theology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_theology "Taoist theology") [Hongjun Laozu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongjun_Laozu "Hongjun Laozu") [Three Pure Ones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Pure_Ones "Three Pure Ones") [Yuanshi Tianzun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuanshi_Tianzun "Yuanshi Tianzun") [Lingbao Tianzun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingbao_Tianzun "Lingbao Tianzun") [Daode Tianzun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daode_Tianzun "Daode Tianzun") [Four heavenly ministers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_heavenly_ministers "Four heavenly ministers") [Jade Emperor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jade_Emperor "Jade Emperor") [Ziwei Emperor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziwei_Emperor "Ziwei Emperor") [Tianhuang Emperor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianhuang_Emperor "Tianhuang Emperor") [Houtu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houtu "Houtu") [Queen Mother of the West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Mother_of_the_West "Queen Mother of the West") [King Father of the East](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Father_of_the_East "King Father of the East") [Three Great Emperor-Officials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Great_Emperor-Officials "Three Great Emperor-Officials") [Eight Immortals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight_Immortals "Eight Immortals") [Chang'e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang%27e "Chang'e") [Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Sovereigns_and_Five_Emperors "Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors") [Yellow Emperor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Emperor "Yellow Emperor") [Guan Yu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guan_Yu "Guan Yu") [Li Hong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_Hong_\(Taoist_eschatology\) "Li Hong (Taoist eschatology)") [Body god](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_god "Body god") \| \| [People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Taoists "List of Taoists") [Laozi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laozi "Laozi") [Zhuang Zhou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhuang_Zhou "Zhuang Zhou") [Lie Yukou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lie_Yukou "Lie Yukou") [Heshang Gong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heshang_Gong "Heshang Gong") [Wei Boyang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wei_Boyang "Wei Boyang") [Zhang Daoling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Daoling "Zhang Daoling") [Gan Ji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gan_Ji "Gan Ji") [Zhang Jue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jue "Zhang Jue") [Zhang Lu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Lu_\(Han_dynasty\) "Zhang Lu (Han dynasty)") [Ge Xuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ge_Xuan "Ge Xuan") [He Yan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He_Yan "He Yan") [Wang Bi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wang_Bi "Wang Bi") [Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Sages_of_the_Bamboo_Grove "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove") [Guo Xiang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guo_Xiang "Guo Xiang") [Sun Hanhua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Hanhua "Sun Hanhua") [Wei Huacun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wei_Huacun "Wei Huacun") [Ge Hong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ge_Hong "Ge Hong") [Bao Jingyan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bao_Jingyan "Bao Jingyan") [Kou Qianzhi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kou_Qianzhi "Kou Qianzhi") [Lu Xiujing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lu_Xiujing "Lu Xiujing") [Tao Hongjing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_Hongjing "Tao Hongjing") [Cheng Xuanying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheng_Xuanying "Cheng Xuanying") [Chen Tuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chen_Tuan "Chen Tuan") [Zhang Boduan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Boduan "Zhang Boduan") [Sun Bu'er](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Bu%27er "Sun Bu'er") [Wang Chongyang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wang_Chongyang "Wang Chongyang") [Qiu Chuji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qiu_Chuji "Qiu Chuji") [Zhang Guoxiang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Guoxiang "Zhang Guoxiang") [Zhang Sanfeng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Sanfeng "Zhang Sanfeng") [Zhu Quan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhu_Quan "Zhu Quan") [Fangshi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fangshi "Fangshi") \| \| [Schools](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_schools "Taoist schools") [Huang–Lao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huang%E2%80%93Lao "Huang–Lao") [Way of the Taiping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_the_Taiping "Way of the Taiping") [Xuanxue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xuanxue "Xuanxue") [Shangqing School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shangqing_School "Shangqing School") [Way of the Li Family](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_the_Li_Family "Way of the Li Family") [Lingbao School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingbao_School "Lingbao School") [Chongxuan School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chongxuan_School "Chongxuan School") [Quanzhen School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quanzhen_School "Quanzhen School") [Dragon Gate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Gate_Taoism "Dragon Gate Taoism") [Wuliupai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuliupai "Wuliupai") [Way of the Celestial Masters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_the_Celestial_Masters "Way of the Celestial Masters") [Way of the Five Pecks of Rice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_the_Five_Pecks_of_Rice "Way of the Five Pecks of Rice") [The Southern Celestial Masters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_the_Celestial_Masters#The_Southern_Celestial_Masters "Way of the Celestial Masters") [The Northern Celestial Masters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Northern_Celestial_Masters "The Northern Celestial Masters") [Zhengyi Dao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhengyi_Dao "Zhengyi Dao") [Chinese ritual mastery traditions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_ritual_mastery_traditions "Chinese ritual mastery traditions") [Yao Taoism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yao_Taoism "Yao Taoism") \| \| Sacred places [Grotto-heavens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grotto-heavens "Grotto-heavens") [Sacred Mountains of China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_Mountains_of_China "Sacred Mountains of China") [Wudang Mountains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wudang_Mountains "Wudang Mountains") [Mount Penglai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Penglai "Mount Penglai") [Mount Kunlun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunlun_\(mythology\) "Kunlun (mythology)") [Taoist temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_temple "Taoist temple") [White Cloud Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Cloud_Temple "White Cloud Temple") [Louguantai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louguantai "Louguantai") [Cebu Taoist Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cebu_Taoist_Temple "Cebu Taoist Temple") [Taoist Temple (Hanford, California)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_Temple_\(Hanford,_California\) "Taoist Temple (Hanford, California)") \| \| Institutions and organizations [Chinese Taoist Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Taoist_Association "Chinese Taoist Association") [Celestial Masters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Celestial_Masters "List of Celestial Masters") [Taoist priests](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_priest "Taoist priest") \| \| [Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Taoism "Category:Taoism") \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Taoism "Template:Taoism") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Taoism "Template talk:Taoism") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Taoism "Special:EditPage/Template:Taoism") \| \| \| \|---\| \| Part of [a series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_folk_religion "Category:Chinese folk religion") on \| \| [Chinese folk religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_folk_religion "Chinese folk religion") \| \| [![Stylisation of the 禄 lù or 子 zi grapheme, respectively meaning "prosperity", "furthering", "welfare" and "son", "offspring". 字 zì, meaning "word" and "symbol", is a cognate of 子 zi and represents a "son" enshrined under a "roof". The symbol is ultimately a representation of the north celestial pole (Běijí 北极) and its spinning constellations, and as such it is equivalent to the Eurasian symbol of the swastika, 卍 wàn.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/%E7%A6%84_l%C3%B9_or_%E5%AD%90_zi_symbol---red.svg/120px-%E7%A6%84_l%C3%B9_or_%E5%AD%90_zi_symbol---red.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%E7%A6%84_l%C3%B9_or_%E5%AD%90_zi_symbol---red.svg "Stylisation of the 禄 lù or 子 zi grapheme, respectively meaning \"prosperity\", \"furthering\", \"welfare\" and \"son\", \"offspring\". 字 zì, meaning \"word\" and \"symbol\", is a cognate of 子 zi and represents a \"son\" enshrined under a \"roof\". The symbol is ultimately a representation of the north celestial pole (Běijí 北极) and its spinning constellations, and as such it is equivalent to the Eurasian symbol of the swastika, 卍 wàn.") \| \| Concepts [Tian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tian "Tian")—[Shangdi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shangdi "Shangdi") [Qi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi "Qi") [Shen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shen_\(Chinese_religion\) "Shen (Chinese religion)") [Ling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ling_\(Chinese_religion\) "Ling (Chinese religion)") [Xian ling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xian_ling_\(religion\) "Xian ling (religion)") [Yinyang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yin_and_yang "Yin and yang") [Hundun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundun "Hundun") [Mingyun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ming_yun "Ming yun") [Yuanfen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuanfen "Yuanfen") [Baoying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bao_ying "Bao ying") [Wu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu_\(Chinese_religion\) "Wu (Chinese religion)") \| \| Theory [Chinese theology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_theology "Chinese theology") [Chinese gods and immortals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_gods_and_immortals "Chinese gods and immortals") [Chinese mythology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology "Chinese mythology") [Chinese astrology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_astrology "Chinese astrology") [Chinese zodiac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_zodiac "Chinese zodiac") [Chinese creation myth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_creation_myth "Chinese creation myth") [Chinese spiritual world concepts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_spiritual_world_concepts "Chinese spiritual world concepts") Model humanity: [Xian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xian_\(Taoism\) "Xian (Taoism)") [Zhenren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhenren "Zhenren") [Wen and wu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wen_and_wu "Wen and wu") \| \| Practices [Fenxiang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenxiang "Fenxiang") [Jingxiang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jingxiang "Jingxiang") [Feng shui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui "Feng shui") [Miaohui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miaohui "Miaohui") [Wu shamanism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu_\(shaman\) "Wu (shaman)") [Jitong mediumship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongji_\(spirit_medium\) "Tongji (spirit medium)") [Precious scrolls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baojuan "Baojuan") \| \| Institutions and temples [Associations of good-doing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associations_of_good-doing "Associations of good-doing") [Lineage associations or churches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_lineage_associations "Chinese lineage associations") [Chinese temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_temple "Chinese temple") [Ancestral shrine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancestral_shrine "Ancestral shrine") [Chinese Folk Temples' Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Folk_Temples%27_Management_Association "Chinese Folk Temples' Management Association") \| \| Festivals [Qingming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qingming_Festival "Qingming Festival") [Zhongyuan]() [Zhongqiu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_Festival "Mid-Autumn Festival") [Jiuhuangye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Emperor_Gods_Festival "Nine Emperor Gods Festival") [Qixi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qixi_Festival "Qixi Festival") [Duanwu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duanwu_Festival "Duanwu Festival") [Nian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year "Chinese New Year") \| \| Internal traditions Major cultural forms [Chinese ancestral religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_ancestral_religion "Chinese ancestral religion") [Chinese communal deity religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_communal_deity_religion "Chinese communal deity religion") [Chinese food therapy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_food_therapy "Chinese food therapy") [Chinese geomancy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui "Feng shui") [Chinese mother goddess worship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mother_goddess_worship "Chinese mother goddess worship") [Northeast China folk religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_China_folk_religion "Northeast China folk religion") [Traditional Chinese medicine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_medicine "Traditional Chinese medicine") [Qigong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qigong "Qigong") Main philosophical traditions: [Confucianism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism "Confucianism") ([state rites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucian_ritual_religion "Confucian ritual religion")) [Taoism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism "Taoism") [Three teachings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_teachings "Three teachings") [Other schools](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_philosophy "Chinese philosophy") ([Mohism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohism "Mohism")) Ritual traditions: [Folk ritual masters' orders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_ritual_mastery_traditions "Chinese ritual mastery traditions") [Jitong mediumship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongji_\(spirit_medium\) "Tongji (spirit medium)") [Nuo folk religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuo_folk_religion "Nuo folk religion") [Chinese shamanism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_shamanism "Chinese shamanism") Devotional traditions: [Mazuism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazuism "Mazuism") [Ong Yah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ong_Yah "Ong Yah") worship [![Zhenkong, "Void of Truth".](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Zhenkong-Wusheng_Laomu_red.svg/60px-Zhenkong-Wusheng_Laomu_red.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Zhenkong-Wusheng_Laomu_red.svg "Zhenkong, \"Void of Truth\".") Zhenkong, "Void of Truth". [Salvation churches and sects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_salvationist_religions "Chinese salvationist religions"): [De teaching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_teaching "De teaching") [Jiugongdao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiugongdao "Jiugongdao") [Luo teaching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luo_teaching "Luo teaching") [Maitreya teachings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitreya_teachings "Maitreya teachings") [Tiandi teachings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiandi_teachings "Tiandi teachings") [Tianxian miaodao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianxian_miaodao "Tianxian miaodao") [Xia teaching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanyi_teaching "Sanyi teaching") [Xiantiandao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiantiandao "Xiantiandao") [Yiguandao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yiguandao "Yiguandao") [Zaili teaching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaili_teaching "Zaili teaching") [Confucian churches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucian_church "Confucian church") and sects: [Holy Confucian Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Confucian_Church "Holy Confucian Church") [Indonesian Confucian Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Council_for_the_Confucian_Religion_in_Indonesia "Supreme Council for the Confucian Religion in Indonesia") [Universal Church of the Way and its Virtue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Church_of_the_Way_and_its_Virtue "Universal Church of the Way and its Virtue") [Phoenix churches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_the_Gods_according_to_the_Confucian_Tradition "Way of the Gods according to the Confucian Tradition") [Xuanyuanism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xuanyuan_teaching "Xuanyuan teaching") [Taigu school](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taigu_school "Taigu school") \| \| Related religions and movements [Benzhuism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzhuism "Benzhuism") [Bimoism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bimoism "Bimoism") [Bon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon "Bon") [Dongbaism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongbaism "Dongbaism") [Han Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Buddhism "Chinese Buddhism") [Miao folk religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miao_folk_religion "Miao folk religion") [Vietnamese folk religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_folk_religion "Vietnamese folk religion") [Qiang folk religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qiang_folk_religion "Qiang folk religion") [Yao folk religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yao_folk_religion "Yao folk religion") [Zhuang folk religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhuang_folk_religion "Zhuang folk religion") [House church (China)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_church_\(China\) "House church (China)") \| \| [![icon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/P_religion_world.svg/20px-P_religion_world.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:P_religion_world.svg) [Religion portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Religion "Portal:Religion") \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Chinese_folk_religion "Template:Chinese folk religion") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Chinese_folk_religion "Template talk:Chinese folk religion") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Chinese_folk_religion "Special:EditPage/Template:Chinese folk religion") \| The Ghost Festival or Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the Zhongyuan Festival in [Taoism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism "Taoism") and the Yulanpen Festival in [Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism "Buddhism"), is a traditional festival held in certain [East](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asia "East Asia") and [Southeast Asian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asian "Southeast Asian") countries. According to the [traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar "Chinese calendar"), the Ghost Festival is on the 15th night of the seventh month (14th in parts of southern China).[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-1)[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Chow_2015-2): 4, 6 [\[note 1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-3) In [Chinese culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_culture "Chinese culture"), the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the traditional Chinese calendar is called Ghost Day or (especially in Taiwan) Pudu ([Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language "Chinese language"): 普渡; [pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinyin "Pinyin"): Pǔdù; [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī"): Phó͘-tō͘)[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-4) and the seventh month is generally regarded as the Ghost Month, in which ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased ancestors, come out from the [lower realm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underworld "Underworld") ([Diyu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diyu "Diyu") or [Preta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preta "Preta")). Distinct from both the [Qingming Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qingming_Festival "Qingming Festival") (or Tomb Sweeping Day, in spring) and [Double Ninth Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Ninth_Festival "Double Ninth Festival") (in autumn) in which living descendants pay homage to their deceased ancestors, during Ghost Festival, the deceased are believed to visit the living.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-5) On the fifteenth day the realms of Heaven and Hell and the realm of the living are open, and both [Taoists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoists "Taoists") and [Buddhists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhists "Buddhists") would perform rituals to transmute and absolve the sufferings of the deceased. Intrinsic to the Ghost Month is [veneration of the dead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veneration_of_the_dead "Veneration of the dead"), where traditionally the filial piety of descendants extends to their ancestors even after their deaths. Activities during the month would include preparing ritualistic food offerings, burning [incense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incense "Incense") contain [Styrax benzoin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrax_benzoin "Styrax benzoin") , and burning [joss paper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_paper "Joss paper"), a [papier-mâché](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papier-m%C3%A2ch%C3%A9 "Papier-mâché") form of material items such as clothes, gold, and other fine goods for the visiting spirits of the ancestors. Elaborate meals (often vegetarian) would be served with empty seats for each of the deceased in the family, treating the deceased as if they are still living. Ancestor worship is what distinguishes Qingming Festival from Ghost Festival, because the latter includes paying respects to all deceased, including the same and younger generations, while the former only includes older generations. Other festivities may include [buying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papier-mache_offering_shops_in_Hong_Kong "Papier-mache offering shops in Hong Kong") and releasing miniature paper boats and [lanterns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantern "Lantern") on water, which signifies giving directions to the lost ghosts and spirits of the ancestors and other deities.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-6) ## Origins \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section: Origins")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/Moggallana_saves_his_mother.jpg/250px-Moggallana_saves_his_mother.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moggallana_saves_his_mother.jpg) A Chinese wood cut of Mulian asking the Buddha to save his mother, who has turned into a hungry ghost from hell. Main articles: [Hungry ghost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungry_ghost "Hungry ghost"), [Petavatthu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petavatthu "Petavatthu"), [Yulanpen Sutra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yulanpen_Sutra "Yulanpen Sutra"), and [Mulian Rescues His Mother](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulian_Rescues_His_Mother "Mulian Rescues His Mother") The name relates to the concept of the [hungry ghost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungry_ghost "Hungry ghost"), the Chinese translation of the term [preta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preta "Preta") in [Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism "Buddhism"). It plays a role in [Chinese Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Buddhism "Chinese Buddhism") and [Taoism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism "Taoism") as well as in [Chinese folk religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_folk_religion "Chinese folk religion"), and represents beings who were originally living people, who have died, and who are driven by intense emotional needs in an [animalistic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animals_in_Buddhism "Animals in Buddhism") way.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-sixteen-7)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-8)[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-eleven-9) As a Taoist festival: Taoism has the "Three Yuan" theory (representing the [Three Great Emperor-Officials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Great_Emperor-Officials "Three Great Emperor-Officials")), which the name "Zhong Yuan" comes from.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001-10): 195–196 The festival flourished during the [Tang dynasty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tang_dynasty "Tang dynasty"), whose rulers were partial to Taoism; and "Zhongyuan" became well established as the holiday's name.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-11) As a Buddhist festival: The origin story of the modern Ghost Festival, ultimately originated from [ancient India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_India "Ancient India"), deriving from the [Mahayana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayana_Buddhism "Mahayana Buddhism") [scripture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_scripture "Buddhist scripture") known as the [Yulanpen or Ullambana Sutra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yulanpen_Sutra "Yulanpen Sutra").[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2013a-12): 301, 302 [\[note 2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-13) The sutra records the time when [Maudgalyāyana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maudgaly%C4%81yana "Maudgalyāyana") achieves [abhijñā](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhij%C3%B1%C4%81 "Abhijñā") and uses his newfound powers to search for his deceased parents. Maudgalyayana discovers that his deceased mother was reborn into the [preta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preta "Preta") or hungry ghost realm. She was in a wasted condition and Maudgalyayana tried to help her by giving her a bowl of rice. Unfortunately as a preta, she was unable to eat the rice as it was transformed into burning coal. Maudgalyayana then asks the Buddha to help him; whereupon Buddha explains how one is able to assist one's current parents and deceased parents in this life and in one's past seven lives by willingly offering food, etc., to the [sangha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangha "Sangha") or monastic community during [Pravarana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pravarana "Pravarana") (the end of the monsoon season or [vassa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vassa "Vassa")), which usually occurs on the 15th day of the seventh month whereby the monastic community transfers the merits to the deceased parents, etc.,[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2013b-14): 185 [\[note 3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-15)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2013a-12): 293 [\[note 4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-16)[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2014-17): 286 [\[note 5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-18) The [Theravadan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravada "Theravada") forms of the festival in [South](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Asia "South Asia") and [Southeast Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asia "Southeast Asia") (including [Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodia "Cambodia")'s [Pchum Ben](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pchum_Ben "Pchum Ben")) are much older, deriving from the [Petavatthu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petavatthu "Petavatthu"), a [scripture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_scripture "Buddhist scripture") in the [Pali Canon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_Canon "Pali Canon") that probably dates to the 3rd century BC.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-lange-19) The Petavatthu account is broadly similar to that later recorded in the [Yulanpen Sutra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yulanpen_Sutra "Yulanpen Sutra"), although it concerns the disciple [Sāriputta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C4%81riputta "Sāriputta") and his family rather than [Moggallāna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moggall%C4%81na "Moggallāna"). ## Observance \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=2 "Edit section: Observance")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Chinese_floating_lotus_lanterns.jpg/250px-Chinese_floating_lotus_lanterns.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_floating_lotus_lanterns.jpg) Chinese lotus lanterns floating in a river. The Ghost Festival is held during the seventh month of the [Chinese calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar "Chinese calendar"). It also falls at the same time as a full moon, the new season, the fall harvest, the peak of Buddhist monastic asceticism, the rebirth of ancestors, and the assembly of the local community.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-eight-20) During this month, the gates of [hell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diyu "Diyu") are opened up and ghosts are free to roam the earth where they seek food and entertainment. These ghosts are believed to be spirits of those without descendants (or, traditionally, without descendants in the male line) or whose descendants did not pay tribute to them after they died.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls-21)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival-22) They are desperately hungry, thirsty, and restless as a result.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls-21)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival-22) Family members offer food and drink to the ghosts and burn [hell bank notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_bank_note "Hell bank note") and other forms of [joss paper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_paper "Joss paper").[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-three-23) Joss paper items are believed to have value in the afterlife, considered to be very similar in some aspects to the material world. Families pay tribute to wandering ghosts of strangers so that these homeless souls do not intrude on their lives and bring misfortune. A large feast is held for the ghosts on the day of the ghost festival or thereabouts, when people bring samples of food and place them on an altar or outside a temple or house, to please the ghosts and ward off bad luck.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival-22)[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001-10): 196–197 [Lotus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelumbo_nucifera "Nelumbo nucifera")\-shaped lanterns are lit and set afloat in rivers to symbolically guide lost [souls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul "Soul") to the [afterlife](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterlife "Afterlife").[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival-24) In some East Asian countries today, live performances are held and everyone is invited to attend. The first row of seats are always empty as this is where the ghosts sit. The shows are always put on at night and at high volumes as the sound is believed to attract and please the ghosts. Some shows include [Chinese opera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_opera "Chinese opera"), dramas, and in some areas, even [burlesque](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burlesque "Burlesque") shows. Traditionally Chinese opera was the main source of entertainment but the newer shows, concerts, dramas, wars, and so forth are referred to as [Getai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getai "Getai").[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-nine-25) These acts are better known as "Merry-making".[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) For rituals, [Chinese Buddhists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Buddhism "Chinese Buddhism") and [Taoists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism "Taoism") hold ceremonies to relieve ghosts from suffering, many of them holding ceremonies in the afternoon or at night (as it is believed that the ghosts are released from hell when the sun sets). Altars are built for the deceased and priests and monks alike perform rituals for the benefit of ghosts. Monks and priests often throw rice or other small foods into the air in all directions to distribute them to the ghosts.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) An example of such a ritual is the Chinese Buddhist [Yujia Yankou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yujia_Yankou "Yujia Yankou") rite, which is performed to facilitate the physical and spiritual nourishment of all [sentient beings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentient_beings_\(Buddhism\) "Sentient beings (Buddhism)") in [saṃsāra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra_\(Buddhism\) "Saṃsāra (Buddhism)"), including the hungry ghosts.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-27) During the evening, [incense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incense "Incense") is burnt in front of the doors of households.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival-24) Incense stands for prosperity in Chinese culture, so families believe that there is more prosperity in burning more incense.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) During the festival, some shops are closed as they want to leave the streets open for the ghosts. In the middle of each street stands an altar of incense with fresh fruit and sacrifices displayed on it.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) Fourteen days after the festival, to make sure all the hungry ghosts find their way back to hell, people float water lanterns and set them outside their houses. These lanterns are made by setting a lotus flower-shaped lantern on a paper boat. The lanterns are used to direct the ghosts back to the underworld, and when they go out, it symbolizes that they have found their way back.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) ## Celebrations in other parts of Asia \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Celebrations in other parts of Asia")\] [![Getai Performance in Singapore](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Chinese_Ghost_Festival_Getai_Performance_in_Singapore.jpg/250px-Chinese_Ghost_Festival_Getai_Performance_in_Singapore.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_Ghost_Festival_Getai_Performance_in_Singapore.jpg) A Getai Performance in Singapore. ### Singapore and Malaysia \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: Singapore and Malaysia")\] During the 1800s to 1980s in [Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore "Singapore"), temples and various organisations would hire opera troupes to perform [street opera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Street_Opera_in_Singapore "Chinese Street Opera in Singapore") for the wandering ghosts and residents alike.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-:3-28) [Malaysian Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_Chinese "Malaysian Chinese") would also celebrate the festival with street opera. With the decline of street opera in both Singapore and Malaysia, modern concert-like performances became a prominent feature of the Ghost Festival. Those live concerts are popularly known as [Getai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getai "Getai") in [Mandarin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandarin_Chinese "Mandarin Chinese") ([simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters "Simplified Chinese characters"): 歌台; [traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters "Traditional Chinese characters"): 歌臺; [pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinyin "Pinyin"): gētái) or Koh-tai ([Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Min_Nan "Min Nan") [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language "Chinese language"): 歌臺; [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī"): ko-tâi) meaning song stages.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-29) They are performed by groups of singers, dancers, entertainers, and opera troops or puppet shows on a temporary stage that is set up within a residential district. The festival is usually funded by the temples or organisations of each individual district. During these Getai the front row is left empty for the special guests—the ghosts.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-30) It is known to be bad luck to sit on the front row of red seats, if anyone were to sit on them, they would become sick or similarly ailed. ### Indonesia \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: Indonesia")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Hungry_Ghost_Festival_IVan_Damanik12_15_Agustus_2019.jpg/250px-Hungry_Ghost_Festival_IVan_Damanik12_15_Agustus_2019.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hungry_Ghost_Festival_IVan_Damanik12_15_Agustus_2019.jpg) A man throws the Hell notes during Hungry Ghost Festival in [Vihara Gunung Timur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vihara_Gunung_Timur "Vihara Gunung Timur"), [Medan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medan "Medan"), Indonesia. In Indonesia, the festival is popularly known as Chit Gwee Pua ([Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkien "Hokkien") [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language "Chinese language"): [七月半](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%B8%83%E6%9C%88%E5%8D%8A "wikt:七月半"); [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī"): Chhit-goe̍h-pòaⁿ) or Chit Nyiat Pan ([Hakka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakka_Chinese "Hakka Chinese") [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language "Chinese language"): [七月半](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%B8%83%E6%9C%88%E5%8D%8A "wikt:七月半"); [Pha̍k-fa-sṳ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pha%CC%8Dk-fa-s%E1%B9%B3 "Pha̍k-fa-sṳ"):Chhit-ngie̍t-pan), Cioko, or Sembahyang Rebutan in [Indonesian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_language "Indonesian language") (Scrambling prayer). Observers gather around temples and bring an offering to a spirit who died in an unlucky way, and after that, they distribute it to the poor. The way people scramble the offerings is the origin of the festival name, and the festival is mostly known in [Java Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_Island "Java Island"). Other areas like [North Sumatra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Sumatra "North Sumatra"), [Riau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riau "Riau"), and [Riau islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riau_islands "Riau islands") also conduct live concerts known as Getai ([Mandarin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandarin_Chinese "Mandarin Chinese") [simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters "Simplified Chinese characters"): 歌台; [traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters "Traditional Chinese characters"): 歌臺; [pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinyin "Pinyin"): gētái) like those in Malaysia and Singapore, and there are also times when observers conduct Tomb sweeping known as Sembahyang Kubur to respect ancestor spirits and garner luck. This is done by buying [hell notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_money "Hell money") or Kim Cua ([Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkien "Hokkien") [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language "Chinese language"): [金紙](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E9%87%91%E7%B4%99 "wikt:金紙"); [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī"): kim-chóa) and paper-based goods like paper house, paper horse, paper car, etc., which will end up being burned as it is believed that burned goods will be sent to help the spirits feel better in afterlife. ### Philippines \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section: Philippines")\] In the [Philippines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines "Philippines"), the occasion is more popularly known as Ghost Month, as it affects the entire seventh lunisolar month of the [Chinese calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar "Chinese calendar") around August to September (which coincided with the months of the [Immaculate Heart of Mary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immaculate_Heart_of_Mary "Immaculate Heart of Mary") and the Feast of [Our Lady of Sorrows](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Sorrows "Our Lady of Sorrows") respectively). The month-long observances are mostly traditionally practiced and originated by [Chinese Filipinos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Filipinos "Chinese Filipinos") which its observance has since spread to other Filipinos that have become aware of it, since it reverberates economically through the [stock market](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Stock_Exchange "Philippine Stock Exchange") as a sizable amount of investors stop investing and put off their investments for later dates past the occasion.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-31) Generally, those who observe it find it to be a very unlucky time of the year, as traditional belief states that the souls of dead relatives, wandering souls or vengeful spirits roam the earth during the month-long occasion. This means that practitioners take extra precautions and caution others of making important decisions when it comes to relationships, professions, businesses, and finances. People avoid practices like, making life-changing decisions, getting married or engaged, starting new businesses, moving to a new home, traveling, signing contracts, making impulsive major financial decisions, committing to big professional projects, inaugurations, buying or selling off high priced possessions such as cars, phones, or real estate properties, staying late out at night especially kids and elderlies, making noise or whistling at night, leaving food or hanging clothes out after sunset and leaving them overnight since their human-like shape may invite spirits, or even taking pictures at night, wearing black clothes, tapping people on the head or shoulders as it may affect their luck, picking up coins or strange items you find since these may belong to the dead, or even constantly talking to oneself, or going to cemeteries alone, or answering unknown whispers or sobbing, or being constantly close to bodies of water, or constantly talking about ghosts or death. Besides these many avoidances, practitioners also make offerings and prayers for the souls of the dead, such as burning [spirit money](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_money "Spirit money"), lighting [incense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incense "Incense"), and laying out food like fruits and drinks on home or temple altars or cemetery tombs or graves or mausoleums of deceased relatives that people during this month also start to visit. Some people also start to hold memorial services to deceased relatives or ancestors held either at home or at a Chinese temple or [funeral home](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funeral_home "Funeral home").[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-32)[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-33)[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-34)[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-35) Due to occasion being held around the months of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, many Filipino Catholics and other Christians had tend to focus on the devotion of the [Virgin Mary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary,_mother_of_Jesus "Mary, mother of Jesus") at home or at a church instead as a result of responsas by Catholic and Christian authorities. ### Taiwan \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Taiwan")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/2024_Ghost_Festival_of_Bangka_Lungshan_Temple-11.2024-08-18.jpg/250px-2024_Ghost_Festival_of_Bangka_Lungshan_Temple-11.2024-08-18.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2024_Ghost_Festival_of_Bangka_Lungshan_Temple-11.2024-08-18.jpg) The Ghost Festival being celebrated in the [Bangka Lungshan Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longshan_Temple_\(Taipei\) "Longshan Temple (Taipei)") in Taiwan. Traditionally, it is believed that ghosts haunt the island of [Taiwan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan "Taiwan") for the entire seventh lunisolar month, when the mid-summer Ghost Festival is held.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-36) The month is known as Ghost Month.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-37) The first day of the month is marked by opening the gate of a temple, symbolizing the gates of hell. On the twelfth day, lamps on the main altar are lit. On the thirteenth day, a procession of lanterns is held. On the fourteenth day, a parade is held for releasing water lanterns. Incense and food are offered to the spirits to deter them from visiting homes and [spirit paper money](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_money "Hell money") is also burnt as an offering.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-38) During the month, people avoid surgery, buying cars, swimming, moving house, marrying, whistling, and going out or taking pictures after dark.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-39)[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-40)[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-41)[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-42) ### Vietnam \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section: Vietnam")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Food_offerings_for_the_Mid-Autumn_festival_in_Ecopark_%282017%29.jpg/250px-Food_offerings_for_the_Mid-Autumn_festival_in_Ecopark_%282017%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Food_offerings_for_the_Mid-Autumn_festival_in_Ecopark_\(2017\).jpg) Various food items being offered for the wandering souls in [Tháng Cô Hồn](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Th%C3%A1ng_C%C3%B4_H%E1%BB%93n&action=edit&redlink=1 "Tháng Cô Hồn (page does not exist)") \[[vi](https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%A1ng_C%C3%B4_H%E1%BB%93n "vi:Tháng Cô Hồn")\]. This festival is known as Tết Trung Nguyên[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-43) and is viewed as a time for the pardoning of condemned souls who are released from hell. The "homeless" should be "fed" and appeased with offerings of food. Merits for the living are also earned by the release of birds and fish. The lunisolar month in which the festival takes place is colloquially known as Tháng Cô Hồn - the month of lonely spirits, and believed to be haunted and particularly unlucky. Influenced by [Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism "Buddhism"), this holiday coincides with Vu Lan, the Vietnamese transliteration for Ullambana. In modern times, Vu Lan is also seen as Parents' Day.[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-44) People with living parents would bear a red rose and would give thanks while those without can choose to bear a white rose; and attend services to pray for the deceased. ## Related traditions \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=9 "Edit section: Related traditions")\] ### Buddhist traditions \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=10 "Edit section: Buddhist traditions")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Kantong02.jpg/250px-Kantong02.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kantong02.jpg) A kantong (container made from leaves with flowers and offering) for floating on water during Pchum Ben Day in Cambodia. In Asian [Theravadin Buddhist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravada_Buddhism "Theravada Buddhism") countries, related traditions, ceremonies, and festivals also occur. Like its [Ullambana Sutra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ullambana_Sutra "Ullambana Sutra")\-origins in Mahayana Buddhist countries, the Theravada scripture, the [Petavatthu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petavatthu "Petavatthu") gave rise to the idea of offering food to the hungry ghosts in the Theravada tradition as a form of merit-making. In stories published in the Petavatthu [Maudgalyayana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maudgalyayana "Maudgalyayana"), who also plays the central role in the rise of the concept in the Mahayana tradition, along with [Sariputta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sariputta "Sariputta") also play a role in the rise of the concept in the Theravada tradition.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-45)[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-46)[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-47) Similarly to the rise of the concept in Mahayana Buddhism, a version of [Maudgalyayana Rescues His Mother](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulian_Rescues_His_Mother "Mulian Rescues His Mother"), where Maudgalyayana is replaced by Sariputta is recorded in the Petavatthu and is in part the basis behind the practice of the concept in Theravadin societies.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-48) The concept of offering food to the hungry ghosts is also found in early Buddhist literature, in the Tirokudda Kanda.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-49) #### Cambodia \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=11 "Edit section: Cambodia")\] Main article: [Pchum Ben](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pchum_Ben "Pchum Ben") In Cambodia, a fifteen-day-long annual festival known as [Pchum Ben](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pchum_Ben "Pchum Ben") occurs generally in September or October. Cambodians pay their respects to deceased relatives up to seven generations. The gates of hell are believed to open during this period and many people make offerings to these hungry ghosts.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-50) #### Laos \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=12 "Edit section: Laos")\] In Laos, a festival known as, Boun khao padap din usually occurs in September each year and goes on for two weeks. During this period, it is believed that hungry ghosts are freed from hell and enter the world of the living. A second festival known as Boun khao salak occurs directly after the conclusion of Boun khay padab din. During this period, food offerings are made to the hungry ghosts.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-51) #### Sri Lanka \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=13 "Edit section: Sri Lanka")\] In Sri Lanka, food offerings are made to Buddhist monks as a way for indirectly offering them to their relatives who might have been born as a hungry ghost. This is typically offered on the seventh day, three months and one year after the death day of a deceased person. It is a ceremony conducted after death as part of traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist funeral rites and is known as mataka dānēs or matakadānaya.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Source-52)[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-53)[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-54) The offerings that are made acquire [merit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merit_\(Buddhism\) "Merit (Buddhism)") which are then transformed back into the equivalent goods in the world of the hungry ghosts.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Source-52) The offering that is offered on the seventh day, comes a day after personalized food offerings are given in the garden to the spirit of the deceased relative, which occurs on the sixth day.[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-55)[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-56) The deceased who do not reach the proper afterworld, the [Hungry Ghost realm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preta "Preta"), are feared by the living as they are believed to cause various sicknesses and disasters to the living. Buddhist monks are called upon to perform [pirit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paritta "Paritta") to ward off the floating spirits. The rite is also practiced in Thailand and Myanmar and is also practiced during the Ghost Festival that is observed in other Asian countries.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-57) #### Thailand \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=14 "Edit section: Thailand")\] Main article: [Sat Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sat_Thai "Sat Thai") In Thailand, a fifteen-day-long annual festival known as [Sat Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sat_Thai "Sat Thai") is celebrated between September and October in Thailand especially in southern Thailand, particularly in the province of [Nakhon Si Thammarat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Si_Thammarat_Province "Nakhon Si Thammarat Province").[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-58) Like related festivals and traditions in other parts of Asia, the deceased are believed to come back to earth for fifteen days and people make offerings to them. The festival is known as Sat Thai to differentiate it from the Chinese Ghost Festival which is known as Sat Chin in the [Thai language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language "Thai language").[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-59) #### Japan \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=15 "Edit section: Japan")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/Albuquerque_Bridge-Sasebo_River%2C_Sasebo.jpg/250px-Albuquerque_Bridge-Sasebo_River%2C_Sasebo.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Albuquerque_Bridge-Sasebo_River,_Sasebo.jpg) Japanese volunteers perform [tōrō nagashi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dr%C5%8D_nagashi "Tōrō nagashi"): placing candle-lit lanterns for the dead into flowing water during [Obon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obon "Obon"), in this case into the [Sasebo River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasebo,_Nagasaki "Sasebo, Nagasaki"). ##### Chūgen \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=16 "Edit section: Chūgen")\] Chūgen (中元), also Ochūgen (お中元), is an annual event in Japan on the 15th day of the 7th month, when people give gifts, especially to their superiors.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-60)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-61) Originally it was an annual event for giving gifts to the ancestral spirits. One of the three days that form the sangen (三元) of [Daoism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daoism "Daoism"), it is sometimes considered a zassetsu, a type of [seasonal day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_calendar#Seasonal_days "Japanese calendar") in the [Japanese calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_calendar "Japanese calendar"). ##### Bon \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=17 "Edit section: Bon")\] Main article: [Bon (festival)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_\(festival\) "Bon (festival)") See also: [Segaki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segaki "Segaki") Obon (sometimes transliterated O-bon), or simply Bon, is the Japanese version of the Ghost Festival.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon-62) It has since been transformed over time into a family reunion holiday during which people from the big cities return to their home towns and visit and clean the resting places of their ancestors.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-63)[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-64) Traditionally including a dance called [Bon Odori](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_Odori "Bon Odori"),[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon-62) Obon has existed in Japan for more than 500 years. In modern Japan, it is held on July 15 in the eastern part ([Kantō](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kant%C5%8D_region "Kantō region")) and on August 15 in the western part ([Kansai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansai "Kansai")). #### Ryukyu Islands \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=18 "Edit section: Ryukyu Islands")\] In [Okinawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okinawa_Prefecture "Okinawa Prefecture") and the [Amami Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amami_Islands "Amami Islands"), it is celebrated as in China, on the 15th day of the 7th lunisolar month. This festival is known as Bun/Usōrō. ### Hindu traditions \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=19 "Edit section: Hindu traditions")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Pinda_Daan_-_Jagannath_Ghat_-_Kolkata_2012-10-15_0701.JPG/250px-Pinda_Daan_-_Jagannath_Ghat_-_Kolkata_2012-10-15_0701.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pinda_Daan_-_Jagannath_Ghat_-_Kolkata_2012-10-15_0701.JPG) Pitri Paksha rites being performed on the banks of the [Hooghly River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooghly_River "Hooghly River") at Jagannath Ghat in [Kolkata](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolkata "Kolkata"). #### India \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=20 "Edit section: India")\] Main article: [Pitru Paksha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitru_Paksha "Pitru Paksha") The performance of [Shraddha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Ar%C4%81ddha "Śrāddha") by a son during [Pitru Paksha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitru_Paksha "Pitru Paksha") is regarded as compulsory by [Hindus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism "Hinduism"), to ensure that the soul of the ancestor goes to [heaven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven#Hinduism "Heaven"). In this context, the scripture [Garuda Purana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garuda_Purana "Garuda Purana") says, "there is no salvation for a man without a son". The scriptures preach that a householder should propitiate ancestors [(Pitris)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitrs "Pitrs"), along with the gods [(devas)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_\(Hinduism\) "Deva (Hinduism)"), ghosts [(bhutas)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhoot_\(ghost\) "Bhoot (ghost)"), and guests. The scripture [Markandeya Purana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markandeya_Purana "Markandeya Purana") says that if the ancestors are content with the shraddhas, they will bestow health, wealth, knowledge and longevity, and ultimately heaven and salvation ([moksha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moksha "Moksha")) upon the performer.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-sastri-65) #### Indonesia \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=21 "Edit section: Indonesia")\] In [Bali](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bali "Bali") and some parts of Indonesia, particularly among the [indigenous Hindus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_in_Indonesia "Hinduism in Indonesia") of Indonesia, ancestors who have died and cremated are said to return to visit their former homes. This day is known as [Hari Raya Galungan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galungan "Galungan") and celebrations typically last over two weeks, often in the form of specific food and religious offerings along with festivities.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-66)[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-67) The festival date is often calculated according to the [Balinese pawukon calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balinese_pawukon_calendar "Balinese pawukon calendar") and typically occurs every 210 days.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-68) ## See also \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=22 "Edit section: See also")\] - [All Souls' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Souls%27_Day "All Souls' Day") - [Buddhist art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_art "Buddhist art") - [Chinese ghosts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_ghosts "Chinese ghosts") - [Lantern Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantern_Festival "Lantern Festival") - [Nine Emperor God](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Emperor_God "Nine Emperor God") / [Festival of Nine Emperor God](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival_of_Nine_Emperor_God "Festival of Nine Emperor God") (Chinese: 九皇, Hokkien: Kow Ong Yah, Cantonese: Kow Wong Yeh) - [Phi Ta Khon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phi_Ta_Khon "Phi Ta Khon") - [Tōrō nagashi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dr%C5%8D_nagashi "Tōrō nagashi") ## Notes on references \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=23 "Edit section: Notes on references")\] 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-3) Chow, page 4, quoting 1783 Qianlong era "Annals of Guishan County" (歸善縣志) Scroll 15 - Customs: '鬼節原是農曆七月十五，但元末明初之際，有言客家為了躲避元兵，提前一日過節，以便南下走難，自此鬼節就變成七月十四，流傳至今。' English translation: 'The Ghost Festival originally was on the 15th day of the 7th month in the Chinese calendar, but during the late [Yuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuan_dynasty "Yuan dynasty") to early [Ming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ming_dynasty "Ming dynasty") period, it's said that the [Hakkas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakka "Hakka") in order to escape the Yuan troops, celebrated the Ghost Festival one day earlier, in order to escape disaster they fled southward. Since that time and continuing today, the date of the Ghost Festival changed to the 14th day of the 7th \[lunisolar\] month' \[in parts of Southern China\]. 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-13) Karashima: On p. 302 'Although this sutra has often been regarded as apocryphal \[Japanese version has in recent times\], the contents and ideas in it are well rooted in India as we have seen above. In addition to that, the vocabulary and usage of Chinese words are more archaic, compared with Kumārajīva's corpus (401-413 CE), while they resemble greatly the translations by Dharmarakṣa (fl. 265?-311 CE). Moreover, the transliteration 鉢和羅 (EH pat γwa la \> MC pwât γwâ lâ} of Skt. pravāra (ṇā), which only occurs in this sutra and its adaptation, i.e. the Baoen Fengpen jing 報恩奉盆經 (T. 16, no. 686, 780a20), indicates clearly that this sutra is not apocryphal but a genuine translation, because only somebody who knew the original Indian form was able to transliterate it thus correctly into Chinese. In conclusion, I assume that \[\<-preceding 3 words missing in Japanese version\] this sutra is not apocryphal, but a translation from an Indian text translated by Dharmarakṣa or somebody else in pre-Kumārajīva times \[Japanese version has 3rd to 4th century CE\]. \[c.f. p 189 for equivalent in Japanese version\] c.f. p 301 for derivation of Yulan from Middle Indic (Gandhari) \olana. 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-15)* Karashima: '東アジアの盂蘭盆と東南アジアのワン・オ一クパンサーなどは、いずれも、釈尊の時代に規定された様に七月十五日の自恣の日を祝っているのだが（日本ではこのことはすでに意識されていない）、東南アジアでは古代インドの暦に基づいて行われるのに対し、東アジアでは、中国の太陰暦に従っているので、ニケ月の差があり、これらが同一の行事ということに気付く人は少ない。' English Translation: 'Both the East Asian Urabon \[Yulanpen\] and Southeast Asian Wan Ok Phansa \[Thai name for Pravāraṇā\] are celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month, the day of Pravāraṇā just as it was promulgated in Lord Buddha's time (in Japan, this matter is not known to people). In Southeast Asian countries, they use the ancient Indian calendar \[or [Buddhist calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_calendar "Buddhist calendar")\] as opposed to East Asian countries where they use the [Chinese calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar "Chinese calendar"). As there is a two month difference between the two calendars, few people realized that the two are \[in fact\] the same event.' 4. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-16) Karashima: Pravāraṇā (Pāli Pavāraṇā) zizi 自恣 and suiyi 隨意 in Chinese, is a ceremony held at the end of the three-month rainy season retreat \[also called vassa\] by Buddhist monks. In Theravada Buddhism and in Nepal, it was and is still held on the full moon day of the seventh or eight month. i.e. Āśvina (September–October) or Kārttika (October–November) respectively. 5. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-18) Karashima: '對佛教徒來說，自古印度年曆（元旦相當於公曆三月中至四月中）四月十五日（公曆六至七月）或五月十五日（公曆七至八月）開始的三個月是雨安居。直至今天，西藏、尼泊爾、東南亞地區的僧人依然在此期間行雨安居。這一習俗也傳到沒有雨季的中國大陸中原地域，年曆和數字被原封不動地保留下來，但由印度年曆變為中國太陰曆。在中國、日本、朝鮮半島等東亞地區，雨安居從陰曆四月（公曆五月）開始，持續三個月。' English Translation: 'From the Buddhist viewpoint, based on the Ancient Indian calendar \[or Buddhist calendar\] (New Years is in the middle of March to the middle of April \[in the Gregorian calendar\]) the 15th day of the fourth month \[Āṣāḍha\] (June to July \[in the Gregorian calendar\]) or the 15th day of the fifth month \[Śrāvaṇa\] (July to August \[in Gregorian calendar\]) is the start of three month period called vassa. From ancient times to even today, the monastic community of Tibet, Nepal and Southeast Asia still follow this schedule to observe vassa. This custom was also transmitted to China which does not have a rainy season, the calendar and dates preserved unchanged from the original but instead of using the ancient Indian calendar, the lunisolar Chinese calendar is used. In China, Japan, the Korean peninsula and other East Asian regions, vassa starts on the fourth month of the lunisolar Chinese calendar (May (in the Gregorian calendar) and lasts 3 months.' \[n.b. Since the start of vassa is fixed in East Asia in the fourth month, Pravāraṇā is also fixed to the 15th day of the seventh month\]. ## References \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=24 "Edit section: References")\] 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-1) ["Zhongyuan festival"](http://www.china.org.cn/english/olympic/211929.htm). China.org.cn. China Internet Information Center. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171019082154/http://www.china.org.cn/english/olympic/211929.htm) from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017. 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Chow_2015_2-0) Chow 2015 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-4) ["Ghost Festival"](https://oftaiwan.org/culture/ghost-festival/). OFTaiwan. August 22, 2017. Retrieved February 15, 2024. 4. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-5) ["Culture insider - China's ghost festival"](http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2014-08/08/content_18268375.htm). China Daily. August 8, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171107003946/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2014-08/08/content_18268375.htm) from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017. 5. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-6) ["Chinese Ghost Festival - "the Chinese Halloween""](http://en.people.cn/90002/98669/98755/6798883.html). Peoples Daily (English). October 30, 2009. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024410/http://en.people.cn/90002/98669/98755/6798883.html) from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017. 6. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-sixteen_7-0) Venerable Yin-shun. The Way to Buddhahood. Massachusetts: Wisdom Publications: 1998. 7. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-8) ["目次：冥報記白話"](http://www.bfnn.org/book/article2/1323.htm). www.bfnn.org. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181204134835/http://www.bfnn.org/book/article2/1323.htm) from the original on December 4, 2018. Retrieved February 25, 2023. 8. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-eleven_9-0) Eberhard, Stephen F. The Ghost Festival in Medieval China. New Jersey: Princeton University Press: 1988. Hungry ghosts, by contrast, are a much more exceptional case, and would only occur in very unfortunate circumstances, such as if a whole family were killed or when a family no longer venerated their ancestors. 9. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001_10-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001_10-1) 中國節日的故事* (in Chinese) (1st ed.). Taipei: 將門文物出版社. 2001. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [957-755-300-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/957-755-300-1 "Special:BookSources/957-755-300-1") . 10. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-11) ["中元节是中国的"鬼节"吗？听听民俗学家怎么说"](https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1369046). 澎湃新闻. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230326023745/https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1369046) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 11. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2013a_12-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2013a_12-1) Karashima 2013a 12. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2013b_14-0)* Karashima 2013b 13. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2014_17-0) Karashima 2014 14. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-lange_19-0) [Langer (2007)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#CITEREFLanger2007), p. 276. 15. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-eight_20-0) [Teiser (1988)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#CITEREFTeiser1988). 16. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls_21-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls_21-1) [Eberhard, Wolfram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfram_Eberhard "Wolfram Eberhard") (1952). "The Feast of the Souls". Chinese Festivals. New York: H. Wolff. pp. 129–133\. 17. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival_22-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival_22-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival_22-2) Stepanchuk, Carol (1991). Mooncakes and Hungry Ghosts: Festivals of China. San Francisco: China Books & Periodicals. pp. 71–79\. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-8351-2481-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8351-2481-9 "Special:BookSources/0-8351-2481-9") . 18. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-three_23-0)* "Hungry Ghost Festival". Essortment, 2002. Retrieved 20 October 2008. [Essortment Articles.](http://www.essortment.com/all/hungryghostfes_opi.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090223182908/http://www.essortment.com/all/hungryghostfes_opi.htm) February 23, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 19. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival_24-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival_24-1) Wei, Liming (2010). Chinese Festivals: Traditions, Customs and Rituals* (Second ed.). Beijing. pp. 46–49\. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9787508516936](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9787508516936 "Special:BookSources/9787508516936") . `{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher "Category:CS1 maint: location missing publisher")) 20. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-nine_25-0) "Chinese Culture: Hungry Ghost Festival" [Modern China](http://www.chinese-culture.net/html/hungry_ghost_festival.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090203210232/http://www.chinese-culture.net/html/hungry_ghost_festival.html) February 3, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 21. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-3) [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-4) "Ghost Festival" ChinaVoc 2001–2007, [Online Store.](http://www.chinavoc.com/festivals/ghost.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090608143719/http://www.chinavoc.com/festivals/ghost.htm) 8 June 2009 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 22. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-27)* Lye, Hun Yeow, Department of Religious Studies, University of Virginia. ["Feeding Ghosts: A Study of the Yuqie Yankou Rite"](https://libraetd.lib.virginia.edu/public_view/b8515n64w). libraetd.lib.virginia.edu. Retrieved May 13, 2025. `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list "Category:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list")) 23. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-:3_28-0) Soon, Lee Tong (2000). ["Professional Chinese Opera Troupes and Street Opera Performance in Singapore"](https://www.jstor.org/stable/834397). Asian Music. 31 (2): 35–70\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.2307/834397](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F834397). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0044-9202](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0044-9202). [JSTOR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JSTOR_\(identifier\) "JSTOR (identifier)") [834397](https://www.jstor.org/stable/834397). 24. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-29) ["Hungry Ghost Festival"](http://www.visitsingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/cultural-festivals/hungry-ghost-festival/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180726170044/http://www.visitsingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/cultural-festivals/hungry-ghost-festival/) from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018. 25. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-30) ["Hungry Ghost Festival"](https://rove.me/to/singapore/hungry-ghost-festival). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180726135216/https://rove.me/to/singapore/hungry-ghost-festival) from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018. 26. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-31) ["Why August is called the "Ghost Month""](https://www.securitybank.com/blog/why-august-is-called-the-ghost-month/). Security Bank Financial Blog. July 18, 2022. 27. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-32) Dy-Zulueta, Dolly (January 5, 2024). ["Lifestyle: The Budgetarian: Money Do's and Don'ts during Ghost Month"](https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/the-budgetarian/2024/01/05/2289110/money-dos-and-donts-during-ghost-month). Philstar.com. 28. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-33) Beltran, Cito (October 27, 2023). ["Opinion: Filipino Hungry Ghost Month"](https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2023/10/27/2306860/filipino-hungry-ghost-month). The Philippine Star. 29. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-34) ["Lifestyle: Why Does \Everything\ Seem To Stop During Ghost Month?"](https://www.cosmo.ph/lifestyle/ghost-month-a254-20230816). Cosmopolitan Philippines. August 16, 2023. 30. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-35) ["Starweek Magazine: Ghost Month"](https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/starweek-magazine/2018/08/12/1841664/ghost-month). The Philippine Star. August 12, 2018. 31. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-36) [Mid-Summer Ghost Festival](http://www.chinatownconnection.com/taiwan-ghost-festival.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110118152706/http://chinatownconnection.com/taiwan-ghost-festival.htm) January 18, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), [China Town Connection](http://www.chinatownconnection.com/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100919002224/http://chinatownconnection.com/) September 19, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). 32. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-37) [Ghost Month](http://www.gio.gov.tw/info/festival_c/ghost_e/html/ghost2.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101203024217/http://www.gio.gov.tw/info/festival_c/ghost_e/html/ghost2.htm) 3 December 2010 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), [Ghost Festival](http://www.gio.gov.tw/info/festival_c/ghost_e/ghost.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101229022751/http://www.gio.gov.tw/info/festival_c/ghost_e/ghost.htm) 29 December 2010 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), [Government Information Office](http://www.gio.gov.tw/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20050403211555/http://www.gio.gov.tw/) 3 April 2005 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), [Taiwan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan "Taiwan"). 33. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-38) [Taiwan's Ghost Festival and Other Religious Events](http://www.go2taiwan.net/monthly_selection.php?sqno=14) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101029060207/http://go2taiwan.net/monthly_selection.php?sqno=14) October 29, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), [Go2Taiwan.net](http://www.go2taiwan.net/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100831112456/http://www.go2taiwan.net/) August 31, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). 34. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-39) ["13 unlucky taboos to evade during Ghost Month in Taiwan"](https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4600919). Taiwan News. July 28, 2022. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230326015155/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4600919) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 35. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-40) Loh, Lainey. ["Hungry Ghost Festival 2022: 7 Things You Shouldn't Do"](https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/arts/hungry-ghost-festival-things-to-avoid-dos-and-donts-superstitions). Tatler Asia. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230326015203/https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/arts/hungry-ghost-festival-things-to-avoid-dos-and-donts-superstitions) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 36. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-41) ["Ghost Month effects cause Taiwan car sales to plunge in August"](https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3525402). Taiwan News. September 8, 2018. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230326015154/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3525402) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 37. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-42) ["Taiwan Quick Take: Ghost Month fuels surgeries"](https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2006/07/24/2003320142). Taipei Times. July 24, 2006. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230326015156/https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2006/07/24/2003320142) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 38. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-43) Fanchette, Sylvie; Stedman, Nicholas (2009). [Discovering Craft Villages in Vietnam: Ten Itineraries Around Hà Nội](https://books.google.com/books?id=VVhi-IuMvtAC&q=%22T%E1%BA%BFt+Trung+Nguy%C3%AAn%22). IRD Editions. p. 149. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-2-7099-1671-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-2-7099-1671-4 "Special:BookSources/978-2-7099-1671-4") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830152435/https://books.google.com/books?id=VVhi-IuMvtAC&q=%22T%E1%BA%BFt+Trung+Nguy%C3%AAn%22) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 39. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-44) Paine, Crispin (January 10, 2019). [Gods and Rollercoasters: Religion in Theme Parks Worldwide](https://books.google.com/books?id=ShB-DwAAQBAJ&dq=%22vu+Lan%22+festival&pg=PA35). Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 153. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-350-04628-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-350-04628-3 "Special:BookSources/978-1-350-04628-3") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830152437/https://books.google.com/books?id=ShB-DwAAQBAJ&dq=%22vu+Lan%22+festival&pg=PA35) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 40. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-45) Pearce, Callum (2013). "Buddhist funeral cultures of Southeast Asia and China". Mortality. 18 (4): 388–389\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1080/13576275.2013.843512](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F13576275.2013.843512). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [144383079](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:144383079). 41. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-46) Schober, Juliane (2002). [Sacred Biography in the Buddhist Traditions of South and Southeast Asia](https://books.google.com/books?id=oeBL7ci3MKoC). Motilal Banarsidass Publ. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9788120818125](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9788120818125 "Special:BookSources/9788120818125") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170212000835/https://books.google.com.au/books?id=oeBL7ci3MKoC&printsec=frontcover) from the original on February 12, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017. 42. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-47) Hecker, Hellmuth, [Maha-Moggallana](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/hecker/wheel263.html), [archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20060218222714/http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/hecker/wheel263.html) from the original on February 18, 2006, retrieved February 11, 2017 43. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-48) ["StackPath"](http://www.sacbc.org/docs/Thoughts%20on%20Obon.pdf) (PDF). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170211160001/http://www.sacbc.org/docs/Thoughts%20on%20Obon.pdf) (PDF) from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017. 44. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-49) Gouin, Margaret (September 10, 2012). [Tibetan Rituals of Death: Buddhist Funerary Practices](https://books.google.com/books?id=7i8Jv5RuPs4C). Routledge. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9781136959172](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781136959172 "Special:BookSources/9781136959172") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161220083703/https://books.google.com/books?id=7i8Jv5RuPs4C&printsec=frontcover) from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016. 45. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-50) Holt, John Clifford (April 2012). ["Caring for the Dead Ritually in Cambodia"](https://englishkyoto-seas.org/wp-content/uploads/010101.pdf) (PDF). Southeast Asian Studies. 1 (1): 3–75\. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190420211625/https://englishkyoto-seas.org/wp-content/uploads/010101.pdf) (PDF) from the original on April 20, 2019. Retrieved September 3, 2018. 46. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-51) Ladwig, Patrice (2012). ["Visitors from hell: transformative hospitality to ghosts in a Lao Buddhist festival"](https://www.academia.edu/1963902). Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute. 18: S90–S102. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1111/j.1467-9655.2012.01765.x](https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1467-9655.2012.01765.x). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [1359-0987](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1359-0987). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170510133041/http://www.academia.edu/1963902/Visitors_from_Hell_Transformative_Hospitality_to_Ghosts_in_a_Lao_Buddhist_festival._Journal_of_the_Royal_Anthropological_Institut_2012_Vol.18_s1_90-102) from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved December 5, 2017. 47. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Source_52-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Source_52-1) [Langer (2007)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#CITEREFLanger2007), pp. 153, 155, 173, 187, 191. 48. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-53)* Buswell, Robert E (2004). Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Macmillan Reference USA. p. 21. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0028659107](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0028659107 "Special:BookSources/978-0028659107") . 49. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-54) Williams, Paul (2005). [Buddhism: Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia](https://books.google.com/books?id=PO0lZ-TFssMC&q=mataka+d%C4%81n%C4%93s&pg=PA24). Taylor & Francis. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780415332330](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780415332330 "Special:BookSources/9780415332330") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830152440/https://books.google.com/books?id=PO0lZ-TFssMC&q=mataka+d%C4%81n%C4%93s&pg=PA24) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2020. 50. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-55) Harding, John S (June 17, 2013). [Studying Buddhism in Practice](https://books.google.com/books?id=MDO_7BncqKwC). Routledge. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9781136501883](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781136501883 "Special:BookSources/9781136501883") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161220082229/https://books.google.com/books?id=MDO_7BncqKwC&printsec=frontcover) from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016. 51. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-56) ["Archived copy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160527225922/http://ahandfulofleaves.org/documents/Buddhist%20Rituals%20of%20Death%20and%20Rebirth_Contemporary%20Sri%20Lankan%20Practice%20and%20its%20Origins_Langer.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://www.ahandfulofleaves.org/documents/Buddhist%20Rituals%20of%20Death%20and%20Rebirth_Contemporary%20Sri%20Lankan%20Practice%20and%20its%20Origins_Langer.pdf) (PDF) on May 27, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016. `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title "Category:CS1 maint: archived copy as title")) 52. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-57) ["Ancestors - Dictionary definition of Ancestors \\| Encyclopedia.com: FREE online dictionary"](http://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/ancestors). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170206185559/http://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/ancestors) from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017. 53. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-58) ["Sat Thai Festival - Bangkok 101"](http://www.bangkok101.com/sat-thai-festival/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170207084352/http://www.bangkok101.com/sat-thai-festival/) from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017. 54. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-59) ["Thailand Events & Festivals of October"](http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/festivals/festival10.html). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170206184757/http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/festivals/festival10.html) from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017. 55. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-60) ["Japanese Culture - Etiquette"](https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/japanese-culture/japanese-culture-etiquette). Cultural Atlas. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230326031050/https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/japanese-culture/japanese-culture-etiquette) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 56. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-61) Davies, Roger J.; Ikeno, Osamu (June 14, 2011). [Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture](https://books.google.com/books?id=rADRAgAAQBAJ&dq=Ch%C5%ABgen+gifts&pg=PT124). Tuttle Publishing. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-4629-0051-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4629-0051-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-4629-0051-0") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830151928/https://books.google.com/books?id=rADRAgAAQBAJ&dq=Ch%C5%ABgen+gifts&pg=PT124) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 57. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon_62-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon_62-1) Morton, Lisa (September 15, 2015). [Ghosts: A Haunted History](https://books.google.com/books?id=6T0pCgAAQBAJ&dq=obon+ghost+festival&pg=PT102). Reaktion Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-78023-537-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-78023-537-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-78023-537-0") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830151932/https://books.google.com/books?id=6T0pCgAAQBAJ&dq=obon+ghost+festival&pg=PT102) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 58. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-63)* Car, Nikki Van De (March 14, 2023). [Ritual: Magical Celebrations of Nature and Community from Around the World](https://books.google.com/books?id=VL14EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT66). Running Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-7624-8143-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7624-8143-9 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7624-8143-9") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830151933/https://books.google.com/books?id=VL14EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT66) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 59. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-64) Ph.D, Helen J. Baroni (January 15, 2002). [The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism](https://books.google.com/books?id=smNM4ElP3XgC&pg=PA247). The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. p. 247. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-8239-2240-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8239-2240-6 "Special:BookSources/978-0-8239-2240-6") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830152031/https://books.google.com/books?id=smNM4ElP3XgC&pg=PA247) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 60. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-sastri_65-0) Sastri, S. M. Natesa (1988). [Hindu feasts, fasts and ceremonies](https://books.google.com/books?id=_ibsEj8ihuoC&q=mahalaya&pg=PA15). Asian Educational Services. pp. 15–17\. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-81-206-0402-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-206-0402-5 "Special:BookSources/978-81-206-0402-5") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830152458/https://books.google.com/books?id=_ibsEj8ihuoC&q=mahalaya&pg=PA15) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2020. 61. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-66) ["Galungan and Kuningan in Bali - Bali Magazine"](http://www.bali-indonesia.com/magazine/galungan-kuningan.htm). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190703150449/http://www.bali-indonesia.com/magazine/galungan-kuningan.htm) from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019. 62. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-67) ["Balinese ceremonies: Galungan and Kuningan"](https://www.balispirit.com/community/ceremony-public/galungan-and-kuningan). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190703150448/https://www.balispirit.com/community/ceremony-public/galungan-and-kuningan) from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019. 63. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-68) ["The calendars of Bali"](https://www.vilondo.com/when-to-go-to-bali/balinese-holidays/the-calendars-of-bali/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190703150445/https://www.vilondo.com/when-to-go-to-bali/balinese-holidays/the-calendars-of-bali/) from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019. ## General and cited bibliography \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=25 "Edit section: General and cited bibliography")\] - Bandō, Shōjun, ed. (2005), "The Ullambana Sutra (Taishō Vol. 16, No. 685)", [Apocryphal Scriptures](https://web.archive.org/web/20130210115042/http://www.bdkamerica.org/digital/dBET_ApocryphalScriptures_2005.pdf) (PDF), Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai English Tripitaka Series, Berkeley: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, pp. 17–44, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-886439-29-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-886439-29-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-886439-29-0") , archived from [the original](http://www.bdkamerica.org/digital/dBET_ApocryphalScriptures_2005.pdf) (PDF) on February 10, 2013 . - Chow, Shu Kai (周樹佳) (2015), 鬼月鉤沉-中元、盂蘭、餓鬼節 \[Investigation of Ghost Month - Zhong Yuan, Ullambana and Hungry Ghost Festivals\] (in Traditional Chinese), Hong Kong: Chung Hwa Books (Hong Kong), [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9789888366392](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789888366392 "Special:BookSources/9789888366392") - Langer, Rita (2007), [Buddhist Rituals of Death and Rebirth: Contemporary Sri Lankan Practice and Its Origins](https://books.google.com/books?id=dXB9AgAAQBAJ), Abingdon: Routledge, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9781134158720](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781134158720 "Special:BookSources/9781134158720") . - Karashima, Seishi (2013a), "The Meaning of Yulanpen 盂蘭盆 "Rice Bowl" On Pravāraṇā Day", Annual Report of the International Research Institute for Advance Buddhology at Soka University for the Academic Year 2012, XVI: 289–305 - Karashima, Seishi (辛嶋静志) (2013b), 「盂蘭盆」の本当の意味 ―千四百間の誤解を解く \[The Real Meaning of Urabon \[Yulanpen\] –The Solution to a 1400 Year Misunderstanding\], 大法輪 (The Great Wheel of the Dharma) (in Japanese): 182–189 `{{citation}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list "Category:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list")) - Karashima, Seishi (辛嶋静志)(in Chinese as 辛島靜志) (2014), 盂蘭盆之意-自恣日的“飯鉢” \[The Meaning of Yulanpen 盂蘭盆 "Rice Bowl" On Pravāraṇā Day\], 中華文史論叢 (Journal of Chinese Literature and History) (in Traditional Chinese) (114), translated by Qiu, Yun Qing (裘雲青): 279–301 `{{citation}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list "Category:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list")) - Mair, Victor H. (1989), [T'ang Transformation Texts](https://books.google.com/books?id=lylrmgD2Bv8C), [Cambridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge,_Massachusetts "Cambridge, Massachusetts"): Harvard University Press, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780674868151](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780674868151 "Special:BookSources/9780674868151") . - Teiser, Stephen F. (1988), [The Ghost Festival in Medieval China](https://books.google.com/books?id=anGlBZDWWLwC), [Princeton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princeton,_New_Jersey "Princeton, New Jersey"): Princeton University Press, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-691-02677-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-691-02677-0 "Special:BookSources/978-0-691-02677-0") . ## External links \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=26 "Edit section: External links")\] [![Wikimedia Commons logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg) Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Ghost Festival](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Ghost_Festival "commons:Category:Ghost Festival"). - [The Bristol University Buddhist Death Ritual Project](http://www.bristol.ac.uk/religion/buddhist-centre/projects/bdr/) Images and a documentary film by Ingmar Heise and Han Zhang "The Spirit's Happy Days: Buddhist Festivals for the Dead in Southeast China" can be downloaded there. - [Zhong Yuan Jie (Hungry Ghost Festival) - INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE](https://www.roots.gov.sg/en/ich-landing/ich/zhong-yuan-jie-hungry-ghost-festival) - [Zhongyuan Festival](https://web.archive.org/web/20120805025839/http://www.china.org.cn/english/olympic/211929.htm) - [Chinese Ghost Culture](https://web.archive.org/web/20090830201251/http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_chinaway/2004-03/17/content_46337.htm) - [Hong Kong University Library Digital Archives Oral History Project of Hong Kong](http://sunzi1.lib.hku.hk/hkoh/search_theme.jsp?theme_code=T903) - Waters, Dan (2004). ["The Hungry Ghosts Festival in Aberdeen Street, Hong Kong"](http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkjo/view/44/4402703.pdf) (PDF). Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Branch. 44: 41–55\. \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Ghosts "Template:Ghosts") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Ghosts "Template talk:Ghosts") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Ghosts "Special:EditPage/Template:Ghosts")[Ghosts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost "Ghost") and [ghostlore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostlore "Ghostlore") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [List of ghosts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghosts "List of ghosts") \| \| \| Manifestations \| [Ancestral spirits](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veneration_of_the_dead "Veneration of the dead") [Ghost lights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_ghost_lights "Atmospheric ghost lights") [Haunted locations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations "List of reportedly haunted locations") [Haunted highways](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_highways "List of reportedly haunted highways") [Haunted house](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haunted_house "Haunted house") [Haunted vehicles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haunted_vehicles "Haunted vehicles") [Haunted trains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_train "Ghost train") [Haunted ships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_ship "Ghost ship") [Hungry ghost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungry_ghost "Hungry ghost") [Poltergeist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poltergeist "Poltergeist") [Residual haunting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_Tape_theory "Stone Tape theory") [Vengeful ghost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vengeful_ghost "Vengeful ghost") [Procession of the dead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procession_of_the_dead "Procession of the dead") \| \| By continent and culture \| \| \| \| \| \| African \| [Madam Koi Koi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madam_Koi_Koi "Madam Koi Koi") South Africa ([locations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_South_Africa "List of reportedly haunted locations in South Africa")) \| \| Asian \| [Burmese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat_\(deity\) "Nat (deity)") [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_in_Chinese_culture "Ghosts in Chinese culture") [locations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_China "List of reportedly haunted locations in China") [Tibetan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_in_Tibetan_culture "Ghosts in Tibetan culture") [Filipino](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Souls_in_Filipino_cultures "Souls in Filipino cultures") [locations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_the_Philippines "List of reportedly haunted locations in the Philippines") [Ghost Festival]() [Indian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhoota_\(ghost\) "Bhoota (ghost)") [locations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_India "List of reportedly haunted locations in India") [Bengali](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_in_Bengali_culture "Ghosts in Bengali culture") [Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C5%ABrei "Yūrei") [locations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Japan "List of reportedly haunted locations in Japan") [Onryō](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onry%C5%8D "Onryō") [Korean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwisin "Gwisin") [Malay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_in_Malay_culture "Ghosts in Malay culture") [Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_in_Thai_culture "Ghosts in Thai culture") [locations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Thailand "List of reportedly haunted locations in Thailand") [Vietnamese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_in_Vietnamese_culture "Ghosts in Vietnamese culture") \| \| Europe \| [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_in_English-speaking_cultures "Ghosts in English-speaking cultures") [locations in Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Scotland "Reportedly haunted locations in Scotland") [locations in United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_the_United_Kingdom "List of reportedly haunted locations in the United Kingdom") France [locations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_France "List of reportedly haunted locations in France") [Slavic religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernatural_beings_in_Slavic_religion "Supernatural beings in Slavic religion") [Romania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Romania "List of reportedly haunted locations in Romania") \| \| North America \| [Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Canada "List of reportedly haunted locations in Canada") Caribbean [Duppy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duppy "Duppy") Navajo [Chindi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chindi "Chindi") [Ghost sickness](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_sickness "Ghost sickness") [Mexican](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_in_Mexican_culture "Ghosts in Mexican culture") [locations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Mexico "List of reportedly haunted locations in Mexico") [Day of the Dead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead "Day of the Dead") [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_the_United_States "List of reportedly haunted locations in the United States") [California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reportedly_haunted_locations_in_California "Reportedly haunted locations in California") [District of Columbia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Washington,_D.C. "Reportedly haunted locations in Washington, D.C.") [Indiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_ghostlore "Indiana ghostlore") [Oregon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Oregon "Reportedly haunted locations in Oregon") [Pennsylvania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Pennsylvania "Reportedly haunted locations in Pennsylvania") [San Francisco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reportedly_haunted_locations_in_the_San_Francisco_Bay_Area "Reportedly haunted locations in the San Francisco Bay Area") \| \| South America \| [Colombia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_Colombia "List of reportedly haunted locations in Colombia") \| \| Oceania \| [Polynesian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_in_Polynesian_culture "Ghosts in Polynesian culture") [Maori](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_and_spirits_in_M%C4%81ori_culture "Ghosts and spirits in Māori culture") \| \| History \| [Mesopotamian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_in_Mesopotamian_religions "Ghosts in Mesopotamian religions") [Ancient Egyptian culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_conception_of_the_soul "Ancient Egyptian conception of the soul") [Classical antiquity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shade_\(mythology\) "Shade (mythology)") \| \| [Parapsychology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parapsychology "Parapsychology") \| [Apparitional experience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apparitional_experience "Apparitional experience") [Electronic voice phenomenon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_voice_phenomenon "Electronic voice phenomenon") [Ghost hunting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_hunting "Ghost hunting") [Séance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A9ance "Séance") [Mediumship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediumship "Mediumship") [Spirit photography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_photography "Spirit photography") \| \| Popular culture \| [Films about ghosts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_films "List of ghost films") [India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_ghost_movie "Indian ghost movie") [Indonesia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_horror "Indonesian horror") [Stories about ghosts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_story "Ghost story") [Kaidan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaidan "Kaidan") [Halloween](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween "Halloween") [Samhain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samhain "Samhain") [Paranormal television](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranormal_television "Paranormal television") \| \| Court cases \| [Booty v Barnaby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booty_v_Barnaby "Booty v Barnaby") [Hammersmith Ghost murder case](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammersmith_Ghost_murder_case "Hammersmith Ghost murder case") \| \| Related \| [Fear of ghosts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_of_ghosts "Fear of ghosts") [Spectrophilia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectrophilia "Spectrophilia") [Spiritualism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritualism_\(movement\) "Spiritualism (movement)") [Kardecist spiritism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kardecist_spiritism "Kardecist spiritism") [The Ghost Club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ghost_Club "The Ghost Club") [Geist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geist "Geist") [Soul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul "Soul") [Spirit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_\(animating_force\) "Spirit (animating force)") \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Ghosts "Category:Ghosts") \| \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Asia_topic "Template:Asia topic") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Asia_topic "Template talk:Asia topic") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Asia_topic "Special:EditPage/Template:Asia topic")[Culture of Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Asia "Culture of Asia") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [Sovereign states](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sovereign_states "List of sovereign states") \| [Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Afghanistan "Culture of Afghanistan") [Armenia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Armenia "Culture of Armenia") [Azerbaijan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Azerbaijan "Culture of Azerbaijan") [Bahrain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Bahrain "Culture of Bahrain") [Bangladesh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Bangladesh "Culture of Bangladesh") [Bhutan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Bhutan "Culture of Bhutan") [Brunei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Brunei "Culture of Brunei") [Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Cambodia "Culture of Cambodia") [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_China "Culture of China") [Cyprus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Cyprus "Culture of Cyprus") [Egypt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Egypt "Culture of Egypt") [Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Georgia_\(country\) "Culture of Georgia (country)") [India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_India "Culture of India") [Indonesia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Indonesia "Culture of Indonesia") [Iran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Iran "Culture of Iran") [Iraq](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Iraq "Culture of Iraq") [Israel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Israel "Culture of Israel") [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Japan "Culture of Japan") [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Jordan "Culture of Jordan") [Kazakhstan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Kazakhstan "Culture of Kazakhstan") [North Korea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_North_Korea "Culture of North Korea") [South Korea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_South_Korea "Culture of South Korea") [Kuwait](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Kuwait "Culture of Kuwait") [Kyrgyzstan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Kyrgyzstan "Culture of Kyrgyzstan") [Laos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Laos "Culture of Laos") [Lebanon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Lebanon "Culture of Lebanon") [Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Malaysia "Culture of Malaysia") [Maldives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_Maldives "Culture of the Maldives") [Mongolia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Mongolia "Culture of Mongolia") [Myanmar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Myanmar "Culture of Myanmar") [Nepal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Nepal "Culture of Nepal") [Oman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Oman "Culture of Oman") [Palestine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Palestine "Culture of Palestine") [Pakistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Pakistan "Culture of Pakistan") [Philippines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_Philippines "Culture of the Philippines") [Qatar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Qatar "Culture of Qatar") [Russia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Russia "Culture of Russia") [Saudi Arabia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Saudi_Arabia "Culture of Saudi Arabia") [Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Singapore "Culture of Singapore") [Sri Lanka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Sri_Lanka "Culture of Sri Lanka") [Syria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Syria "Culture of Syria") [Tajikistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Tajikistan "Culture of Tajikistan") [Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Thailand "Culture of Thailand") [Timor-Leste (East Timor)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Timor-Leste "Culture of Timor-Leste") [Turkey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Turkey "Culture of Turkey") [Turkmenistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Turkmenistan "Culture of Turkmenistan") [United Arab Emirates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates "Culture of the United Arab Emirates") [Uzbekistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Uzbekistan "Culture of Uzbekistan") [Vietnam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Vietnam "Culture of Vietnam") [Yemen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Yemen "Culture of Yemen") \| \| [States with limited recognition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_states_with_limited_recognition "List of states with limited recognition") \| [Abkhazia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Abkhazia "Culture of Abkhazia") [Northern Cyprus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Northern_Cyprus "Culture of Northern Cyprus") [South Ossetia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_South_Ossetia "Culture of South Ossetia") [Taiwan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Taiwan "Culture of Taiwan") \| \| [Dependencies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dependent_territory "Dependent territory") and other territories \| [British Indian Ocean Territory](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Culture_of_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory&action=edit&redlink=1 "Culture of the British Indian Ocean Territory (page does not exist)") [Christmas Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Christmas_Island "Culture of Christmas Island") [Cocos (Keeling) Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_Cocos_\(Keeling\)_Islands "Culture of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands") [Hong Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Hong_Kong "Culture of Hong Kong") [Macau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Macau "Culture of Macau") \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Asia "Category:Asia") [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e2/Symbol_portal_class.svg/20px-Symbol_portal_class.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Symbol_portal_class.svg "Portal") [Asia portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Asia "Portal:Asia") \| \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Halloween "Template:Halloween") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Halloween "Template talk:Halloween") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Halloween "Special:EditPage/Template:Halloween")[Halloween](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween "Halloween") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Main topics \| History [Samhain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samhain "Samhain") [Allhallowtide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allhallowtide "Allhallowtide") [Geography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Halloween "Geography of Halloween") \| \| Traditions \| [Trick-or-treating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trick-or-treating "Trick-or-treating") [Trunk-or-treating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trunk-or-treating "Trunk-or-treating") [Costumes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween_costume "Halloween costume") [Apple bobbing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_bobbing "Apple bobbing") [Cards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween_card "Halloween card") [Halloween Tree](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Halloween_Tree "The Halloween Tree") [Jack-o'-lantern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack-o%27-lantern "Jack-o'-lantern") [Stingy Jack](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stingy_Jack "Stingy Jack") [Connecticut field pumpkin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connecticut_field_pumpkin "Connecticut field pumpkin") [Prayer for the dead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_for_the_dead "Prayer for the dead") [Pangangaluluwa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangangaluluwa "Pangangaluluwa") \| \| Food \| [Apple cider](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_cider "Apple cider") [Barmbrack](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barmbrack "Barmbrack") [Bonfire toffee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonfire_toffee "Bonfire toffee") [Candy apple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_apple "Candy apple") [Candy corn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_corn "Candy corn") [Candy pumpkin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_pumpkin "Candy pumpkin") [Caramel apple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caramel_apple "Caramel apple") [Caramel corn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caramel_corn "Caramel corn") [Feetloaf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feetloaf "Feetloaf") [Monster cereals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_cereals "Monster cereals") [Pão por Deus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A3o_por_Deus "Pão por Deus") [Pumpkin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin "Pumpkin") [Pumpkin pie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin_pie "Pumpkin pie") [Soul cake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul_cake "Soul cake") \| \| Events \| [Bonfire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonfire "Bonfire") [Haunted attraction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haunted_attraction "Haunted attraction") [Hell house](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_house "Hell house") [Pumpkin Queen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin_Queen "Pumpkin Queen") \| \| Media \| [Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliography_of_Halloween "Bibliography of Halloween") [Films](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_set_around_Halloween "List of films set around Halloween") [Music](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween_music "Halloween music") [Television](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Halloween_television_specials "List of Halloween television specials") \| \| Related events \| [Festival of the Dead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival_of_the_Dead "Festival of the Dead") [Bon Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obon "Obon") [Chuseok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuseok "Chuseok") [Day of the Dead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead "Day of the Dead") [Gai Jatra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gai_Jatra "Gai Jatra") [Pitru Paksha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitru_Paksha "Pitru Paksha") [Qingming Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qingming_Festival "Qingming Festival") [Totensonntag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totensonntag "Totensonntag") [Ghost Festival]() [Pumpkin festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin#Pumpkin_festivals_and_competitions "Pumpkin") [Laconia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire_Pumpkin_Festival "New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival") [Salo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin_Weeks "Pumpkin Weeks") [Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Pumpkin_Festival "Virginia Pumpkin Festival") [Summerween](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summerween "Summerween") [Veneration of the dead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veneration_of_the_dead "Veneration of the dead") [Kaddish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaddish "Kaddish") [Yizkor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yizkor "Yizkor") \| \| Other events \| [Allantide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allantide "Allantide") [All Saints' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints%27_Day "All Saints' Day") [All Souls' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Souls%27_Day "All Souls' Day") [Beggars Night](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beggars_Night "Beggars Night") [Dziady](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dziady "Dziady") [Eid il-Burbara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_il-Burbara "Eid il-Burbara") [Hop-tu-Naa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hop-tu-Naa "Hop-tu-Naa") [Kekri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kekri_\(festival\) "Kekri (festival)") [Korochun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korochun "Korochun") [Mischief Night](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mischief_Night "Mischief Night") [Old Halloween](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Martin%27s_Day "St. Martin's Day") [Punkie Night](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punkie_Night "Punkie Night") [Saci Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saci_Day "Saci Day") \| \| Related topics \| [Jews and Halloween](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews_and_Halloween "Jews and Halloween") \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Halloween "Category:Halloween") \| \| \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [Authority control databases](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Authority_control "Help:Authority control"): National [![Edit this at Wikidata](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8a/OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg/20px-OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg.png)](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q696781#identifiers "Edit this at Wikidata") \| [Japan](https://id.ndl.go.jp/auth/ndlna/00574037) [Israel](https://www.nli.org.il/en/authorities/987007560832805171) \| ![](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAutoLogin/start?useformat=desktop&type=1x1&usesul3=1) Retrieved from "<https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&oldid=1347300754>" 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held on the full moon") - [Observances honoring the dead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Observances_honoring_the_dead "Category:Observances honoring the dead") - [Observances set by the Chinese calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Observances_set_by_the_Chinese_calendar "Category:Observances set by the Chinese calendar") - [Public holidays in China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Public_holidays_in_China "Category:Public holidays in China") - [Religious festivals in Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Religious_festivals_in_Cambodia "Category:Religious festivals in Cambodia") - [Religious festivals in China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Religious_festivals_in_China "Category:Religious festivals in China") - [Buddhist festivals in the Philippines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Buddhist_festivals_in_the_Philippines "Category:Buddhist festivals in the Philippines") - [Religious festivals in 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Readable Markdown	This article is about the Chinese festival and its related traditions. For the festival in the Thai province of Loei, see [Phi Ta Khon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phi_Ta_Khon "Phi Ta Khon"). For the festival in Nepal, see [Ghost Festival (Nepal)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival_\(Nepal\) "Ghost Festival (Nepal)"). \| Ghost Festival \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/HK_ShatinYuLanFestival_KingOfGhost.JPG/250px-HK_ShatinYuLanFestival_KingOfGhost.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HK_ShatinYuLanFestival_KingOfGhost.JPG)A paper effigy of the [Guanyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanyin "Guanyin") in [Shatin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shatin "Shatin"), Hong Kong. \| \| \| Official name \| Zhongyuan Festival ([Taoism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism "Taoism")) Yulanpen Festival ([Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism "Buddhism")) \| \| Also called \| Spirit Festival \| \| Observed by \| [Buddhists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhists "Buddhists") [Confunianists](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Confunianists&action=edit&redlink=1 "Confunianists (page does not exist)") [Taoists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoists "Taoists") \| \| Significance \| To commemorate the opening of the gates of [Hell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell "Hell") and Heaven, and spiritual realm permitting all spirits and souls to receive sustenance, money, and other offerings. \| \| Observances \| [Ancestor worship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancestor_worship "Ancestor worship"), offering food, burning [joss paper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_paper "Joss paper"), chanting of scriptures \| \| Date \| 15th day of the 7th Chinese lunisolar month \| \| 2025 date \| 6 September \| \| 2026 date \| 27 August \| \| 2027 date \| 16 August \| \| 2028 date \| 3 September \| \| Related to \| [Obon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_Festival "Bon Festival") (in Japan) [Baekjung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miryang_Baekjung_Festival "Miryang Baekjung Festival") (in Korea) [Vu Lan](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vu_Lan&action=edit&redlink=1 "Vu Lan (page does not exist)") (in Vietnam) [Pchum Ben](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pchum_Ben "Pchum Ben") (observed by [Khmer people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_people "Khmer people")) and [Sen Kbal tek](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sen_Kbal_tek&action=edit&redlink=1 "Sen Kbal tek (page does not exist)"), សែនក្បាលទឹក (observed by Chinese-Cambodians) (in Cambodia) [Boun Khao Padap Din](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Laos) (in Laos) [Mataka dānēs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#Sri_Lanka) (in Sri Lanka) [Sat Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sat_Thai "Sat Thai") (in Thailand) \| \| Ghost Festival \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Ancestor_worship003.JPG/250px-Ancestor_worship003.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ancestor_worship003.JPG)Food offerings for the Ghost Festival \| \| \| [Traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters "Traditional Chinese characters") \| [中元節](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%83%E7%AF%80 "wikt:中元節") \| \| [Simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters "Simplified Chinese characters") \| [中元节](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%83%E8%8A%82 "wikt:中元节") \| \| Literal meaning \| mid-origin festival \| \| Transcriptions \| \| \| [Standard Mandarin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Chinese "Standard Chinese") \| \| \| [Hanyu Pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanyu_Pinyin "Hanyu Pinyin") \| zhōng yuán jié \| \| [Bopomofo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bopomofo "Bopomofo") \| ㄓㄨㄥㄩㄢˊㄐㄧㄝˊ \| \| [Wade–Giles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wade%E2%80%93Giles "Wade–Giles") \| chung yüan2 chieh2 \| \| [Yale Romanization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale_romanization_of_Mandarin "Yale romanization of Mandarin") \| jūng ywán jyé \| \| [Hakka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakka_Chinese "Hakka Chinese") \| \| \| [Pha̍k-fa-sṳ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pha%CC%8Dk-fa-s%E1%B9%B3 "Pha̍k-fa-sṳ") \| Chûng-ngièn-chiet \| \| [Yue: Cantonese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantonese "Cantonese") \| \| \| [Yale Romanization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese "Yale romanization of Cantonese") \| jūng yùhn jit \| \| [Jyutping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyutping "Jyutping") \| zung1 jyun4 zit3 \| \| [Southern Min](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Min "Southern Min") \| \| \| [Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkien "Hokkien") [POJ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī") \| Tiong-goân-cheh / Tiong-goân-choeh / Tiong-goân-chiat \| \| [Tâi-lô](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_Romanization_System "Taiwanese Romanization System") \| Tiong-guân-tseh / Tiong-guân-tsueh / Tiong-guân-tsiat \| \| [Teochew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teochew_dialect "Teochew dialect") [Peng'im](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guangdong_Romanization#Teochew "Guangdong Romanization") \| Dong1 nguêng5/nguang5 zoih4 \| \| [Eastern Min](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Min "Eastern Min") \| \| \| [Fuzhou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuzhou_dialect "Fuzhou dialect") [BUC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foochow_Romanized "Foochow Romanized") \| Dṳ̆ng-nguòng-cáik \| \| Alternative Chinese name \| \| \| [Traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters "Traditional Chinese characters") \| [盂蘭盆節](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E7%9B%82%E8%98%AD%E7%9B%86%E7%AF%80 "wikt:盂蘭盆節") \| \| [Simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters "Simplified Chinese characters") \| [盂兰盆节](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E7%9B%82%E5%85%B0%E7%9B%86%E8%8A%82 "wikt:盂兰盆节") \| \| Transcriptions \| \| \| [Standard Mandarin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Chinese "Standard Chinese") \| \| \| [Hanyu Pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanyu_Pinyin "Hanyu Pinyin") \| Yú lán pén jié \| \| [Bopomofo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bopomofo "Bopomofo") \| ㄩˊㄌㄢˊㄆㄣˊㄐㄧㄝˊ \| \| [Wade–Giles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wade%E2%80%93Giles "Wade–Giles") \| yü2 lan2 p'ên2 chieh2 \| \| [Yale Romanization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale_romanization_of_Mandarin "Yale romanization of Mandarin") \| yú-lán-pén-jyé \| \| [Yue: Cantonese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantonese "Cantonese") \| \| \| [Yale Romanization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese "Yale romanization of Cantonese") \| yùh làahn pùhn jit \| \| [Jyutping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyutping "Jyutping") \| jyu4 laan4 pun4 zit3 \| \| [Eastern Min](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Min "Eastern Min") \| \| \| [Fuzhou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuzhou_dialect "Fuzhou dialect") [BUC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foochow_Romanized "Foochow Romanized") \| Uò-làng-buòng \| \| Second alternative Chinese name \| \| \| [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language "Chinese language") \| [七月半](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%B8%83%E6%9C%88%E5%8D%8A "wikt:七月半") \| \| Transcriptions \| \| \| [Hakka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakka_Chinese "Hakka Chinese") \| \| \| [Pha̍k-fa-sṳ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pha%CC%8Dk-fa-s%E1%B9%B3 "Pha̍k-fa-sṳ") \| Chhit-ngie̍t-pan \| \| [Southern Min](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Min "Southern Min") \| \| \| [Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkien "Hokkien") [POJ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī") \| Chhit-goe̍h-poàⁿ \| \| [Tâi-lô](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_Romanization_System "Taiwanese Romanization System") \| Tshit-gue̍h-puànn \| \| [Teochew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teochew_dialect "Teochew dialect") [Peng'im](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guangdong_Romanization#Teochew "Guangdong Romanization") \| Cig4 ghuêh8 buan3 \| The Ghost Festival or Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the Zhongyuan Festival in [Taoism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism "Taoism") and the Yulanpen Festival in [Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism "Buddhism"), is a traditional festival held in certain [East](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asia "East Asia") and [Southeast Asian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asian "Southeast Asian") countries. According to the [traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar "Chinese calendar"), the Ghost Festival is on the 15th night of the seventh month (14th in parts of southern China).[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-1)[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Chow_2015-2): 4, 6 [\[note 1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-3) In [Chinese culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_culture "Chinese culture"), the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the traditional Chinese calendar is called Ghost Day or (especially in Taiwan) Pudu ([Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language "Chinese language"): 普渡; [pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinyin "Pinyin"): Pǔdù; [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī"): Phó͘-tō͘)[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-4) and the seventh month is generally regarded as the Ghost Month, in which ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased ancestors, come out from the [lower realm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underworld "Underworld") ([Diyu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diyu "Diyu") or [Preta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preta "Preta")). Distinct from both the [Qingming Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qingming_Festival "Qingming Festival") (or Tomb Sweeping Day, in spring) and [Double Ninth Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Ninth_Festival "Double Ninth Festival") (in autumn) in which living descendants pay homage to their deceased ancestors, during Ghost Festival, the deceased are believed to visit the living.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-5) On the fifteenth day the realms of Heaven and Hell and the realm of the living are open, and both [Taoists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoists "Taoists") and [Buddhists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhists "Buddhists") would perform rituals to transmute and absolve the sufferings of the deceased. Intrinsic to the Ghost Month is [veneration of the dead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veneration_of_the_dead "Veneration of the dead"), where traditionally the filial piety of descendants extends to their ancestors even after their deaths. Activities during the month would include preparing ritualistic food offerings, burning [incense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incense "Incense") contain [Styrax benzoin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrax_benzoin "Styrax benzoin") , and burning [joss paper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_paper "Joss paper"), a [papier-mâché](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papier-m%C3%A2ch%C3%A9 "Papier-mâché") form of material items such as clothes, gold, and other fine goods for the visiting spirits of the ancestors. Elaborate meals (often vegetarian) would be served with empty seats for each of the deceased in the family, treating the deceased as if they are still living. Ancestor worship is what distinguishes Qingming Festival from Ghost Festival, because the latter includes paying respects to all deceased, including the same and younger generations, while the former only includes older generations. Other festivities may include [buying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papier-mache_offering_shops_in_Hong_Kong "Papier-mache offering shops in Hong Kong") and releasing miniature paper boats and [lanterns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantern "Lantern") on water, which signifies giving directions to the lost ghosts and spirits of the ancestors and other deities.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-6) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/Moggallana_saves_his_mother.jpg/250px-Moggallana_saves_his_mother.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moggallana_saves_his_mother.jpg) A Chinese wood cut of Mulian asking the Buddha to save his mother, who has turned into a hungry ghost from hell. The name relates to the concept of the [hungry ghost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungry_ghost "Hungry ghost"), the Chinese translation of the term [preta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preta "Preta") in [Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism "Buddhism"). It plays a role in [Chinese Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Buddhism "Chinese Buddhism") and [Taoism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism "Taoism") as well as in [Chinese folk religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_folk_religion "Chinese folk religion"), and represents beings who were originally living people, who have died, and who are driven by intense emotional needs in an [animalistic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animals_in_Buddhism "Animals in Buddhism") way.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-sixteen-7)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-8)[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-eleven-9) As a Taoist festival: Taoism has the "Three Yuan" theory (representing the [Three Great Emperor-Officials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Great_Emperor-Officials "Three Great Emperor-Officials")), which the name "Zhong Yuan" comes from.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001-10): 195–196 The festival flourished during the [Tang dynasty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tang_dynasty "Tang dynasty"), whose rulers were partial to Taoism; and "Zhongyuan" became well established as the holiday's name.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-11) As a Buddhist festival: The origin story of the modern Ghost Festival, ultimately originated from [ancient India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_India "Ancient India"), deriving from the [Mahayana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayana_Buddhism "Mahayana Buddhism") [scripture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_scripture "Buddhist scripture") known as the [Yulanpen or Ullambana Sutra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yulanpen_Sutra "Yulanpen Sutra").[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2013a-12): 301, 302 [\[note 2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-13) The sutra records the time when [Maudgalyāyana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maudgaly%C4%81yana "Maudgalyāyana") achieves [abhijñā](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhij%C3%B1%C4%81 "Abhijñā") and uses his newfound powers to search for his deceased parents. Maudgalyayana discovers that his deceased mother was reborn into the [preta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preta "Preta") or hungry ghost realm. She was in a wasted condition and Maudgalyayana tried to help her by giving her a bowl of rice. Unfortunately as a preta, she was unable to eat the rice as it was transformed into burning coal. Maudgalyayana then asks the Buddha to help him; whereupon Buddha explains how one is able to assist one's current parents and deceased parents in this life and in one's past seven lives by willingly offering food, etc., to the [sangha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangha "Sangha") or monastic community during [Pravarana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pravarana "Pravarana") (the end of the monsoon season or [vassa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vassa "Vassa")), which usually occurs on the 15th day of the seventh month whereby the monastic community transfers the merits to the deceased parents, etc.,[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2013b-14): 185 [\[note 3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-15)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2013a-12): 293 [\[note 4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-16)[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Karashima_2014-17): 286 [\[note 5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-18) The [Theravadan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravada "Theravada") forms of the festival in [South](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Asia "South Asia") and [Southeast Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asia "Southeast Asia") (including [Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodia "Cambodia")'s [Pchum Ben](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pchum_Ben "Pchum Ben")) are much older, deriving from the [Petavatthu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petavatthu "Petavatthu"), a [scripture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_scripture "Buddhist scripture") in the [Pali Canon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_Canon "Pali Canon") that probably dates to the 3rd century BC.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-lange-19) The Petavatthu account is broadly similar to that later recorded in the [Yulanpen Sutra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yulanpen_Sutra "Yulanpen Sutra"), although it concerns the disciple [Sāriputta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C4%81riputta "Sāriputta") and his family rather than [Moggallāna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moggall%C4%81na "Moggallāna"). [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Chinese_floating_lotus_lanterns.jpg/250px-Chinese_floating_lotus_lanterns.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_floating_lotus_lanterns.jpg) Chinese lotus lanterns floating in a river. The Ghost Festival is held during the seventh month of the [Chinese calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar "Chinese calendar"). It also falls at the same time as a full moon, the new season, the fall harvest, the peak of Buddhist monastic asceticism, the rebirth of ancestors, and the assembly of the local community.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-eight-20) During this month, the gates of [hell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diyu "Diyu") are opened up and ghosts are free to roam the earth where they seek food and entertainment. These ghosts are believed to be spirits of those without descendants (or, traditionally, without descendants in the male line) or whose descendants did not pay tribute to them after they died.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls-21)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival-22) They are desperately hungry, thirsty, and restless as a result.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls-21)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival-22) Family members offer food and drink to the ghosts and burn [hell bank notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_bank_note "Hell bank note") and other forms of [joss paper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_paper "Joss paper").[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-three-23) Joss paper items are believed to have value in the afterlife, considered to be very similar in some aspects to the material world. Families pay tribute to wandering ghosts of strangers so that these homeless souls do not intrude on their lives and bring misfortune. A large feast is held for the ghosts on the day of the ghost festival or thereabouts, when people bring samples of food and place them on an altar or outside a temple or house, to please the ghosts and ward off bad luck.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival-22)[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001-10): 196–197 [Lotus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelumbo_nucifera "Nelumbo nucifera")\-shaped lanterns are lit and set afloat in rivers to symbolically guide lost [souls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul "Soul") to the [afterlife](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterlife "Afterlife").[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival-24) In some East Asian countries today, live performances are held and everyone is invited to attend. The first row of seats are always empty as this is where the ghosts sit. The shows are always put on at night and at high volumes as the sound is believed to attract and please the ghosts. Some shows include [Chinese opera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_opera "Chinese opera"), dramas, and in some areas, even [burlesque](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burlesque "Burlesque") shows. Traditionally Chinese opera was the main source of entertainment but the newer shows, concerts, dramas, wars, and so forth are referred to as [Getai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getai "Getai").[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-nine-25) These acts are better known as "Merry-making".[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) For rituals, [Chinese Buddhists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Buddhism "Chinese Buddhism") and [Taoists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism "Taoism") hold ceremonies to relieve ghosts from suffering, many of them holding ceremonies in the afternoon or at night (as it is believed that the ghosts are released from hell when the sun sets). Altars are built for the deceased and priests and monks alike perform rituals for the benefit of ghosts. Monks and priests often throw rice or other small foods into the air in all directions to distribute them to the ghosts.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) An example of such a ritual is the Chinese Buddhist [Yujia Yankou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yujia_Yankou "Yujia Yankou") rite, which is performed to facilitate the physical and spiritual nourishment of all [sentient beings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentient_beings_\(Buddhism\) "Sentient beings (Buddhism)") in [saṃsāra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra_\(Buddhism\) "Saṃsāra (Buddhism)"), including the hungry ghosts.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-27) During the evening, [incense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incense "Incense") is burnt in front of the doors of households.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival-24) Incense stands for prosperity in Chinese culture, so families believe that there is more prosperity in burning more incense.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) During the festival, some shops are closed as they want to leave the streets open for the ghosts. In the middle of each street stands an altar of incense with fresh fruit and sacrifices displayed on it.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) Fourteen days after the festival, to make sure all the hungry ghosts find their way back to hell, people float water lanterns and set them outside their houses. These lanterns are made by setting a lotus flower-shaped lantern on a paper boat. The lanterns are used to direct the ghosts back to the underworld, and when they go out, it symbolizes that they have found their way back.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-seven-26) ## Celebrations in other parts of Asia \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Celebrations in other parts of Asia")\] [![Getai Performance in Singapore](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Chinese_Ghost_Festival_Getai_Performance_in_Singapore.jpg/250px-Chinese_Ghost_Festival_Getai_Performance_in_Singapore.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_Ghost_Festival_Getai_Performance_in_Singapore.jpg) A Getai Performance in Singapore. ### Singapore and Malaysia \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: Singapore and Malaysia")\] During the 1800s to 1980s in [Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore "Singapore"), temples and various organisations would hire opera troupes to perform [street opera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Street_Opera_in_Singapore "Chinese Street Opera in Singapore") for the wandering ghosts and residents alike.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-:3-28) [Malaysian Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_Chinese "Malaysian Chinese") would also celebrate the festival with street opera. With the decline of street opera in both Singapore and Malaysia, modern concert-like performances became a prominent feature of the Ghost Festival. Those live concerts are popularly known as [Getai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getai "Getai") in [Mandarin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandarin_Chinese "Mandarin Chinese") ([simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters "Simplified Chinese characters"): 歌台; [traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters "Traditional Chinese characters"): 歌臺; [pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinyin "Pinyin"): gētái) or Koh-tai ([Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Min_Nan "Min Nan") [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language "Chinese language"): 歌臺; [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī"): ko-tâi) meaning song stages.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-29) They are performed by groups of singers, dancers, entertainers, and opera troops or puppet shows on a temporary stage that is set up within a residential district. The festival is usually funded by the temples or organisations of each individual district. During these Getai the front row is left empty for the special guests—the ghosts.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-30) It is known to be bad luck to sit on the front row of red seats, if anyone were to sit on them, they would become sick or similarly ailed. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Hungry_Ghost_Festival_IVan_Damanik12_15_Agustus_2019.jpg/250px-Hungry_Ghost_Festival_IVan_Damanik12_15_Agustus_2019.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hungry_Ghost_Festival_IVan_Damanik12_15_Agustus_2019.jpg) A man throws the Hell notes during Hungry Ghost Festival in [Vihara Gunung Timur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vihara_Gunung_Timur "Vihara Gunung Timur"), [Medan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medan "Medan"), Indonesia. In Indonesia, the festival is popularly known as Chit Gwee Pua ([Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkien "Hokkien") [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language "Chinese language"): [七月半](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%B8%83%E6%9C%88%E5%8D%8A "wikt:七月半"); [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī"): Chhit-goe̍h-pòaⁿ) or Chit Nyiat Pan ([Hakka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakka_Chinese "Hakka Chinese") [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language "Chinese language"): [七月半](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%B8%83%E6%9C%88%E5%8D%8A "wikt:七月半"); [Pha̍k-fa-sṳ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pha%CC%8Dk-fa-s%E1%B9%B3 "Pha̍k-fa-sṳ"):Chhit-ngie̍t-pan), Cioko, or Sembahyang Rebutan in [Indonesian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_language "Indonesian language") (Scrambling prayer). Observers gather around temples and bring an offering to a spirit who died in an unlucky way, and after that, they distribute it to the poor. The way people scramble the offerings is the origin of the festival name, and the festival is mostly known in [Java Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_Island "Java Island"). Other areas like [North Sumatra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Sumatra "North Sumatra"), [Riau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riau "Riau"), and [Riau islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riau_islands "Riau islands") also conduct live concerts known as Getai ([Mandarin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandarin_Chinese "Mandarin Chinese") [simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters "Simplified Chinese characters"): 歌台; [traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters "Traditional Chinese characters"): 歌臺; [pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinyin "Pinyin"): gētái) like those in Malaysia and Singapore, and there are also times when observers conduct Tomb sweeping known as Sembahyang Kubur to respect ancestor spirits and garner luck. This is done by buying [hell notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_money "Hell money") or Kim Cua ([Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkien "Hokkien") [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language "Chinese language"): [金紙](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E9%87%91%E7%B4%99 "wikt:金紙"); [Pe̍h-ōe-jī](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī"): kim-chóa) and paper-based goods like paper house, paper horse, paper car, etc., which will end up being burned as it is believed that burned goods will be sent to help the spirits feel better in afterlife. In the [Philippines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines "Philippines"), the occasion is more popularly known as Ghost Month, as it affects the entire seventh lunisolar month of the [Chinese calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar "Chinese calendar") around August to September (which coincided with the months of the [Immaculate Heart of Mary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immaculate_Heart_of_Mary "Immaculate Heart of Mary") and the Feast of [Our Lady of Sorrows](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Sorrows "Our Lady of Sorrows") respectively). The month-long observances are mostly traditionally practiced and originated by [Chinese Filipinos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Filipinos "Chinese Filipinos") which its observance has since spread to other Filipinos that have become aware of it, since it reverberates economically through the [stock market](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Stock_Exchange "Philippine Stock Exchange") as a sizable amount of investors stop investing and put off their investments for later dates past the occasion.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-31) Generally, those who observe it find it to be a very unlucky time of the year, as traditional belief states that the souls of dead relatives, wandering souls or vengeful spirits roam the earth during the month-long occasion. This means that practitioners take extra precautions and caution others of making important decisions when it comes to relationships, professions, businesses, and finances. People avoid practices like, making life-changing decisions, getting married or engaged, starting new businesses, moving to a new home, traveling, signing contracts, making impulsive major financial decisions, committing to big professional projects, inaugurations, buying or selling off high priced possessions such as cars, phones, or real estate properties, staying late out at night especially kids and elderlies, making noise or whistling at night, leaving food or hanging clothes out after sunset and leaving them overnight since their human-like shape may invite spirits, or even taking pictures at night, wearing black clothes, tapping people on the head or shoulders as it may affect their luck, picking up coins or strange items you find since these may belong to the dead, or even constantly talking to oneself, or going to cemeteries alone, or answering unknown whispers or sobbing, or being constantly close to bodies of water, or constantly talking about ghosts or death. Besides these many avoidances, practitioners also make offerings and prayers for the souls of the dead, such as burning [spirit money](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_money "Spirit money"), lighting [incense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incense "Incense"), and laying out food like fruits and drinks on home or temple altars or cemetery tombs or graves or mausoleums of deceased relatives that people during this month also start to visit. Some people also start to hold memorial services to deceased relatives or ancestors held either at home or at a Chinese temple or [funeral home](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funeral_home "Funeral home").[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-32)[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-33)[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-34)[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-35) Due to occasion being held around the months of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, many Filipino Catholics and other Christians had tend to focus on the devotion of the [Virgin Mary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary,_mother_of_Jesus "Mary, mother of Jesus") at home or at a church instead as a result of responsas by Catholic and Christian authorities. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/2024_Ghost_Festival_of_Bangka_Lungshan_Temple-11.2024-08-18.jpg/250px-2024_Ghost_Festival_of_Bangka_Lungshan_Temple-11.2024-08-18.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2024_Ghost_Festival_of_Bangka_Lungshan_Temple-11.2024-08-18.jpg) The Ghost Festival being celebrated in the [Bangka Lungshan Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longshan_Temple_\(Taipei\) "Longshan Temple (Taipei)") in Taiwan. Traditionally, it is believed that ghosts haunt the island of [Taiwan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan "Taiwan") for the entire seventh lunisolar month, when the mid-summer Ghost Festival is held.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-36) The month is known as Ghost Month.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-37) The first day of the month is marked by opening the gate of a temple, symbolizing the gates of hell. On the twelfth day, lamps on the main altar are lit. On the thirteenth day, a procession of lanterns is held. On the fourteenth day, a parade is held for releasing water lanterns. Incense and food are offered to the spirits to deter them from visiting homes and [spirit paper money](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_money "Hell money") is also burnt as an offering.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-38) During the month, people avoid surgery, buying cars, swimming, moving house, marrying, whistling, and going out or taking pictures after dark.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-39)[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-40)[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-41)[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-42) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Food_offerings_for_the_Mid-Autumn_festival_in_Ecopark_%282017%29.jpg/250px-Food_offerings_for_the_Mid-Autumn_festival_in_Ecopark_%282017%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Food_offerings_for_the_Mid-Autumn_festival_in_Ecopark_\(2017\).jpg) Various food items being offered for the wandering souls in [Tháng Cô Hồn](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Th%C3%A1ng_C%C3%B4_H%E1%BB%93n&action=edit&redlink=1 "Tháng Cô Hồn (page does not exist)") \[[vi](https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%A1ng_C%C3%B4_H%E1%BB%93n "vi:Tháng Cô Hồn")\]. This festival is known as Tết Trung Nguyên[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-43) and is viewed as a time for the pardoning of condemned souls who are released from hell. The "homeless" should be "fed" and appeased with offerings of food. Merits for the living are also earned by the release of birds and fish. The lunisolar month in which the festival takes place is colloquially known as Tháng Cô Hồn - the month of lonely spirits, and believed to be haunted and particularly unlucky. Influenced by [Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism "Buddhism"), this holiday coincides with Vu Lan, the Vietnamese transliteration for Ullambana. In modern times, Vu Lan is also seen as Parents' Day.[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-44) People with living parents would bear a red rose and would give thanks while those without can choose to bear a white rose; and attend services to pray for the deceased. ### Buddhist traditions \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=10 "Edit section: Buddhist traditions")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Kantong02.jpg/250px-Kantong02.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kantong02.jpg) A kantong (container made from leaves with flowers and offering) for floating on water during Pchum Ben Day in Cambodia. In Asian [Theravadin Buddhist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravada_Buddhism "Theravada Buddhism") countries, related traditions, ceremonies, and festivals also occur. Like its [Ullambana Sutra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ullambana_Sutra "Ullambana Sutra")\-origins in Mahayana Buddhist countries, the Theravada scripture, the [Petavatthu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petavatthu "Petavatthu") gave rise to the idea of offering food to the hungry ghosts in the Theravada tradition as a form of merit-making. In stories published in the Petavatthu [Maudgalyayana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maudgalyayana "Maudgalyayana"), who also plays the central role in the rise of the concept in the Mahayana tradition, along with [Sariputta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sariputta "Sariputta") also play a role in the rise of the concept in the Theravada tradition.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-45)[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-46)[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-47) Similarly to the rise of the concept in Mahayana Buddhism, a version of [Maudgalyayana Rescues His Mother](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulian_Rescues_His_Mother "Mulian Rescues His Mother"), where Maudgalyayana is replaced by Sariputta is recorded in the Petavatthu and is in part the basis behind the practice of the concept in Theravadin societies.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-48) The concept of offering food to the hungry ghosts is also found in early Buddhist literature, in the Tirokudda Kanda.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-49) In Cambodia, a fifteen-day-long annual festival known as [Pchum Ben](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pchum_Ben "Pchum Ben") occurs generally in September or October. Cambodians pay their respects to deceased relatives up to seven generations. The gates of hell are believed to open during this period and many people make offerings to these hungry ghosts.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-50) In Laos, a festival known as, Boun khao padap din usually occurs in September each year and goes on for two weeks. During this period, it is believed that hungry ghosts are freed from hell and enter the world of the living. A second festival known as Boun khao salak occurs directly after the conclusion of Boun khay padab din. During this period, food offerings are made to the hungry ghosts.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-51) In Sri Lanka, food offerings are made to Buddhist monks as a way for indirectly offering them to their relatives who might have been born as a hungry ghost. This is typically offered on the seventh day, three months and one year after the death day of a deceased person. It is a ceremony conducted after death as part of traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist funeral rites and is known as mataka dānēs or matakadānaya.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Source-52)[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-53)[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-54) The offerings that are made acquire [merit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merit_\(Buddhism\) "Merit (Buddhism)") which are then transformed back into the equivalent goods in the world of the hungry ghosts.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Source-52) The offering that is offered on the seventh day, comes a day after personalized food offerings are given in the garden to the spirit of the deceased relative, which occurs on the sixth day.[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-55)[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-56) The deceased who do not reach the proper afterworld, the [Hungry Ghost realm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preta "Preta"), are feared by the living as they are believed to cause various sicknesses and disasters to the living. Buddhist monks are called upon to perform [pirit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paritta "Paritta") to ward off the floating spirits. The rite is also practiced in Thailand and Myanmar and is also practiced during the Ghost Festival that is observed in other Asian countries.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-57) In Thailand, a fifteen-day-long annual festival known as [Sat Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sat_Thai "Sat Thai") is celebrated between September and October in Thailand especially in southern Thailand, particularly in the province of [Nakhon Si Thammarat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Si_Thammarat_Province "Nakhon Si Thammarat Province").[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-58) Like related festivals and traditions in other parts of Asia, the deceased are believed to come back to earth for fifteen days and people make offerings to them. The festival is known as Sat Thai to differentiate it from the Chinese Ghost Festival which is known as Sat Chin in the [Thai language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language "Thai language").[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-59) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/Albuquerque_Bridge-Sasebo_River%2C_Sasebo.jpg/250px-Albuquerque_Bridge-Sasebo_River%2C_Sasebo.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Albuquerque_Bridge-Sasebo_River,_Sasebo.jpg) Japanese volunteers perform [tōrō nagashi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dr%C5%8D_nagashi "Tōrō nagashi"): placing candle-lit lanterns for the dead into flowing water during [Obon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obon "Obon"), in this case into the [Sasebo River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasebo,_Nagasaki "Sasebo, Nagasaki"). Chūgen (中元), also Ochūgen (お中元), is an annual event in Japan on the 15th day of the 7th month, when people give gifts, especially to their superiors.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-60)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-61) Originally it was an annual event for giving gifts to the ancestral spirits. One of the three days that form the sangen (三元) of [Daoism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daoism "Daoism"), it is sometimes considered a zassetsu, a type of [seasonal day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_calendar#Seasonal_days "Japanese calendar") in the [Japanese calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_calendar "Japanese calendar"). Obon (sometimes transliterated O-bon), or simply Bon, is the Japanese version of the Ghost Festival.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon-62) It has since been transformed over time into a family reunion holiday during which people from the big cities return to their home towns and visit and clean the resting places of their ancestors.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-63)[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-64) Traditionally including a dance called [Bon Odori](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_Odori "Bon Odori"),[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon-62) Obon has existed in Japan for more than 500 years. In modern Japan, it is held on July 15 in the eastern part ([Kantō](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kant%C5%8D_region "Kantō region")) and on August 15 in the western part ([Kansai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansai "Kansai")). In [Okinawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okinawa_Prefecture "Okinawa Prefecture") and the [Amami Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amami_Islands "Amami Islands"), it is celebrated as in China, on the 15th day of the 7th lunisolar month. This festival is known as Bun/Usōrō. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Pinda_Daan_-_Jagannath_Ghat_-_Kolkata_2012-10-15_0701.JPG/250px-Pinda_Daan_-_Jagannath_Ghat_-_Kolkata_2012-10-15_0701.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pinda_Daan_-_Jagannath_Ghat_-_Kolkata_2012-10-15_0701.JPG) Pitri Paksha rites being performed on the banks of the [Hooghly River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooghly_River "Hooghly River") at Jagannath Ghat in [Kolkata](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolkata "Kolkata"). The performance of [Shraddha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Ar%C4%81ddha "Śrāddha") by a son during [Pitru Paksha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitru_Paksha "Pitru Paksha") is regarded as compulsory by [Hindus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism "Hinduism"), to ensure that the soul of the ancestor goes to [heaven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven#Hinduism "Heaven"). In this context, the scripture [Garuda Purana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garuda_Purana "Garuda Purana") says, "there is no salvation for a man without a son". The scriptures preach that a householder should propitiate ancestors [(Pitris)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitrs "Pitrs"), along with the gods [(devas)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_\(Hinduism\) "Deva (Hinduism)"), ghosts [(bhutas)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhoot_\(ghost\) "Bhoot (ghost)"), and guests. The scripture [Markandeya Purana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markandeya_Purana "Markandeya Purana") says that if the ancestors are content with the shraddhas, they will bestow health, wealth, knowledge and longevity, and ultimately heaven and salvation ([moksha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moksha "Moksha")) upon the performer.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-sastri-65) In [Bali](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bali "Bali") and some parts of Indonesia, particularly among the [indigenous Hindus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_in_Indonesia "Hinduism in Indonesia") of Indonesia, ancestors who have died and cremated are said to return to visit their former homes. This day is known as [Hari Raya Galungan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galungan "Galungan") and celebrations typically last over two weeks, often in the form of specific food and religious offerings along with festivities.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-66)[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-67) The festival date is often calculated according to the [Balinese pawukon calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balinese_pawukon_calendar "Balinese pawukon calendar") and typically occurs every 210 days.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_note-68) - [All Souls' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Souls%27_Day "All Souls' Day") - [Buddhist art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_art "Buddhist art") - [Chinese ghosts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_ghosts "Chinese ghosts") - [Lantern Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantern_Festival "Lantern Festival") - [Nine Emperor God](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Emperor_God "Nine Emperor God") / [Festival of Nine Emperor God](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival_of_Nine_Emperor_God "Festival of Nine Emperor God") (Chinese: 九皇, Hokkien: Kow Ong Yah, Cantonese: Kow Wong Yeh) - [Phi Ta Khon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phi_Ta_Khon "Phi Ta Khon") - [Tōrō nagashi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dr%C5%8D_nagashi "Tōrō nagashi") ## Notes on references \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=23 "Edit section: Notes on references")\] 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-3) Chow, page 4, quoting 1783 Qianlong era "Annals of Guishan County" (歸善縣志) Scroll 15 - Customs: '鬼節原是農曆七月十五，但元末明初之際，有言客家為了躲避元兵，提前一日過節，以便南下走難，自此鬼節就變成七月十四，流傳至今。' English translation: 'The Ghost Festival originally was on the 15th day of the 7th month in the Chinese calendar, but during the late [Yuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuan_dynasty "Yuan dynasty") to early [Ming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ming_dynasty "Ming dynasty") period, it's said that the [Hakkas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakka "Hakka") in order to escape the Yuan troops, celebrated the Ghost Festival one day earlier, in order to escape disaster they fled southward. Since that time and continuing today, the date of the Ghost Festival changed to the 14th day of the 7th \[lunisolar\] month' \[in parts of Southern China\]. 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-13) Karashima: On p. 302 'Although this sutra has often been regarded as apocryphal \[Japanese version has in recent times\], the contents and ideas in it are well rooted in India as we have seen above. In addition to that, the vocabulary and usage of Chinese words are more archaic, compared with Kumārajīva's corpus (401-413 CE), while they resemble greatly the translations by Dharmarakṣa (fl. 265?-311 CE). Moreover, the transliteration 鉢和羅 (EH pat γwa la \> MC pwât γwâ lâ} of Skt. pravāra (ṇā), which only occurs in this sutra and its adaptation, i.e. the Baoen Fengpen jing 報恩奉盆經 (T. 16, no. 686, 780a20), indicates clearly that this sutra is not apocryphal but a genuine translation, because only somebody who knew the original Indian form was able to transliterate it thus correctly into Chinese. In conclusion, I assume that \[\<-preceding 3 words missing in Japanese version\] this sutra is not apocryphal, but a translation from an Indian text translated by Dharmarakṣa or somebody else in pre-Kumārajīva times \[Japanese version has 3rd to 4th century CE\]. \[c.f. p 189 for equivalent in Japanese version\] c.f. p 301 for derivation of Yulan from Middle Indic (Gandhari) \olana. 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-15)* Karashima: '東アジアの盂蘭盆と東南アジアのワン・オ一クパンサーなどは、いずれも、釈尊の時代に規定された様に七月十五日の自恣の日を祝っているのだが（日本ではこのことはすでに意識されていない）、東南アジアでは古代インドの暦に基づいて行われるのに対し、東アジアでは、中国の太陰暦に従っているので、ニケ月の差があり、これらが同一の行事ということに気付く人は少ない。' English Translation: 'Both the East Asian Urabon \[Yulanpen\] and Southeast Asian Wan Ok Phansa \[Thai name for Pravāraṇā\] are celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month, the day of Pravāraṇā just as it was promulgated in Lord Buddha's time (in Japan, this matter is not known to people). In Southeast Asian countries, they use the ancient Indian calendar \[or [Buddhist calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_calendar "Buddhist calendar")\] as opposed to East Asian countries where they use the [Chinese calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar "Chinese calendar"). As there is a two month difference between the two calendars, few people realized that the two are \[in fact\] the same event.' 4. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-16) Karashima: Pravāraṇā (Pāli Pavāraṇā) zizi 自恣 and suiyi 隨意 in Chinese, is a ceremony held at the end of the three-month rainy season retreat \[also called vassa\] by Buddhist monks. In Theravada Buddhism and in Nepal, it was and is still held on the full moon day of the seventh or eight month. i.e. Āśvina (September–October) or Kārttika (October–November) respectively. 5. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-18) Karashima: '對佛教徒來說，自古印度年曆（元旦相當於公曆三月中至四月中）四月十五日（公曆六至七月）或五月十五日（公曆七至八月）開始的三個月是雨安居。直至今天，西藏、尼泊爾、東南亞地區的僧人依然在此期間行雨安居。這一習俗也傳到沒有雨季的中國大陸中原地域，年曆和數字被原封不動地保留下來，但由印度年曆變為中國太陰曆。在中國、日本、朝鮮半島等東亞地區，雨安居從陰曆四月（公曆五月）開始，持續三個月。' English Translation: 'From the Buddhist viewpoint, based on the Ancient Indian calendar \[or Buddhist calendar\] (New Years is in the middle of March to the middle of April \[in the Gregorian calendar\]) the 15th day of the fourth month \[Āṣāḍha\] (June to July \[in the Gregorian calendar\]) or the 15th day of the fifth month \[Śrāvaṇa\] (July to August \[in Gregorian calendar\]) is the start of three month period called vassa. From ancient times to even today, the monastic community of Tibet, Nepal and Southeast Asia still follow this schedule to observe vassa. This custom was also transmitted to China which does not have a rainy season, the calendar and dates preserved unchanged from the original but instead of using the ancient Indian calendar, the lunisolar Chinese calendar is used. In China, Japan, the Korean peninsula and other East Asian regions, vassa starts on the fourth month of the lunisolar Chinese calendar (May (in the Gregorian calendar) and lasts 3 months.' \[n.b. Since the start of vassa is fixed in East Asia in the fourth month, Pravāraṇā is also fixed to the 15th day of the seventh month\]. 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-1) ["Zhongyuan festival"](http://www.china.org.cn/english/olympic/211929.htm). China.org.cn. China Internet Information Center. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171019082154/http://www.china.org.cn/english/olympic/211929.htm) from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017. 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Chow_2015_2-0) Chow 2015 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-4) ["Ghost Festival"](https://oftaiwan.org/culture/ghost-festival/). OFTaiwan. August 22, 2017. Retrieved February 15, 2024. 4. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-5) ["Culture insider - China's ghost festival"](http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2014-08/08/content_18268375.htm). China Daily. August 8, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171107003946/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2014-08/08/content_18268375.htm) from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017. 5. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-6) ["Chinese Ghost Festival - "the Chinese Halloween""](http://en.people.cn/90002/98669/98755/6798883.html). Peoples Daily (English). October 30, 2009. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024410/http://en.people.cn/90002/98669/98755/6798883.html) from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017. 6. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-sixteen_7-0) Venerable Yin-shun. The Way to Buddhahood. Massachusetts: Wisdom Publications: 1998. 7. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-8) ["目次：冥報記白話"](http://www.bfnn.org/book/article2/1323.htm). www.bfnn.org. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181204134835/http://www.bfnn.org/book/article2/1323.htm) from the original on December 4, 2018. Retrieved February 25, 2023. 8. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-eleven_9-0) Eberhard, Stephen F. The Ghost Festival in Medieval China. New Jersey: Princeton University Press: 1988. Hungry ghosts, by contrast, are a much more exceptional case, and would only occur in very unfortunate circumstances, such as if a whole family were killed or when a family no longer venerated their ancestors. 9. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001_10-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B_2001_10-1) 中國節日的故事* (in Chinese) (1st ed.). Taipei: 將門文物出版社. 2001. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [957-755-300-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/957-755-300-1 "Special:BookSources/957-755-300-1") . 10. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-11) ["中元节是中国的"鬼节"吗？听听民俗学家怎么说"](https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1369046). 澎湃新闻. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230326023745/https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1369046) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 11. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2013a_12-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2013a_12-1) Karashima 2013a 12. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2013b_14-0)* Karashima 2013b 13. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Karashima_2014_17-0) Karashima 2014 14. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-lange_19-0) [Langer (2007)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#CITEREFLanger2007), p. 276. 15. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-eight_20-0) [Teiser (1988)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#CITEREFTeiser1988). 16. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls_21-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Eberhard_Chinese_Festivals_The_Feast_of_the_Souls_21-1) [Eberhard, Wolfram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfram_Eberhard "Wolfram Eberhard") (1952). "The Feast of the Souls". Chinese Festivals. New York: H. Wolff. pp. 129–133\. 17. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival_22-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival_22-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Stepanchuk_Mooncakes_and_Hungry_Ghosts_Ghost_Festival_22-2) Stepanchuk, Carol (1991). Mooncakes and Hungry Ghosts: Festivals of China. San Francisco: China Books & Periodicals. pp. 71–79\. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-8351-2481-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8351-2481-9 "Special:BookSources/0-8351-2481-9") . 18. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-three_23-0)* "Hungry Ghost Festival". Essortment, 2002. Retrieved 20 October 2008. [Essortment Articles.](http://www.essortment.com/all/hungryghostfes_opi.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090223182908/http://www.essortment.com/all/hungryghostfes_opi.htm) February 23, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 19. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival_24-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Wei_Chinese_Festivals_Ullam-bana_Festival_24-1) Wei, Liming (2010). Chinese Festivals: Traditions, Customs and Rituals* (Second ed.). Beijing. pp. 46–49\. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9787508516936](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9787508516936 "Special:BookSources/9787508516936") . `{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher "Category:CS1 maint: location missing publisher")) 20. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-nine_25-0) "Chinese Culture: Hungry Ghost Festival" [Modern China](http://www.chinese-culture.net/html/hungry_ghost_festival.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090203210232/http://www.chinese-culture.net/html/hungry_ghost_festival.html) February 3, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 21. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-3) [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-seven_26-4) "Ghost Festival" ChinaVoc 2001–2007, [Online Store.](http://www.chinavoc.com/festivals/ghost.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090608143719/http://www.chinavoc.com/festivals/ghost.htm) 8 June 2009 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 22. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-27)* Lye, Hun Yeow, Department of Religious Studies, University of Virginia. ["Feeding Ghosts: A Study of the Yuqie Yankou Rite"](https://libraetd.lib.virginia.edu/public_view/b8515n64w). libraetd.lib.virginia.edu. Retrieved May 13, 2025. `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list "Category:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list")) 23. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-:3_28-0) Soon, Lee Tong (2000). ["Professional Chinese Opera Troupes and Street Opera Performance in Singapore"](https://www.jstor.org/stable/834397). Asian Music. 31 (2): 35–70\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.2307/834397](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F834397). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0044-9202](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0044-9202). [JSTOR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JSTOR_\(identifier\) "JSTOR (identifier)") [834397](https://www.jstor.org/stable/834397). 24. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-29) ["Hungry Ghost Festival"](http://www.visitsingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/cultural-festivals/hungry-ghost-festival/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180726170044/http://www.visitsingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/cultural-festivals/hungry-ghost-festival/) from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018. 25. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-30) ["Hungry Ghost Festival"](https://rove.me/to/singapore/hungry-ghost-festival). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180726135216/https://rove.me/to/singapore/hungry-ghost-festival) from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018. 26. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-31) ["Why August is called the "Ghost Month""](https://www.securitybank.com/blog/why-august-is-called-the-ghost-month/). Security Bank Financial Blog. July 18, 2022. 27. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-32) Dy-Zulueta, Dolly (January 5, 2024). ["Lifestyle: The Budgetarian: Money Do's and Don'ts during Ghost Month"](https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/the-budgetarian/2024/01/05/2289110/money-dos-and-donts-during-ghost-month). Philstar.com. 28. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-33) Beltran, Cito (October 27, 2023). ["Opinion: Filipino Hungry Ghost Month"](https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2023/10/27/2306860/filipino-hungry-ghost-month). The Philippine Star. 29. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-34) ["Lifestyle: Why Does \Everything\ Seem To Stop During Ghost Month?"](https://www.cosmo.ph/lifestyle/ghost-month-a254-20230816). Cosmopolitan Philippines. August 16, 2023. 30. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-35) ["Starweek Magazine: Ghost Month"](https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/starweek-magazine/2018/08/12/1841664/ghost-month). The Philippine Star. August 12, 2018. 31. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-36) [Mid-Summer Ghost Festival](http://www.chinatownconnection.com/taiwan-ghost-festival.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110118152706/http://chinatownconnection.com/taiwan-ghost-festival.htm) January 18, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), [China Town Connection](http://www.chinatownconnection.com/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100919002224/http://chinatownconnection.com/) September 19, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). 32. 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[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-42) ["Taiwan Quick Take: Ghost Month fuels surgeries"](https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2006/07/24/2003320142). Taipei Times. July 24, 2006. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230326015156/https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2006/07/24/2003320142) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 38. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-43) Fanchette, Sylvie; Stedman, Nicholas (2009). [Discovering Craft Villages in Vietnam: Ten Itineraries Around Hà Nội](https://books.google.com/books?id=VVhi-IuMvtAC&q=%22T%E1%BA%BFt+Trung+Nguy%C3%AAn%22). IRD Editions. p. 149. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-2-7099-1671-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-2-7099-1671-4 "Special:BookSources/978-2-7099-1671-4") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830152435/https://books.google.com/books?id=VVhi-IuMvtAC&q=%22T%E1%BA%BFt+Trung+Nguy%C3%AAn%22) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 39. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-44) Paine, Crispin (January 10, 2019). [Gods and Rollercoasters: Religion in Theme Parks Worldwide](https://books.google.com/books?id=ShB-DwAAQBAJ&dq=%22vu+Lan%22+festival&pg=PA35). Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 153. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-350-04628-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-350-04628-3 "Special:BookSources/978-1-350-04628-3") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830152437/https://books.google.com/books?id=ShB-DwAAQBAJ&dq=%22vu+Lan%22+festival&pg=PA35) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 40. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-45) Pearce, Callum (2013). 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["Visitors from hell: transformative hospitality to ghosts in a Lao Buddhist festival"](https://www.academia.edu/1963902). Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute. 18: S90–S102. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1111/j.1467-9655.2012.01765.x](https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1467-9655.2012.01765.x). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [1359-0987](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1359-0987). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170510133041/http://www.academia.edu/1963902/Visitors_from_Hell_Transformative_Hospitality_to_Ghosts_in_a_Lao_Buddhist_festival._Journal_of_the_Royal_Anthropological_Institut_2012_Vol.18_s1_90-102) from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved December 5, 2017. 47. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Source_52-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Source_52-1) [Langer (2007)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#CITEREFLanger2007), pp. 153, 155, 173, 187, 191. 48. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-53)* Buswell, Robert E (2004). Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Macmillan Reference USA. p. 21. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0028659107](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0028659107 "Special:BookSources/978-0028659107") . 49. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-54) Williams, Paul (2005). [Buddhism: Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia](https://books.google.com/books?id=PO0lZ-TFssMC&q=mataka+d%C4%81n%C4%93s&pg=PA24). Taylor & Francis. 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[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-56) ["Archived copy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160527225922/http://ahandfulofleaves.org/documents/Buddhist%20Rituals%20of%20Death%20and%20Rebirth_Contemporary%20Sri%20Lankan%20Practice%20and%20its%20Origins_Langer.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://www.ahandfulofleaves.org/documents/Buddhist%20Rituals%20of%20Death%20and%20Rebirth_Contemporary%20Sri%20Lankan%20Practice%20and%20its%20Origins_Langer.pdf) (PDF) on May 27, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016. `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title "Category:CS1 maint: archived copy as title")) 52. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-57) ["Ancestors - Dictionary definition of Ancestors \\| Encyclopedia.com: FREE online dictionary"](http://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/ancestors). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170206185559/http://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/ancestors) from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017. 53. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-58) ["Sat Thai Festival - Bangkok 101"](http://www.bangkok101.com/sat-thai-festival/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170207084352/http://www.bangkok101.com/sat-thai-festival/) from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017. 54. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-59) ["Thailand Events & Festivals of October"](http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/festivals/festival10.html). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170206184757/http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/festivals/festival10.html) from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017. 55. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-60) ["Japanese Culture - Etiquette"](https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/japanese-culture/japanese-culture-etiquette). Cultural Atlas. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230326031050/https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/japanese-culture/japanese-culture-etiquette) from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 56. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-61) Davies, Roger J.; Ikeno, Osamu (June 14, 2011). [Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture](https://books.google.com/books?id=rADRAgAAQBAJ&dq=Ch%C5%ABgen+gifts&pg=PT124). Tuttle Publishing. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-4629-0051-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4629-0051-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-4629-0051-0") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830151928/https://books.google.com/books?id=rADRAgAAQBAJ&dq=Ch%C5%ABgen+gifts&pg=PT124) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 57. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon_62-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-Ghosts_A_Haunted_History_Obon_62-1) Morton, Lisa (September 15, 2015). [Ghosts: A Haunted History](https://books.google.com/books?id=6T0pCgAAQBAJ&dq=obon+ghost+festival&pg=PT102). Reaktion Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-78023-537-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-78023-537-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-78023-537-0") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830151932/https://books.google.com/books?id=6T0pCgAAQBAJ&dq=obon+ghost+festival&pg=PT102) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 58. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-63)* Car, Nikki Van De (March 14, 2023). [Ritual: Magical Celebrations of Nature and Community from Around the World](https://books.google.com/books?id=VL14EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT66). Running Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-7624-8143-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7624-8143-9 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7624-8143-9") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830151933/https://books.google.com/books?id=VL14EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT66) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 59. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-64) Ph.D, Helen J. Baroni (January 15, 2002). [The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism](https://books.google.com/books?id=smNM4ElP3XgC&pg=PA247). The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. p. 247. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-8239-2240-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8239-2240-6 "Special:BookSources/978-0-8239-2240-6") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830152031/https://books.google.com/books?id=smNM4ElP3XgC&pg=PA247) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023. 60. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-sastri_65-0) Sastri, S. M. Natesa (1988). [Hindu feasts, fasts and ceremonies](https://books.google.com/books?id=_ibsEj8ihuoC&q=mahalaya&pg=PA15). Asian Educational Services. pp. 15–17\. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-81-206-0402-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-206-0402-5 "Special:BookSources/978-81-206-0402-5") . [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830152458/https://books.google.com/books?id=_ibsEj8ihuoC&q=mahalaya&pg=PA15) from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2020. 61. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-66) ["Galungan and Kuningan in Bali - Bali Magazine"](http://www.bali-indonesia.com/magazine/galungan-kuningan.htm). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190703150449/http://www.bali-indonesia.com/magazine/galungan-kuningan.htm) from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019. 62. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-67) ["Balinese ceremonies: Galungan and Kuningan"](https://www.balispirit.com/community/ceremony-public/galungan-and-kuningan). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190703150448/https://www.balispirit.com/community/ceremony-public/galungan-and-kuningan) from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019. 63. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival#cite_ref-68) ["The calendars of Bali"](https://www.vilondo.com/when-to-go-to-bali/balinese-holidays/the-calendars-of-bali/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190703150445/https://www.vilondo.com/when-to-go-to-bali/balinese-holidays/the-calendars-of-bali/) from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019. ## General and cited bibliography \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_Festival&action=edit&section=25 "Edit section: General and cited bibliography")\] - Bandō, Shōjun, ed. (2005), "The Ullambana Sutra (Taishō Vol. 16, No. 685)", [Apocryphal Scriptures](https://web.archive.org/web/20130210115042/http://www.bdkamerica.org/digital/dBET_ApocryphalScriptures_2005.pdf) (PDF), Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai English Tripitaka Series, Berkeley: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, pp. 17–44, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-886439-29-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-886439-29-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-886439-29-0") , archived from [the original](http://www.bdkamerica.org/digital/dBET_ApocryphalScriptures_2005.pdf) (PDF) on February 10, 2013 . - Chow, Shu Kai (周樹佳) (2015), 鬼月鉤沉-中元、盂蘭、餓鬼節 \[Investigation of Ghost Month - Zhong Yuan, Ullambana and Hungry Ghost Festivals\] (in Traditional Chinese), Hong Kong: Chung Hwa Books (Hong Kong), [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9789888366392](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789888366392 "Special:BookSources/9789888366392") - Langer, Rita (2007), [Buddhist Rituals of Death and Rebirth: Contemporary Sri Lankan Practice and Its Origins](https://books.google.com/books?id=dXB9AgAAQBAJ), Abingdon: Routledge, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9781134158720](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781134158720 "Special:BookSources/9781134158720") . - Karashima, Seishi (2013a), "The Meaning of Yulanpen 盂蘭盆 "Rice Bowl" On Pravāraṇā Day", Annual Report of the International Research Institute for Advance Buddhology at Soka University for the Academic Year 2012, XVI: 289–305 - Karashima, Seishi (辛嶋静志) (2013b), 「盂蘭盆」の本当の意味 ―千四百間の誤解を解く \[The Real Meaning of Urabon \[Yulanpen\] –The Solution to a 1400 Year Misunderstanding\], 大法輪 (The Great Wheel of the Dharma) (in Japanese): 182–189 `{{citation}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list "Category:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list")) - Karashima, Seishi (辛嶋静志)(in Chinese as 辛島靜志) (2014), 盂蘭盆之意-自恣日的“飯鉢” \[The Meaning of Yulanpen 盂蘭盆 "Rice Bowl" On Pravāraṇā Day\], 中華文史論叢 (Journal of Chinese Literature and History) (in Traditional Chinese) (114), translated by Qiu, Yun Qing (裘雲青): 279–301 `{{citation}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list "Category:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list")) - Mair, Victor H. (1989), [T'ang Transformation Texts](https://books.google.com/books?id=lylrmgD2Bv8C), [Cambridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge,_Massachusetts "Cambridge, Massachusetts"): Harvard University Press, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780674868151](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780674868151 "Special:BookSources/9780674868151") . - Teiser, Stephen F. (1988), [The Ghost Festival in Medieval China](https://books.google.com/books?id=anGlBZDWWLwC), [Princeton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princeton,_New_Jersey "Princeton, New Jersey"): Princeton University Press, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-691-02677-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-691-02677-0 "Special:BookSources/978-0-691-02677-0") . - [The Bristol University Buddhist Death Ritual Project](http://www.bristol.ac.uk/religion/buddhist-centre/projects/bdr/) Images and a documentary film by Ingmar Heise and Han Zhang "The Spirit's Happy Days: Buddhist Festivals for the Dead in Southeast China" can be downloaded there. - [Zhong Yuan Jie (Hungry Ghost Festival) - INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE](https://www.roots.gov.sg/en/ich-landing/ich/zhong-yuan-jie-hungry-ghost-festival) - [Zhongyuan Festival](https://web.archive.org/web/20120805025839/http://www.china.org.cn/english/olympic/211929.htm) - [Chinese Ghost Culture](https://web.archive.org/web/20090830201251/http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_chinaway/2004-03/17/content_46337.htm) - [Hong Kong University Library Digital Archives Oral History Project of Hong Kong](http://sunzi1.lib.hku.hk/hkoh/search_theme.jsp?theme_code=T903) - Waters, Dan (2004). ["The Hungry Ghosts Festival in Aberdeen Street, Hong Kong"](http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkjo/view/44/4402703.pdf) (PDF). Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Branch. 44: 41–55\.
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