🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 62 (from laksa065)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa062.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://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival","crawl_time":1776220636,"first_indexed_time":1680558532,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,britannica!www,\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival s443","src_root_hash":"5455945239613777662","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Hungry Ghost Festival | Buddhism, Daoism, History, & Rituals | Britannica","meta_descriptions":["The Hungry Ghost Festival is a Buddhist and Daoist festival observed in order to appease the deceased who have been reborn as ghosts and return to haunt the human realm. It is celebrated under different names in East Asia and Southeast Asia."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Top Questions\nWhat is the Hungry Ghost Festival?\nWhere is the Hungry Ghost Festival celebrated?\nWhen does the Hungry Ghost Festival take place each year?\nWhy do people celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival?\nWhat traditions or activities are common during the Hungry Ghost Festival?\nHow do people show respect to ancestors and 'hungry ghosts' during the festival?\nHungry Ghost Festival\n,  frightening and festive\nBuddhist\nand\nDaoist\nholiday celebrated in\nEast Asia\nand\nSoutheast Asia\n, particularly in areas with\nChinese\ncultural influence, to propitiate the ghosts of the\ndeceased\n. The holiday is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month on the Chinese\nlunar calendar\n, falling in July or August on the\nGregorian calendar\n. The Hungry Ghost Festival, and local variations thereof, draws on both Buddhist and Daoist beliefs in the existence of\nghosts\ndeemed to be in need of honor and appeasement, and the meaning of the\nfestival\ntakes on somewhat different shades depending on interpretations from the different religious traditions, although practices are generally quite similar. It is sometimes known as the Yulanpen or Ullambana festival in reference to the Buddhist Yulanpen (Ullambana) Sutra that tells the holiday’s foundational\nghost story\n. The holiday is observed with offerings to the ghosts along with\nlantern\nlighting and cultural festivities. Often breezily compared to\nHalloween\n, the Roman Catholic holiday\nAll Souls’ Day\n, or the Mexican holiday\nDay of the Dead\n, this haunting holiday has its own unique background, beliefs, practices, and regional variations.\nUllambana and hungry ghosts in Buddhism\nHungry ghosts\nThe hungry ghost (preta) realm as depicted in a portion of a\nbhavachakra\n(“wheel of life”) image, which represents the cycle of rebirths, or samsara, in the Pema Osel Ling monastery in Santa Cruz, California.\nImagined and often illustrated as frightening beings with protruding stomachs and tiny mouths who are always ravenous, invisible hungry ghosts (Sanskrit: pretas; Chinese:\ne gui\n), according to Buddhist belief, sometimes haunt the human realm. In Chinese\nculture\n, they are thought to do so particularly during the seventh month of the year. Of the six realms or statuses into which rebirth can occur in the Buddhist cycle of\nsamsara\n(continual rebirth), the hungry\nghost\nrealm is particularly gruesome, and rebirth there would be the result of some rather negative\nkarma\nin need of being worked off. The ghosts’ continual attachment—itself the cause of suffering, according to Buddhist thought—to earthly life brings them back to haunt the living.\nA famous hungry ghost story that establishes the origin of the festival is told in the\nMahayana\nChinese Buddhist Yulanpen Sutra (also called the Ullambana Sutra), which is claimed to have been translated into Chinese from Indian sources in the 3rd or 4th century\nce\n. In the tale, Maudgalyayana (Pali: Moggallana; Chinese: Mulian) was an accomplished\ndisciple\nof the\nBuddha\nwho had obtained the ability to perceive everything in the universe. He saw that his late mother had been reborn as a hungry ghost.\nDistraught\nand consumed with pity, he brought her a bowl of food. But she was unable to consume it. Maudgalyayana went to the Buddha for advice. The Buddha said that for such attempts at rescuing the deceased who are suffering greatly, the whole\nsangha\n(the Buddhist\ncommunity\nof monastics and laity) would need to come together. It just so happened that the Pravarana Day, a holiday that marks the end of the three-month rains retreat (\nvassa\n), would be such a time of monastic assemblage. Thus the Buddha established a holiday to be observed on the 15th day of the 7th month, during which devotees would\nconvene\nto offer food, incense, lanterns, and other good things, along with\nmantras\nand vows, in order to free the deceased from suffering.\nThe offerings to the ghosts on this holiday, as explained in the text, are considered as a means to transfer merit (\npunya\n) to the deceased to\nalleviate\ntheir suffering and help them escape their condition more expeditiously. The offerings also serve as a display of\nfilial piety\n, a distinctly\nConfucian\nethical\nvalue of devotion to the family that is explicitly called out as the significance of the Yulanpen Sutra. There is speculation that the Yulanpen Sutra originated as a way of combining Chinese values of filial piety with Buddhist belief during the transmission of\nBuddhism\nto China, although earlier shadows of the tale, and the importance of feeding hungry ghost relatives, do exist in earlier South Asian sources. A similar story of a suffering hungry ghost and mother in a past life who is aided by her Buddhist monk son is recounted in the Petavatthu (Pali: “Ghost Stories”) section of the South Asian-composed\nKhuddaka Nikaya\n, a\ncanonical\nBuddhist text that dates to approximately the 3rd century\nbce\n. However, that earlier text does not establish a holiday nor does it define the offering to ghosts explicitly in terms of the Chinese notion of filial piety. Based on the Yulanpen Sutra story, this holiday is called Yulanpen Jie or Ullambana festival among Buddhists. There is evidence of it having been observed in China since 538\nce\n.\nZhongyuan and ghost month in Daoism\nThe association of the seventh month with ancestors might predate the transmission of Buddhism into China, however the question of how the Daoist and Buddhist strands influenced each other, and which aspects of the Hungry Ghost Festival preceded the other, remains obscure. It is likely that the two strands mutually influenced each other over time. The holiday among Daoists is called Zhongyuan Jie (Middle Element Festival). In Daoist thought, there are three divine officials, called the\nSanguan\n, of three realms: upper, middle, and lower. The middle realm, that of the earth, is called\nzhongyuan\n(“middle element”), and its ruler is Diguan (also called Qingxu) whose birthday is said to fall on the 15th day of the 7th month, hence giving the holiday its name. On Diguan’s birthday, he is said to come to earth to judge good and bad deeds of the living.\nHowever, despite his association with the festival’s Daoist name, it is not Diguan who is most significant for festive activities. Rather, it is the ghosts (Chinese:\ngui\n) who, according to\nDaoist\nthought and also drawing on Chinese folk traditions, are let out of the gates of the underworld to roam the earth during the seventh month. Ghosts of ancestors are welcomed as guests who have returned for a pleasant visit, but also thought to be on the loose are plenty of fearful ghosts, often of people who died in an unfortunate manner or who do not have relatives to tend to them. Celebrants endeavor to ward off these more\nmalicious\nghosts to prevent the harm they may cause the living.\nFeeding and fearing the ghosts\nThere are a number of offerings Hungry Ghost Festival observers provide to host the ghosts. Of course, as implied by their name, the hungry ghosts need and want to be fed, so celebrants leave out plenty of bowls of food for the ghosts to consume. Food is prepared for them three times a day, and some families will leave an empty spot at the meal table for friendly relative ghosts to join. It is also thought that the ghosts need money to function both in the\nafterlife\nand in the earthly realm, so paper money, often called joss (“idol” or “statue”) paper or spirit money, is burned, which is a practice performed for many Chinese funeral\nrituals\nwith the idea that the incineration of the money transfers it from the earthly world to the spirit realm. In some instances, large paper boats filled with offerings of symbols of wealth are set ablaze. Additionally, paper handicrafts in the forms of everything from popular foods such as\ndim sum\nand noodles to luxury items such as\niPhones\nand houses are burned to give the ghosts things they might enjoy. Joss sticks (\nincense\n) are also lit as offerings. Buddhist monks and Daoist priests are also employed for various ritual incantations to ward off ghosts. Throughout the festival, cultural performances such as traditional\nChinese operas\nare also staged for the enjoyment of both the living and the dead. Costumed parades are also included in the public festivities. A visually stunning part of the ceremony occurs when celebrants light lanterns at night and set them out on the water. The practice is meant to guide the spirits to the underworld. The first, 15th, and last day of the month are considered the highlights of the festival, and there is variation concerning precisely on which date certain\nrites\nare performed, such as when joss money is to be incinerated or when the guiding lanterns should be set afloat.\nSmart, reliable knowledge for professionals, students, and curious minds everywhere.\nSUBSCRIBE\nWith all the malicious ghosts roaming about, it is thought that great care must be taken at this time. The seventh month is considered inauspicious for such events as weddings or moving houses. Swimming is prohibited because there could be water ghosts and drowning is a particularly unfortunate way to go. Wearing red or black is advised against since ghosts are attracted to those colors. Laundry should not be left to dry overnight since ghosts could get caught in it. People, especially children, are advised to be inside before dark to\navoid\nharm. And if you hear your name called late at night, do not turn around: it could be a ghost playing a trick!\nRelated ghost festivals in Asia\nThe Hungry Ghost Festival has spread throughout Asia and taken on new forms. In\nJapan\nthe festival is called\nObon\n, a shortened form of\nUrabon\n, which some scholars think is a translation of Ullambana. According to the Japanese interpretation of the festival, when the mother of Maudgalyayana (Japanese: Mokuren) was released from her suffering, the monk joyfully danced. Hence the festival in Japan prominently features a special Bon dance. Celebrants take a break from work and visit relatives at the same time as the ancestral spirits, too, visit their families during the festival from the 13th to 15th of days of the month. Colorful lanterns are lit to welcome the ghosts back to earth and to bid them farewell at the end of the festival.\nAlso called:\nUllambana festival\nChinese (Pinyin):\nYulanpen Jie or Zhongyuan Jie\nIn Vietnam Ullambana turns into Vu Lan, and the festival highlights respect for parents, living and dead. Chinese people in\nMalaysia\nalso propitiate and burn in effigy the god Dashiye, who, according to Chinese thought, is the ruler of the underworld and tries to keep the ghosts from getting out of line while they roam the earth. In\nHakka\ncommunities\nin\nTaiwan\n, giant pigs raised to be more than 1,500 pounds (680 kg) are showcased and feasted upon for the holiday. For Chinese communities in\nPhuket\n,\nThailand\n, who call the festival Por Tor, prominently featured are red cakes in the shape of turtles.","attrs_markdown":"[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel\/eb-logo\/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/)\n\n[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel\/eb-logo\/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/)\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen)\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav-mobile&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen)\n\nLogin\n\nhttps:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm\\_source=premium\\&utm\\_medium=nav-login-box\\&utm\\_campaign=evergreen\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=hamburger-menu&utm_campaign=blue)\n\n[Ask the Chatbot](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/chatbot)\n\n[Games & Quizzes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/browse) [History & Society](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/History-Society) [Science & Tech](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Science-Tech) [Biographies](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Biographies) [Animals & Nature](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Animals-Nature) [Geography & Travel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Geography-Travel) [Arts & Culture](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Arts-Culture) [ProCon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/procon) [Money](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money) [Videos](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/videos)\n\n[Hungry Ghost Festival](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival)\n\n- [Introduction](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival)\n- [Ullambana and hungry ghosts in Buddhism](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival#ref378992)\n- [Zhongyuan and ghost month in Daoism](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival#ref378993)\n- [Feeding and fearing the ghosts](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival#ref378994)\n- [Related ghost festivals in Asia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival#ref378995)\n\n[References & Edit History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival\/additional-info)  [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival)\n\n[Images](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival\/images-videos)\n\n[![Hungry Ghost Festival (Ullambana, Zhongyuan Jie) lanterns](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/08\/258408-004-56FC071B\/river-lanterns-during-ghost-festival-in-guilin-china-2016.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/08\/258408-050-2DE8DC29\/river-lanterns-during-ghost-festival-in-guilin-china-2016.jpg)  [![Hungry ghosts](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/95\/258395-004-9525A8DC\/portion-of-wheel-of-life-or-bhavacakra-in-pema-osel-ling-monastery-santa-cruz-california.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/95\/258395-050-1510B96D\/portion-of-wheel-of-life-or-bhavacakra-in-pema-osel-ling-monastery-santa-cruz-california.jpg)  [![Burning spirit money](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/07\/258407-004-DFE01CB9\/paper-money-burning-during-hungry-ghost-chinese-festival.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/07\/258407-050-B956C510\/paper-money-burning-during-hungry-ghost-chinese-festival.jpg)  [![Burning down the (paper) houses, on a boat](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/06\/258406-004-7AC801BC\/indonesian-chinese-hungry-ghost-festival-hong-san-koo-tee-temple-2019.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/06\/258406-050-39C4BEEB\/indonesian-chinese-hungry-ghost-festival-hong-san-koo-tee-temple-2019.jpg)  [![Bon festival lanterns](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/06\/183306-004-D97C449D\/Bon-Dance-Lanterns-Festival-Japanese-Culture.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/06\/183306-050-1E7EE983\/Bon-Dance-Lanterns-Festival-Japanese-Culture.jpg)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)\n\nAsk Anything\n\nQuick Summary\n\n[Philosophy & Religion](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Philosophy-Religion)    [Religious Beliefs](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Religious-Beliefs)\n\nCITE\n\nShare\n\nFeedback\n\nExternal Websites\n\n[![Hungry Ghost Festival (Ullambana, Zhongyuan Jie) lanterns](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/08\/258408-050-2DE8DC29\/river-lanterns-during-ghost-festival-in-guilin-china-2016.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/08\/258408-050-2DE8DC29\/river-lanterns-during-ghost-festival-in-guilin-china-2016.jpg)\n\n[Hungry Ghost Festival (Ullambana, Zhongyuan Jie) lanterns](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/08\/258408-050-2DE8DC29\/river-lanterns-during-ghost-festival-in-guilin-china-2016.jpg) Floating lanterns guide the way for restive spirits returned to earth during the Hungry Ghost Festival in Guilin, China, on August 16, 2016.\n\n(more)\n\n# Hungry Ghost Festival\nAsian holiday\n\nHomework Help\n\nAlso known as: Ullambana Festival, Yulanpen Jie, Zhongyuan Jie[(Show More)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival)\n\nWritten by\n\n[Charles Preston Charles Preston is Associate Editor for Religion at Encyclopædia Britannica.](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/charles-preston\/13008388)\n\nCharles Preston\n\nFact-checked by\n\n[Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\nBritannica Editors\n\n[History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival\/additional-info#history)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI\n\nAsk Anything\n\nQuick Summary\n\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nQuick Summary\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTop Questions\n\n- What is the Hungry Ghost Festival?\n- Where is the Hungry Ghost Festival celebrated?\n- When does the Hungry Ghost Festival take place each year?\n- Why do people celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival?\n- What traditions or activities are common during the Hungry Ghost Festival?\n- How do people show respect to ancestors and 'hungry ghosts' during the festival?\n\nShow more\n\nShow less\n\n**Hungry Ghost Festival**, frightening and festive [Buddhist](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Buddhism) and [Daoist](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Taoism) holiday celebrated in [East Asia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/East-Asia) and [Southeast Asia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Southeast-Asia), particularly in areas with [Chinese](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China) cultural influence, to propitiate the ghosts of the [deceased](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/deceased). The holiday is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month on the Chinese [lunar calendar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/lunar-calendar), falling in July or August on the [Gregorian calendar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Gregorian-calendar). The Hungry Ghost Festival, and local variations thereof, draws on both Buddhist and Daoist beliefs in the existence of [ghosts](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/ghost-spirit) deemed to be in need of honor and appeasement, and the meaning of the [festival](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/feast-religion) takes on somewhat different shades depending on interpretations from the different religious traditions, although practices are generally quite similar. It is sometimes known as the Yulanpen or Ullambana festival in reference to the Buddhist Yulanpen (Ullambana) Sutra that tells the holiday’s foundational [ghost story](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/ghost-story). The holiday is observed with offerings to the ghosts along with [lantern](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/lantern-lighting) lighting and cultural festivities. Often breezily compared to [Halloween](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Halloween), the Roman Catholic holiday [All Souls’ Day](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/All-Souls-Day-Christianity), or the Mexican holiday [Day of the Dead](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Day-of-the-Dead), this haunting holiday has its own unique background, beliefs, practices, and regional variations.\n\n## Ullambana and hungry ghosts in Buddhism\n[![Hungry ghosts](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/95\/258395-050-1510B96D\/portion-of-wheel-of-life-or-bhavacakra-in-pema-osel-ling-monastery-santa-cruz-california.jpg?w=300)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/95\/258395-050-1510B96D\/portion-of-wheel-of-life-or-bhavacakra-in-pema-osel-ling-monastery-santa-cruz-california.jpg)\n\n[Hungry ghosts](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/95\/258395-050-1510B96D\/portion-of-wheel-of-life-or-bhavacakra-in-pema-osel-ling-monastery-santa-cruz-california.jpg)The hungry ghost (preta) realm as depicted in a portion of a *bhavachakra* (“wheel of life”) image, which represents the cycle of rebirths, or samsara, in the Pema Osel Ling monastery in Santa Cruz, California.\n\n(more)\n\nImagined and often illustrated as frightening beings with protruding stomachs and tiny mouths who are always ravenous, invisible hungry ghosts (Sanskrit: pretas; Chinese: *e gui*), according to Buddhist belief, sometimes haunt the human realm. In Chinese [culture](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/culture), they are thought to do so particularly during the seventh month of the year. Of the six realms or statuses into which rebirth can occur in the Buddhist cycle of [samsara](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/samsara) (continual rebirth), the hungry [ghost](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/ghost-spirit) realm is particularly gruesome, and rebirth there would be the result of some rather negative [karma](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/karma) in need of being worked off. The ghosts’ continual attachment—itself the cause of suffering, according to Buddhist thought—to earthly life brings them back to haunt the living.\n\nA famous hungry ghost story that establishes the origin of the festival is told in the [Mahayana](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Mahayana) Chinese Buddhist Yulanpen Sutra (also called the Ullambana Sutra), which is claimed to have been translated into Chinese from Indian sources in the 3rd or 4th century ce. In the tale, Maudgalyayana (Pali: Moggallana; Chinese: Mulian) was an accomplished [disciple](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/disciple) of the [Buddha](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Buddha-founder-of-Buddhism) who had obtained the ability to perceive everything in the universe. He saw that his late mother had been reborn as a hungry ghost. [Distraught](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/Distraught) and consumed with pity, he brought her a bowl of food. But she was unable to consume it. Maudgalyayana went to the Buddha for advice. The Buddha said that for such attempts at rescuing the deceased who are suffering greatly, the whole [sangha](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/sangha) (the Buddhist [community](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/community) of monastics and laity) would need to come together. It just so happened that the Pravarana Day, a holiday that marks the end of the three-month rains retreat ([vassa](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/vassa)), would be such a time of monastic assemblage. Thus the Buddha established a holiday to be observed on the 15th day of the 7th month, during which devotees would [convene](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/convene) to offer food, incense, lanterns, and other good things, along with [mantras](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/mantras) and vows, in order to free the deceased from suffering.\n\nThe offerings to the ghosts on this holiday, as explained in the text, are considered as a means to transfer merit ([punya](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/punya)) to the deceased to [alleviate](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/alleviate) their suffering and help them escape their condition more expeditiously. The offerings also serve as a display of [filial piety](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/xiao-Confucianism), a distinctly [Confucian](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Confucianism) [ethical](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/ethical) value of devotion to the family that is explicitly called out as the significance of the Yulanpen Sutra. There is speculation that the Yulanpen Sutra originated as a way of combining Chinese values of filial piety with Buddhist belief during the transmission of [Buddhism](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Buddhism) to China, although earlier shadows of the tale, and the importance of feeding hungry ghost relatives, do exist in earlier South Asian sources. A similar story of a suffering hungry ghost and mother in a past life who is aided by her Buddhist monk son is recounted in the Petavatthu (Pali: “Ghost Stories”) section of the South Asian-composed [Khuddaka Nikaya](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Khuddaka-Nikaya), a [canonical](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/canonical) Buddhist text that dates to approximately the 3rd century bce. However, that earlier text does not establish a holiday nor does it define the offering to ghosts explicitly in terms of the Chinese notion of filial piety. Based on the Yulanpen Sutra story, this holiday is called Yulanpen Jie or Ullambana festival among Buddhists. There is evidence of it having been observed in China since 538 ce.\n\n## Zhongyuan and ghost month in Daoism\nThe association of the seventh month with ancestors might predate the transmission of Buddhism into China, however the question of how the Daoist and Buddhist strands influenced each other, and which aspects of the Hungry Ghost Festival preceded the other, remains obscure. It is likely that the two strands mutually influenced each other over time. The holiday among Daoists is called Zhongyuan Jie (Middle Element Festival). In Daoist thought, there are three divine officials, called the [Sanguan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Sanguan), of three realms: upper, middle, and lower. The middle realm, that of the earth, is called *zhongyuan* (“middle element”), and its ruler is Diguan (also called Qingxu) whose birthday is said to fall on the 15th day of the 7th month, hence giving the holiday its name. On Diguan’s birthday, he is said to come to earth to judge good and bad deeds of the living.\n\nHowever, despite his association with the festival’s Daoist name, it is not Diguan who is most significant for festive activities. Rather, it is the ghosts (Chinese: [*gui*](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/guei)) who, according to [Daoist](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Taoism) thought and also drawing on Chinese folk traditions, are let out of the gates of the underworld to roam the earth during the seventh month. Ghosts of ancestors are welcomed as guests who have returned for a pleasant visit, but also thought to be on the loose are plenty of fearful ghosts, often of people who died in an unfortunate manner or who do not have relatives to tend to them. Celebrants endeavor to ward off these more [malicious](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/malicious) ghosts to prevent the harm they may cause the living.\n\n## Feeding and fearing the ghosts\n[![Burning spirit money](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/07\/258407-050-B956C510\/paper-money-burning-during-hungry-ghost-chinese-festival.jpg?w=300)1 of 2](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/07\/258407-050-B956C510\/paper-money-burning-during-hungry-ghost-chinese-festival.jpg)\n\n[Burning spirit money](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/07\/258407-050-B956C510\/paper-money-burning-during-hungry-ghost-chinese-festival.jpg)Spirit money burns to transmit it to the ghosts for their use during the Hungry Ghost Festival.\n\n(more)\n\n[![Burning down the (paper) houses, on a boat](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/06\/258406-050-39C4BEEB\/indonesian-chinese-hungry-ghost-festival-hong-san-koo-tee-temple-2019.jpg?w=300)2 of 2](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/06\/258406-050-39C4BEEB\/indonesian-chinese-hungry-ghost-festival-hong-san-koo-tee-temple-2019.jpg)\n\n[Burning down the (paper) houses, on a boat](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/06\/258406-050-39C4BEEB\/indonesian-chinese-hungry-ghost-festival-hong-san-koo-tee-temple-2019.jpg)Paper houses burn on a boat to transmit these luxury items to ghosts during the Hungry Ghost Festival at the Hong San Koo Tee temple in Suabaya, Indonesia, on August 15, 2019.\n\n(more)\n\nThere are a number of offerings Hungry Ghost Festival observers provide to host the ghosts. Of course, as implied by their name, the hungry ghosts need and want to be fed, so celebrants leave out plenty of bowls of food for the ghosts to consume. Food is prepared for them three times a day, and some families will leave an empty spot at the meal table for friendly relative ghosts to join. It is also thought that the ghosts need money to function both in the [afterlife](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/afterlife-religion) and in the earthly realm, so paper money, often called joss (“idol” or “statue”) paper or spirit money, is burned, which is a practice performed for many Chinese funeral [rituals](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/rituals) with the idea that the incineration of the money transfers it from the earthly world to the spirit realm. In some instances, large paper boats filled with offerings of symbols of wealth are set ablaze. Additionally, paper handicrafts in the forms of everything from popular foods such as [dim sum](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dim-sum) and noodles to luxury items such as [iPhones](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/iPhone) and houses are burned to give the ghosts things they might enjoy. Joss sticks ([incense](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/incense)) are also lit as offerings. Buddhist monks and Daoist priests are also employed for various ritual incantations to ward off ghosts. Throughout the festival, cultural performances such as traditional [Chinese operas](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Chinese-music\/Song-and-Yuan-dynasties-10th-14th-century#ref283382) are also staged for the enjoyment of both the living and the dead. Costumed parades are also included in the public festivities. A visually stunning part of the ceremony occurs when celebrants light lanterns at night and set them out on the water. The practice is meant to guide the spirits to the underworld. The first, 15th, and last day of the month are considered the highlights of the festival, and there is variation concerning precisely on which date certain [rites](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/rites) are performed, such as when joss money is to be incinerated or when the guiding lanterns should be set afloat.\n\nExplore Britannica Premium\\!\n\nSmart, reliable knowledge for professionals, students, and curious minds everywhere.\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=smart-2026)\n\n![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-left.webp)\n\n![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-right.webp)\n\n![Mobile](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-mobile.webp?w=400)\n\nWith all the malicious ghosts roaming about, it is thought that great care must be taken at this time. The seventh month is considered inauspicious for such events as weddings or moving houses. Swimming is prohibited because there could be water ghosts and drowning is a particularly unfortunate way to go. Wearing red or black is advised against since ghosts are attracted to those colors. Laundry should not be left to dry overnight since ghosts could get caught in it. People, especially children, are advised to be inside before dark to [avoid](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/avoid) harm. And if you hear your name called late at night, do not turn around: it could be a ghost playing a trick\\!\n\n## Related ghost festivals in Asia\n[![Bon festival lanterns](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/06\/183306-050-1E7EE983\/Bon-Dance-Lanterns-Festival-Japanese-Culture.jpg?w=300)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/06\/183306-050-1E7EE983\/Bon-Dance-Lanterns-Festival-Japanese-Culture.jpg)\n\n[Bon festival lanterns](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/06\/183306-050-1E7EE983\/Bon-Dance-Lanterns-Festival-Japanese-Culture.jpg)In Japan the Hungry Ghost Festival is called Bon.\n\n(more)\n\nThe Hungry Ghost Festival has spread throughout Asia and taken on new forms. In [Japan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Japan) the festival is called [Obon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Bon-Japanese-festival), a shortened form of [Urabon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Bon-Japanese-festival), which some scholars think is a translation of Ullambana. According to the Japanese interpretation of the festival, when the mother of Maudgalyayana (Japanese: Mokuren) was released from her suffering, the monk joyfully danced. Hence the festival in Japan prominently features a special Bon dance. Celebrants take a break from work and visit relatives at the same time as the ancestral spirits, too, visit their families during the festival from the 13th to 15th of days of the month. Colorful lanterns are lit to welcome the ghosts back to earth and to bid them farewell at the end of the festival.\n\nAlso called:\n\nUllambana festival\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nChinese (Pinyin):\n\nYulanpen Jie or Zhongyuan Jie\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nRelated Topics:\n\n[Bon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Bon-Japanese-festival)\n\n[ghost](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/ghost-spirit)\n\n[guei](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/guei)\n\n*(Show more)*\n\n[See all related content](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival)\n\nIn Vietnam Ullambana turns into Vu Lan, and the festival highlights respect for parents, living and dead. Chinese people in [Malaysia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Malaysia) also propitiate and burn in effigy the god Dashiye, who, according to Chinese thought, is the ruler of the underworld and tries to keep the ghosts from getting out of line while they roam the earth. In [Hakka](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hakka) [communities](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/communities) in [Taiwan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Taiwan), giant pigs raised to be more than 1,500 pounds (680 kg) are showcased and feasted upon for the holiday. For Chinese communities in [Phuket](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Phuket), [Thailand](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Thailand), who call the festival Por Tor, prominently featured are red cakes in the shape of turtles.\n\n[Charles Preston](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/charles-preston\/13008388)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI\n\n*chevron\\_right*\n\nHungry Ghost Festival\n\n*close*\n\n[AI-generated answers](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.\n\n[Chinese New Year](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year)\n\n- [Introduction & Top Questions](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year)\n- [History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year#ref470248)\n- [Traditions and celebration](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year#ref470249)\n- [Food traditions](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year#ref470250)\n- [The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year#ref470251)\n\n[References & Edit History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year\/additional-info)  [Related Topics](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Chinese-New-Year)\n\n[Images & Videos](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year\/images-videos)\n\n[![Chinese New Year](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/45\/195645-004-3B211EA7\/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/45\/195645-050-C2BA680A\/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg)\n\n[![An illustration of a large purple monster against a dark landscape.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/81\/238181-138-086E4858\/Lunar-New-Year.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/Lunar-New-Year\/-274942)\n\n[![Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/29\/158229-004-27749378\/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/29\/158229-050-F6244412\/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg)\n\n[![The animals of the Chinese zodiac illustrated against an orange background.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/55\/238255-138-294D501B\/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac\/-275459)\n\n[![Chinese zodiac chart](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/267080-004-D867F6AA\/chinese-zodiac.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/267080-050-D2A05320\/chinese-zodiac.jpg)  [![Lunar New Year](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/12\/146912-004-7FA19ED4\/Red-lanterns-trees-Lunar-New-Year-Beijing.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/12\/146912-050-7808C7C2\/Red-lanterns-trees-Lunar-New-Year-Beijing.jpg)\n\n[![Traditions of the Chinese New Year](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/48\/179948-138-8EE57BD5\/Overview-Chinese-New-Year.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/Overview-Chinese-New-Year\/-193482)\n\nRelated Questions\n\n- [What are three don’ts on Chinese New Year’s Day?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/What-are-three-donts-on-Chinese-New-Years-Day)\n- [What is Good Friday?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/What-is-Good-Friday)\n- [What events are commemorated on Good Friday?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/What-events-are-commemorated-on-Good-Friday)\n- [When is Good Friday?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/When-is-Good-Friday)\n- [What is Yom Kippur?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/What-is-Yom-Kippur)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)\n\nContents\n\nAsk Anything\n\n[Lifestyles & Social Issues](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Lifestyles-Social-Issues)    [Festivals & Holidays](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Festivals-Holidays)\n\nCITE\n\nShare\n\nFeedback\n\nExternal Websites\n\n[![Chinese New Year](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/45\/195645-050-C2BA680A\/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/45\/195645-050-C2BA680A\/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg)\n\n[Chinese New Year](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/45\/195645-050-C2BA680A\/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg) Dragon performers in the Chinese New Year parade in Los Angeles.\n\n(more)\n\n# Chinese New Year\nHomework Help\n\nWritten by\n\n[Tamanna Nangia Tamanna Nangia is Associate Editor, Encyclopaedia Britannica. She has over five years of experience in editorial processes, handling many different aspects of the publishing process: content development,...](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/tamanna-nangia\/13068200)\n\nTamanna Nangia\n\nFact-checked by\n\n[Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\nBritannica Editors\n\n[History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year\/additional-info#history)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTop Questions\n\n### What is the Chinese New Year?\nChinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is a 15-day festival celebrated in [China](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China) and by Chinese communities worldwide that begins with the new [moon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/moon-natural-satellite) between January 21 and February 20; festivities last until the following full moon.\n\n### What animal is the Chinese New Year in 2026?\nIn 2026 the Chinese New Year marks the Year of the Horse, according to the [Chinese zodiac](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-zodiac) calendar.\n\n### What are three don’ts on Chinese New Year’s Day?\nOn the first day of the New Year, sweeping or cleaning is avoided as it is believed to brush away good fortune. During the 15 days of celebration, breaking objects is considered a bad omen, as it is thought to bring bad luck, and gifting or buying new books is discouraged because the word for “book” sounds like “lose” in [Chinese](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-languages).\n\n### How long is Chinese New Year celebrated?\nThe Chinese New Year is celebrated over a period of 15 days.\n\n### What foods are traditionally eaten during Chinese New Year?\nTraditional foods include [carp](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/carp-fish-species) for long life, whole [fish](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/fish) for abundance, [dumplings](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dumpling) and spring rolls for wealth, long [noodles](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/noodle) for longevity, sticky rice cakes for success, and [citrus](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/plant\/Citrus) fruits for good luck.\n\n## News •\n[Singapore retail sales rebound in February on CNY boost, but outlook clouded by Iran war](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/business\/economy\/singapore-retail-sales-rebound-8-3-in-february-on-festive-boost)\n\n• Apr. 6, 2026, 1:21 AM ET (Straits Times)\n\n...(Show more)\n\n[Bok Kai Festival, one of California's oldest Chinese New Year traditions, returns to Marysville](https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/sacramento\/video\/bok-kai-festival-one-of-californias-oldest-chinese-new-year-traditions-returns-to-marysville\/)  • Mar. 22, 2026, 2:11 AM ET (CBS)\n\n[Muslims in Bali hold Idul Fitri prayers after Nyepi or day of silence](https:\/\/www.thestar.com.my\/aseanplus\/aseanplus-news\/2026\/03\/21\/muslims-in-bali-hold-idul-fitri-prayers-after-nyepi-or-day-of-silence)  • Mar. 21, 2026, 5:09 AM ET (The Star)\n\n[Hong Kong to test new campsite booking system amid overcrowding, litter concerns](https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/hong-kong\/health-environment\/article\/3347018\/hong-kong-test-new-campsite-booking-system-amid-overcrowding-litter-concerns)  • Mar. 18, 2026, 4:54 AM ET (South China Morning Post)\n\n[Chinese New Year boosts Hong Kong visitor numbers in first 2 months of 2026](https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/hong-kong\/hong-kong-economy\/article\/3346858\/did-chinese-new-year-help-boost-hong-kongs-visitor-figures-january-february)  • Mar. 17, 2026, 2:52 AM ET (South China Morning Post)\n\nShow less\n\n**Chinese New Year**, annual 15-day [festival](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/feast-religion) in [China](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China) and Chinese [communities](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/communities) around the world that begins with the new [moon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/moon-natural-satellite) occurring sometime between [January](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/January) 21 and [February](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/February) 20, according to Western [calendars](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/calendar). Festivities last until the following [full moon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/full-Moon-lunar-phase).\n\n[![An illustration of a large purple monster against a dark landscape.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/81\/238181-138-086E4858\/Lunar-New-Year.jpg?w=800&h=450&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/Lunar-New-Year\/-274942)\n\nThe Legend of Lunar New YearThousands of years ago, a monster named Nian prowled the Chinese countryside...\n\n(more)\n\n[See all videos for this article](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year\/images-videos)\n\nThe [holiday](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/holiday) is sometimes called the [Lunar New Year](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Lunar-New-Year) because the dates of celebration follow the phases of the moon. Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general.\n\n## History\nThe origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in [legend](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/legend). One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, so those things were used to chase the beast away.\n\n## Traditions and celebration\n[![Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/29\/158229-050-F6244412\/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg?w=300)1 of 2](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/29\/158229-050-F6244412\/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg)\n\n[Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/29\/158229-050-F6244412\/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg)Light display of a dragon at a Lantern Festival marking the end of the Chinese New Year.\n\n(more)\n\n[![The animals of the Chinese zodiac illustrated against an orange background.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/55\/238255-138-294D501B\/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac.jpg?w=800&h=450&c=crop)2 of 2](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac\/-275459)\n\nDiscover the Myth Behind the Chinese Zodiac2026: The Year of the Horse.\n\n(more)\n\n[See all videos for this article](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year\/images-videos)\n\nOne popular Chinese New Year tradition is the thorough cleaning of one’s home to rid the residence of any lingering bad luck. Some people prepare and enjoy special foods on certain days during the holiday. Celebrations to [usher](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/usher) out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one often include firecrackers, [fireworks](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/firework), and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colorful red envelopes. The last event held during the Chinese New Year is called the [Lantern Festival](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Lantern-Festival), during which people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a nighttime [parade](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/parade). Since the [dragon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dragon-mythological-creature) is a Chinese symbol of good fortune, a dragon dance highlights festival celebrations in many areas. This [procession](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/procession) involves a long, colorful dragon being carried through the streets by numerous dancers. In addition Chinese New Year is a time to feast and visit family. Along with the celebrations, Chinese New Year is associated with a few [superstitions](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/superstitions). Breaking objects is considered a bad omen and is thought to bring bad luck. Gifting or buying new books is discouraged because the word for “book” sounds like “lose” in Chinese. Arguments and anger are avoided to ensure harmony, and sweeping or cleaning on the first day is seen as inauspicious, as it is believed to brush away good fortune.\n\n## Food traditions\nFamilies prepare food in advance since using sharp objects on New Year’s Day is considered unlucky. Particular dishes are chosen for the hopeful meanings suggested by their names, such as [carp](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/carp-fish-species), which represents a long life. Many traditional dishes served during this festival reflect wishes for [prosperity](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/prosperity), health, and longevity. The celebrations begin on the eve of Chinese New Year, and a whole [fish](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/fish) is almost always present on the table because the Chinese word for “fish” sounds like the word for “surplus,” suggesting abundance will flow throughout the year. [Dumplings](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dumpling) (*jiaozi*), with their crescent shapes resembling ancient [ingots](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/ingot) of [gold](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/gold-chemical-element), are a must-have. Uncut long noodles are consumed to represent longevity, with the belief that eating them without breaking the strands will bring long life. Sticky rice cakes called *nian gao* are commonly consumed, because their name means “high year,” implying steady progress and success in whatever one pursues. [Crisp](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/Crisp), golden spring rolls mirror ancient gold bars, symbolizing wealth, and bright citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines are shared because their round shape and color evoke fullness, success, and good luck.\n\nAlso called:\n\nLunar New Year\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nRelated Topics:\n\n[China](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China)\n\n[Chinese zodiac](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-zodiac)\n\n[Lunar New Year](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Lunar-New-Year)\n\n[January](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/January)\n\n[February](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/February)\n\n*(Show more)*\n\n[See all related content](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Chinese-New-Year)\n\n## The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac\n[![Chinese zodiac chart](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/267080-050-D2A05320\/chinese-zodiac.jpg?w=1000)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/267080-050-D2A05320\/chinese-zodiac.jpg)\n\n[Chinese zodiac chart](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/267080-050-D2A05320\/chinese-zodiac.jpg)Find your Chinese zodiac sign and element based on your birth year in this chart.\n\n(more)\n\nThe Chinese [lunar calendar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/lunar-calendar) operates on a 12-year [zodiac](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/zodiac) cycle, with each year represented by an animal. Every animal in this zodiac system, which is called [Sheng Xiao](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-zodiac), is believed to have a personality that represents the year and the people born during that year. The Chinese zodiac year begins with Chinese New Year, thus changing the cycle to a new animal. In the Chinese tradition, a person’s birth year—rather than their birth month—is considered key to understanding character and fortune. For example, 2026 is recognized as the Year of the Horse.\n\nExplore Britannica Premium\\!\n\nGo beyond the basics with trusted, in-depth knowledge for professionals, students, and lifelong learners.\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=basics-2026)\n\n![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-left.webp)\n\n![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-right.webp)\n\n![Mobile](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-mobile.webp?w=400)\n\n| animal | traits | year of the zodiac (2026–37) |\n|---|---|---|\n| [horse](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/horse) | represents motion, liveliness, freedom, and enthusiasm | 2026 |\n| [sheep](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/domesticated-sheep) | symbolizes tranquility, peace, compassion, creativity, and emotional awareness | 2027 |\n| [monkey](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/monkey) | stands for curiosity, mischief, flexibility, and clever problem-solving | 2028 |\n| [rooster](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/chicken) | represents confidence, inflexibility, and attention to detail | 2029 |\n| [dog](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/dog) | symbolizes loyalty, reliability, fairness, and protection | 2030 |\n| [pig](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/pig-mammal-group) | represents honesty, self-indulgence, generosity, and abundance | 2031 |\n| [rat](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/rat) | represents quick thinking, sharp intuition, and adaptability | 2032 |\n| [ox](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/ox-mammal-Bos-taurus) | symbolizes fertility, patience, hard work, persistence, and dependability | 2033 |\n| [tiger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/tiger) | stands for independence, passion, and impulsiveness | 2034 |\n| [rabbit](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/rabbit) | represents calm, healing, sensitivity, and sacrifice | 2035 |\n| [dragon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dragon-mythological-creature) | symbolizes luck, fortune, independence, intuition, and leadership | 2036 |\n| [snake](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/snake) | signifies wisdom, intuition, careful observation, and inward reflection | 2037 |\n\n[Tamanna Nangia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/tamanna-nangia\/13068200) [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI\n\n*chevron\\_right*\n\nChinese New Year\n\n*close*\n\n[AI-generated answers](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.\n\nLoad Next Page\n\nFeedback\n\nThank you for your feedback\n\nOur editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.\n\n*print* Print\n\nPlease select which sections you would like to print:\n\n*verified*Cite\n\nWhile every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.\n\nSelect Citation Style\n\nPreston, Charles. \"Hungry Ghost Festival\". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 21 Sep. 2025, https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival. Accessed 15 April 2026.\n\nCopy Citation\n\nShare\n\nShare to social media\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BRITANNICA\/) [X](https:\/\/x.com\/britannica)\n\nURL\n\n<https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hungry-Ghost-Festival>\n\nFeedback\n\nThank you for your feedback\n\nOur editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.\n\n*print* Print\n\nPlease select which sections you would like to print:\n\n*verified*Cite\n\nWhile every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.\n\nSelect Citation Style\n\nNangia, Tamanna. \"Chinese New Year\". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 11 Feb. 2026, https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year. Accessed 15 April 2026.\n\nCopy Citation\n\nShare\n\nShare to social media\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BRITANNICA\/) [X](https:\/\/x.com\/britannica)\n\nURL\n\n<https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year>\n\nExternal Websites\n\n- [Western Kentucky University - TopSCHOLAR - The Origin of Chinese New Year (PDF)](https:\/\/digitalcommons.wku.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=1114&context=dlps_fac_pub)\n- [CBS News - Where is the lunar new year celebrated and who celebrates it?](https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/lunar-new-year-chinese-new-year-snake-celebrate-2025\/)\n- [United States Department of State - American English - Chinese New Year (PDF)](https:\/\/americanenglish.state.gov\/files\/ae\/resource_files\/chinesenewyear.pdf)\n- [Wake Forest University - Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology - Chinese New Year](https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/education\/teachers\/chinese-new-year\/)\n- [Columbia University - Asia for Educators - The Lunar New Year: Rituals and Legends](https:\/\/afe.easia.columbia.edu\/special\/china_general_lunar.htm)\n- [Live Science - Chinese New Year: Customs & Traditions](https:\/\/www.livescience.com\/61773-chinese-new-year.html)\n- [Royal Museums Greenwich - How do people celebrate Chinese New Year?](https:\/\/www.rmg.co.uk\/stories\/time\/how-do-people-celebrate-chinese-new-year)\n\nBritannica Websites\n\nArticles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.\n\n- [Chinese New Year - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)](https:\/\/kids.britannica.com\/kids\/article\/Chinese-New-Year\/390118)\n- [Chinese New Year - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)](https:\/\/kids.britannica.com\/students\/article\/Chinese-New-Year\/574653)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Top Questions\n\n- What is the Hungry Ghost Festival?\n- Where is the Hungry Ghost Festival celebrated?\n- When does the Hungry Ghost Festival take place each year?\n- Why do people celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival?\n- What traditions or activities are common during the Hungry Ghost Festival?\n- How do people show respect to ancestors and 'hungry ghosts' during the festival?\n\n**Hungry Ghost Festival**, frightening and festive [Buddhist](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Buddhism) and [Daoist](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Taoism) holiday celebrated in [East Asia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/East-Asia) and [Southeast Asia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Southeast-Asia), particularly in areas with [Chinese](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China) cultural influence, to propitiate the ghosts of the [deceased](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/deceased). The holiday is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month on the Chinese [lunar calendar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/lunar-calendar), falling in July or August on the [Gregorian calendar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Gregorian-calendar). The Hungry Ghost Festival, and local variations thereof, draws on both Buddhist and Daoist beliefs in the existence of [ghosts](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/ghost-spirit) deemed to be in need of honor and appeasement, and the meaning of the [festival](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/feast-religion) takes on somewhat different shades depending on interpretations from the different religious traditions, although practices are generally quite similar. It is sometimes known as the Yulanpen or Ullambana festival in reference to the Buddhist Yulanpen (Ullambana) Sutra that tells the holiday’s foundational [ghost story](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/ghost-story). The holiday is observed with offerings to the ghosts along with [lantern](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/lantern-lighting) lighting and cultural festivities. Often breezily compared to [Halloween](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Halloween), the Roman Catholic holiday [All Souls’ Day](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/All-Souls-Day-Christianity), or the Mexican holiday [Day of the Dead](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Day-of-the-Dead), this haunting holiday has its own unique background, beliefs, practices, and regional variations.\n\n## Ullambana and hungry ghosts in Buddhism\n[Hungry ghosts](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/95\/258395-050-1510B96D\/portion-of-wheel-of-life-or-bhavacakra-in-pema-osel-ling-monastery-santa-cruz-california.jpg)The hungry ghost (preta) realm as depicted in a portion of a *bhavachakra* (“wheel of life”) image, which represents the cycle of rebirths, or samsara, in the Pema Osel Ling monastery in Santa Cruz, California.\n\nImagined and often illustrated as frightening beings with protruding stomachs and tiny mouths who are always ravenous, invisible hungry ghosts (Sanskrit: pretas; Chinese: *e gui*), according to Buddhist belief, sometimes haunt the human realm. In Chinese [culture](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/culture), they are thought to do so particularly during the seventh month of the year. Of the six realms or statuses into which rebirth can occur in the Buddhist cycle of [samsara](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/samsara) (continual rebirth), the hungry [ghost](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/ghost-spirit) realm is particularly gruesome, and rebirth there would be the result of some rather negative [karma](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/karma) in need of being worked off. The ghosts’ continual attachment—itself the cause of suffering, according to Buddhist thought—to earthly life brings them back to haunt the living.\n\nA famous hungry ghost story that establishes the origin of the festival is told in the [Mahayana](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Mahayana) Chinese Buddhist Yulanpen Sutra (also called the Ullambana Sutra), which is claimed to have been translated into Chinese from Indian sources in the 3rd or 4th century ce. In the tale, Maudgalyayana (Pali: Moggallana; Chinese: Mulian) was an accomplished [disciple](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/disciple) of the [Buddha](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Buddha-founder-of-Buddhism) who had obtained the ability to perceive everything in the universe. He saw that his late mother had been reborn as a hungry ghost. [Distraught](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/Distraught) and consumed with pity, he brought her a bowl of food. But she was unable to consume it. Maudgalyayana went to the Buddha for advice. The Buddha said that for such attempts at rescuing the deceased who are suffering greatly, the whole [sangha](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/sangha) (the Buddhist [community](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/community) of monastics and laity) would need to come together. It just so happened that the Pravarana Day, a holiday that marks the end of the three-month rains retreat ([vassa](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/vassa)), would be such a time of monastic assemblage. Thus the Buddha established a holiday to be observed on the 15th day of the 7th month, during which devotees would [convene](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/convene) to offer food, incense, lanterns, and other good things, along with [mantras](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/mantras) and vows, in order to free the deceased from suffering.\n\nThe offerings to the ghosts on this holiday, as explained in the text, are considered as a means to transfer merit ([punya](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/punya)) to the deceased to [alleviate](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/alleviate) their suffering and help them escape their condition more expeditiously. The offerings also serve as a display of [filial piety](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/xiao-Confucianism), a distinctly [Confucian](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Confucianism) [ethical](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/ethical) value of devotion to the family that is explicitly called out as the significance of the Yulanpen Sutra. There is speculation that the Yulanpen Sutra originated as a way of combining Chinese values of filial piety with Buddhist belief during the transmission of [Buddhism](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Buddhism) to China, although earlier shadows of the tale, and the importance of feeding hungry ghost relatives, do exist in earlier South Asian sources. A similar story of a suffering hungry ghost and mother in a past life who is aided by her Buddhist monk son is recounted in the Petavatthu (Pali: “Ghost Stories”) section of the South Asian-composed [Khuddaka Nikaya](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Khuddaka-Nikaya), a [canonical](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/canonical) Buddhist text that dates to approximately the 3rd century bce. However, that earlier text does not establish a holiday nor does it define the offering to ghosts explicitly in terms of the Chinese notion of filial piety. Based on the Yulanpen Sutra story, this holiday is called Yulanpen Jie or Ullambana festival among Buddhists. There is evidence of it having been observed in China since 538 ce.\n\n## Zhongyuan and ghost month in Daoism\nThe association of the seventh month with ancestors might predate the transmission of Buddhism into China, however the question of how the Daoist and Buddhist strands influenced each other, and which aspects of the Hungry Ghost Festival preceded the other, remains obscure. It is likely that the two strands mutually influenced each other over time. The holiday among Daoists is called Zhongyuan Jie (Middle Element Festival). In Daoist thought, there are three divine officials, called the [Sanguan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Sanguan), of three realms: upper, middle, and lower. The middle realm, that of the earth, is called *zhongyuan* (“middle element”), and its ruler is Diguan (also called Qingxu) whose birthday is said to fall on the 15th day of the 7th month, hence giving the holiday its name. On Diguan’s birthday, he is said to come to earth to judge good and bad deeds of the living.\n\nHowever, despite his association with the festival’s Daoist name, it is not Diguan who is most significant for festive activities. Rather, it is the ghosts (Chinese: [*gui*](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/guei)) who, according to [Daoist](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Taoism) thought and also drawing on Chinese folk traditions, are let out of the gates of the underworld to roam the earth during the seventh month. Ghosts of ancestors are welcomed as guests who have returned for a pleasant visit, but also thought to be on the loose are plenty of fearful ghosts, often of people who died in an unfortunate manner or who do not have relatives to tend to them. Celebrants endeavor to ward off these more [malicious](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/malicious) ghosts to prevent the harm they may cause the living.\n\n## Feeding and fearing the ghosts\nThere are a number of offerings Hungry Ghost Festival observers provide to host the ghosts. Of course, as implied by their name, the hungry ghosts need and want to be fed, so celebrants leave out plenty of bowls of food for the ghosts to consume. Food is prepared for them three times a day, and some families will leave an empty spot at the meal table for friendly relative ghosts to join. It is also thought that the ghosts need money to function both in the [afterlife](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/afterlife-religion) and in the earthly realm, so paper money, often called joss (“idol” or “statue”) paper or spirit money, is burned, which is a practice performed for many Chinese funeral [rituals](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/rituals) with the idea that the incineration of the money transfers it from the earthly world to the spirit realm. In some instances, large paper boats filled with offerings of symbols of wealth are set ablaze. Additionally, paper handicrafts in the forms of everything from popular foods such as [dim sum](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dim-sum) and noodles to luxury items such as [iPhones](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/iPhone) and houses are burned to give the ghosts things they might enjoy. Joss sticks ([incense](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/incense)) are also lit as offerings. Buddhist monks and Daoist priests are also employed for various ritual incantations to ward off ghosts. Throughout the festival, cultural performances such as traditional [Chinese operas](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Chinese-music\/Song-and-Yuan-dynasties-10th-14th-century#ref283382) are also staged for the enjoyment of both the living and the dead. Costumed parades are also included in the public festivities. A visually stunning part of the ceremony occurs when celebrants light lanterns at night and set them out on the water. The practice is meant to guide the spirits to the underworld. The first, 15th, and last day of the month are considered the highlights of the festival, and there is variation concerning precisely on which date certain [rites](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/rites) are performed, such as when joss money is to be incinerated or when the guiding lanterns should be set afloat.\n\nSmart, reliable knowledge for professionals, students, and curious minds everywhere.\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=smart-2026)\n\n![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-left.webp)\n\n![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-right.webp)\n\n![Mobile](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-mobile.webp?w=400)\n\nWith all the malicious ghosts roaming about, it is thought that great care must be taken at this time. The seventh month is considered inauspicious for such events as weddings or moving houses. Swimming is prohibited because there could be water ghosts and drowning is a particularly unfortunate way to go. Wearing red or black is advised against since ghosts are attracted to those colors. Laundry should not be left to dry overnight since ghosts could get caught in it. People, especially children, are advised to be inside before dark to [avoid](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/avoid) harm. And if you hear your name called late at night, do not turn around: it could be a ghost playing a trick\\!\n\n## Related ghost festivals in Asia\nThe Hungry Ghost Festival has spread throughout Asia and taken on new forms. In [Japan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Japan) the festival is called [Obon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Bon-Japanese-festival), a shortened form of [Urabon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Bon-Japanese-festival), which some scholars think is a translation of Ullambana. According to the Japanese interpretation of the festival, when the mother of Maudgalyayana (Japanese: Mokuren) was released from her suffering, the monk joyfully danced. Hence the festival in Japan prominently features a special Bon dance. Celebrants take a break from work and visit relatives at the same time as the ancestral spirits, too, visit their families during the festival from the 13th to 15th of days of the month. Colorful lanterns are lit to welcome the ghosts back to earth and to bid them farewell at the end of the festival.\n\nAlso called:\n\nUllambana festival\n\nChinese (Pinyin):\n\nYulanpen Jie or Zhongyuan Jie\n\nIn Vietnam Ullambana turns into Vu Lan, and the festival highlights respect for parents, living and dead. Chinese people in [Malaysia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Malaysia) also propitiate and burn in effigy the god Dashiye, who, according to Chinese thought, is the ruler of the underworld and tries to keep the ghosts from getting out of line while they roam the earth. In [Hakka](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Hakka) [communities](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/communities) in [Taiwan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Taiwan), giant pigs raised to be more than 1,500 pounds (680 kg) are showcased and feasted upon for the holiday. For Chinese communities in [Phuket](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Phuket), [Thailand](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Thailand), who call the festival Por Tor, prominently featured are red cakes in the shape of turtles.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Top Questions What is the Hungry Ghost Festival? Where is the Hungry Ghost Festival celebrated? When does the Hungry Ghost Festival take place each year? Why do people celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival? What traditions or activities are common during the Hungry Ghost Festival? How do people show respect to ancestors and 'hungry ghosts' during the festival? Hungry Ghost Festival , frightening and festive Buddhist and Daoist holiday celebrated in East Asia and Southeast Asia , particularly in areas with Chinese cultural influence, to propitiate the ghosts of the deceased . The holiday is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month on the Chinese lunar calendar , falling in July or August on the Gregorian calendar . The Hungry Ghost Festival, and local variations thereof, draws on both Buddhist and Daoist beliefs in the existence of ghosts deemed to be in need of honor and appeasement, and the meaning of the festival takes on somewhat different shades depending on interpretations from the different religious traditions, although practices are generally quite similar. It is sometimes known as the Yulanpen or Ullambana festival in reference to the Buddhist Yulanpen (Ullambana) Sutra that tells the holiday’s foundational ghost story . The holiday is observed with offerings to the ghosts along with lantern lighting and cultural festivities. Often breezily compared to Halloween , the Roman Catholic holiday All Souls’ Day , or the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead , this haunting holiday has its own unique background, beliefs, practices, and regional variations. Ullambana and hungry ghosts in Buddhism Hungry ghosts The hungry ghost (preta) realm as depicted in a portion of a bhavachakra (“wheel of life”) image, which represents the cycle of rebirths, or samsara, in the Pema Osel Ling monastery in Santa Cruz, California. Imagined and often illustrated as frightening beings with protruding stomachs and tiny mouths who are always ravenous, invisible hungry ghosts (Sanskrit: pretas; Chinese: e gui ), according to Buddhist belief, sometimes haunt the human realm. In Chinese culture , they are thought to do so particularly during the seventh month of the year. Of the six realms or statuses into which rebirth can occur in the Buddhist cycle of samsara (continual rebirth), the hungry ghost realm is particularly gruesome, and rebirth there would be the result of some rather negative karma in need of being worked off. The ghosts’ continual attachment—itself the cause of suffering, according to Buddhist thought—to earthly life brings them back to haunt the living. A famous hungry ghost story that establishes the origin of the festival is told in the Mahayana Chinese Buddhist Yulanpen Sutra (also called the Ullambana Sutra), which is claimed to have been translated into Chinese from Indian sources in the 3rd or 4th century ce . In the tale, Maudgalyayana (Pali: Moggallana; Chinese: Mulian) was an accomplished disciple of the Buddha who had obtained the ability to perceive everything in the universe. He saw that his late mother had been reborn as a hungry ghost. Distraught and consumed with pity, he brought her a bowl of food. But she was unable to consume it. Maudgalyayana went to the Buddha for advice. The Buddha said that for such attempts at rescuing the deceased who are suffering greatly, the whole sangha (the Buddhist community of monastics and laity) would need to come together. It just so happened that the Pravarana Day, a holiday that marks the end of the three-month rains retreat ( vassa ), would be such a time of monastic assemblage. Thus the Buddha established a holiday to be observed on the 15th day of the 7th month, during which devotees would convene to offer food, incense, lanterns, and other good things, along with mantras and vows, in order to free the deceased from suffering. The offerings to the ghosts on this holiday, as explained in the text, are considered as a means to transfer merit ( punya ) to the deceased to alleviate their suffering and help them escape their condition more expeditiously. The offerings also serve as a display of filial piety , a distinctly Confucian ethical value of devotion to the family that is explicitly called out as the significance of the Yulanpen Sutra. There is speculation that the Yulanpen Sutra originated as a way of combining Chinese values of filial piety with Buddhist belief during the transmission of Buddhism to China, although earlier shadows of the tale, and the importance of feeding hungry ghost relatives, do exist in earlier South Asian sources. A similar story of a suffering hungry ghost and mother in a past life who is aided by her Buddhist monk son is recounted in the Petavatthu (Pali: “Ghost Stories”) section of the South Asian-composed Khuddaka Nikaya , a canonical Buddhist text that dates to approximately the 3rd century bce . However, that earlier text does not establish a holiday nor does it define the offering to ghosts explicitly in terms of the Chinese notion of filial piety. Based on the Yulanpen Sutra story, this holiday is called Yulanpen Jie or Ullambana festival among Buddhists. There is evidence of it having been observed in China since 538 ce . Zhongyuan and ghost month in Daoism The association of the seventh month with ancestors might predate the transmission of Buddhism into China, however the question of how the Daoist and Buddhist strands influenced each other, and which aspects of the Hungry Ghost Festival preceded the other, remains obscure. It is likely that the two strands mutually influenced each other over time. The holiday among Daoists is called Zhongyuan Jie (Middle Element Festival). In Daoist thought, there are three divine officials, called the Sanguan , of three realms: upper, middle, and lower. The middle realm, that of the earth, is called zhongyuan (“middle element”), and its ruler is Diguan (also called Qingxu) whose birthday is said to fall on the 15th day of the 7th month, hence giving the holiday its name. On Diguan’s birthday, he is said to come to earth to judge good and bad deeds of the living. However, despite his association with the festival’s Daoist name, it is not Diguan who is most significant for festive activities. Rather, it is the ghosts (Chinese: gui ) who, according to Daoist thought and also drawing on Chinese folk traditions, are let out of the gates of the underworld to roam the earth during the seventh month. Ghosts of ancestors are welcomed as guests who have returned for a pleasant visit, but also thought to be on the loose are plenty of fearful ghosts, often of people who died in an unfortunate manner or who do not have relatives to tend to them. Celebrants endeavor to ward off these more malicious ghosts to prevent the harm they may cause the living. Feeding and fearing the ghosts There are a number of offerings Hungry Ghost Festival observers provide to host the ghosts. Of course, as implied by their name, the hungry ghosts need and want to be fed, so celebrants leave out plenty of bowls of food for the ghosts to consume. Food is prepared for them three times a day, and some families will leave an empty spot at the meal table for friendly relative ghosts to join. It is also thought that the ghosts need money to function both in the afterlife and in the earthly realm, so paper money, often called joss (“idol” or “statue”) paper or spirit money, is burned, which is a practice performed for many Chinese funeral rituals with the idea that the incineration of the money transfers it from the earthly world to the spirit realm. In some instances, large paper boats filled with offerings of symbols of wealth are set ablaze. Additionally, paper handicrafts in the forms of everything from popular foods such as dim sum and noodles to luxury items such as iPhones and houses are burned to give the ghosts things they might enjoy. Joss sticks ( incense ) are also lit as offerings. Buddhist monks and Daoist priests are also employed for various ritual incantations to ward off ghosts. Throughout the festival, cultural performances such as traditional Chinese operas are also staged for the enjoyment of both the living and the dead. Costumed parades are also included in the public festivities. A visually stunning part of the ceremony occurs when celebrants light lanterns at night and set them out on the water. The practice is meant to guide the spirits to the underworld. The first, 15th, and last day of the month are considered the highlights of the festival, and there is variation concerning precisely on which date certain rites are performed, such as when joss money is to be incinerated or when the guiding lanterns should be set afloat. Smart, reliable knowledge for professionals, students, and curious minds everywhere. SUBSCRIBE With all the malicious ghosts roaming about, it is thought that great care must be taken at this time. The seventh month is considered inauspicious for such events as weddings or moving houses. Swimming is prohibited because there could be water ghosts and drowning is a particularly unfortunate way to go. Wearing red or black is advised against since ghosts are attracted to those colors. Laundry should not be left to dry overnight since ghosts could get caught in it. People, especially children, are advised to be inside before dark to avoid harm. And if you hear your name called late at night, do not turn around: it could be a ghost playing a trick! Related ghost festivals in Asia The Hungry Ghost Festival has spread throughout Asia and taken on new forms. In Japan the festival is called Obon , a shortened form of Urabon , which some scholars think is a translation of Ullambana. According to the Japanese interpretation of the festival, when the mother of Maudgalyayana (Japanese: Mokuren) was released from her suffering, the monk joyfully danced. Hence the festival in Japan prominently features a special Bon dance. Celebrants take a break from work and visit relatives at the same time as the ancestral spirits, too, visit their families during the festival from the 13th to 15th of days of the month. Colorful lanterns are lit to welcome the ghosts back to earth and to bid them farewell at the end of the festival. Also called: Ullambana festival Chinese (Pinyin): Yulanpen Jie or Zhongyuan Jie In Vietnam Ullambana turns into Vu Lan, and the festival highlights respect for parents, living and dead. Chinese people in Malaysia also propitiate and burn in effigy the god Dashiye, who, according to Chinese thought, is the ruler of the underworld and tries to keep the ghosts from getting out of line while they roam the earth. In Hakka communities in Taiwan , giant pigs raised to be more than 1,500 pounds (680 kg) are showcased and feasted upon for the holiday. For Chinese communities in Phuket , Thailand , who call the festival Por Tor, prominently featured are red cakes in the shape of turtles.
Markdown	[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel/eb-logo/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https://www.britannica.com/) [![Encyclopedia Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel/eb-logo/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https://www.britannica.com/) [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen) [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav-mobile&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen) Login https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm\_source=premium\&utm\_medium=nav-login-box\&utm\_campaign=evergreen [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=hamburger-menu&utm_campaign=blue) [Ask the Chatbot](https://www.britannica.com/chatbot) [Games & Quizzes](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/browse) [History & Society](https://www.britannica.com/History-Society) [Science & Tech](https://www.britannica.com/Science-Tech) [Biographies](https://www.britannica.com/Biographies) [Animals & Nature](https://www.britannica.com/Animals-Nature) [Geography & Travel](https://www.britannica.com/Geography-Travel) [Arts & Culture](https://www.britannica.com/Arts-Culture) [ProCon](https://www.britannica.com/procon) [Money](https://www.britannica.com/money) [Videos](https://www.britannica.com/videos) [Hungry Ghost Festival](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival) - [Introduction](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival) - [Ullambana and hungry ghosts in Buddhism](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival#ref378992) - [Zhongyuan and ghost month in Daoism](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival#ref378993) - [Feeding and fearing the ghosts](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival#ref378994) - [Related ghost festivals in Asia](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival#ref378995) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival/additional-info) [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Hungry-Ghost-Festival) [Images](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival/images-videos) [![Hungry Ghost Festival (Ullambana, Zhongyuan Jie) lanterns](https://cdn.britannica.com/08/258408-004-56FC071B/river-lanterns-during-ghost-festival-in-guilin-china-2016.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/08/258408-050-2DE8DC29/river-lanterns-during-ghost-festival-in-guilin-china-2016.jpg) [![Hungry ghosts](https://cdn.britannica.com/95/258395-004-9525A8DC/portion-of-wheel-of-life-or-bhavacakra-in-pema-osel-ling-monastery-santa-cruz-california.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/95/258395-050-1510B96D/portion-of-wheel-of-life-or-bhavacakra-in-pema-osel-ling-monastery-santa-cruz-california.jpg) [![Burning spirit money](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/258407-004-DFE01CB9/paper-money-burning-during-hungry-ghost-chinese-festival.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/258407-050-B956C510/paper-money-burning-during-hungry-ghost-chinese-festival.jpg) [![Burning down the (paper) houses, on a boat](https://cdn.britannica.com/06/258406-004-7AC801BC/indonesian-chinese-hungry-ghost-festival-hong-san-koo-tee-temple-2019.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/06/258406-050-39C4BEEB/indonesian-chinese-hungry-ghost-festival-hong-san-koo-tee-temple-2019.jpg) [![Bon festival lanterns](https://cdn.britannica.com/06/183306-004-D97C449D/Bon-Dance-Lanterns-Festival-Japanese-Culture.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/06/183306-050-1E7EE983/Bon-Dance-Lanterns-Festival-Japanese-Culture.jpg) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Ask Anything Quick Summary [Philosophy & Religion](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Philosophy-Religion) [Religious Beliefs](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Religious-Beliefs) CITE Share Feedback External Websites [![Hungry Ghost Festival (Ullambana, Zhongyuan Jie) lanterns](https://cdn.britannica.com/08/258408-050-2DE8DC29/river-lanterns-during-ghost-festival-in-guilin-china-2016.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https://cdn.britannica.com/08/258408-050-2DE8DC29/river-lanterns-during-ghost-festival-in-guilin-china-2016.jpg) [Hungry Ghost Festival (Ullambana, Zhongyuan Jie) lanterns](https://cdn.britannica.com/08/258408-050-2DE8DC29/river-lanterns-during-ghost-festival-in-guilin-china-2016.jpg) Floating lanterns guide the way for restive spirits returned to earth during the Hungry Ghost Festival in Guilin, China, on August 16, 2016. (more) # Hungry Ghost Festival Asian holiday Homework Help Also known as: Ullambana Festival, Yulanpen Jie, Zhongyuan Jie[(Show More)](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival) Written by [Charles Preston Charles Preston is Associate Editor for Religion at Encyclopædia Britannica.](https://www.britannica.com/editor/charles-preston/13008388) Charles Preston Fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors [History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival/additional-info#history) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI Ask Anything Quick Summary Table of Contents Table of Contents Quick Summary Ask Anything Top Questions - What is the Hungry Ghost Festival? - Where is the Hungry Ghost Festival celebrated? - When does the Hungry Ghost Festival take place each year? - Why do people celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival? - What traditions or activities are common during the Hungry Ghost Festival? - How do people show respect to ancestors and 'hungry ghosts' during the festival? Show more Show less Hungry Ghost Festival, frightening and festive [Buddhist](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Buddhism) and [Daoist](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Taoism) holiday celebrated in [East Asia](https://www.britannica.com/place/East-Asia) and [Southeast Asia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Southeast-Asia), particularly in areas with [Chinese](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) cultural influence, to propitiate the ghosts of the [deceased](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/deceased). The holiday is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month on the Chinese [lunar calendar](https://www.britannica.com/science/lunar-calendar), falling in July or August on the [Gregorian calendar](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gregorian-calendar). The Hungry Ghost Festival, and local variations thereof, draws on both Buddhist and Daoist beliefs in the existence of [ghosts](https://www.britannica.com/topic/ghost-spirit) deemed to be in need of honor and appeasement, and the meaning of the [festival](https://www.britannica.com/topic/feast-religion) takes on somewhat different shades depending on interpretations from the different religious traditions, although practices are generally quite similar. It is sometimes known as the Yulanpen or Ullambana festival in reference to the Buddhist Yulanpen (Ullambana) Sutra that tells the holiday’s foundational [ghost story](https://www.britannica.com/art/ghost-story). The holiday is observed with offerings to the ghosts along with [lantern](https://www.britannica.com/technology/lantern-lighting) lighting and cultural festivities. Often breezily compared to [Halloween](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Halloween), the Roman Catholic holiday [All Souls’ Day](https://www.britannica.com/topic/All-Souls-Day-Christianity), or the Mexican holiday [Day of the Dead](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Day-of-the-Dead), this haunting holiday has its own unique background, beliefs, practices, and regional variations. ## Ullambana and hungry ghosts in Buddhism [![Hungry ghosts](https://cdn.britannica.com/95/258395-050-1510B96D/portion-of-wheel-of-life-or-bhavacakra-in-pema-osel-ling-monastery-santa-cruz-california.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/95/258395-050-1510B96D/portion-of-wheel-of-life-or-bhavacakra-in-pema-osel-ling-monastery-santa-cruz-california.jpg) [Hungry ghosts](https://cdn.britannica.com/95/258395-050-1510B96D/portion-of-wheel-of-life-or-bhavacakra-in-pema-osel-ling-monastery-santa-cruz-california.jpg)The hungry ghost (preta) realm as depicted in a portion of a bhavachakra (“wheel of life”) image, which represents the cycle of rebirths, or samsara, in the Pema Osel Ling monastery in Santa Cruz, California. (more) Imagined and often illustrated as frightening beings with protruding stomachs and tiny mouths who are always ravenous, invisible hungry ghosts (Sanskrit: pretas; Chinese: e gui), according to Buddhist belief, sometimes haunt the human realm. In Chinese [culture](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture), they are thought to do so particularly during the seventh month of the year. Of the six realms or statuses into which rebirth can occur in the Buddhist cycle of [samsara](https://www.britannica.com/topic/samsara) (continual rebirth), the hungry [ghost](https://www.britannica.com/topic/ghost-spirit) realm is particularly gruesome, and rebirth there would be the result of some rather negative [karma](https://www.britannica.com/topic/karma) in need of being worked off. The ghosts’ continual attachment—itself the cause of suffering, according to Buddhist thought—to earthly life brings them back to haunt the living. A famous hungry ghost story that establishes the origin of the festival is told in the [Mahayana](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mahayana) Chinese Buddhist Yulanpen Sutra (also called the Ullambana Sutra), which is claimed to have been translated into Chinese from Indian sources in the 3rd or 4th century ce. In the tale, Maudgalyayana (Pali: Moggallana; Chinese: Mulian) was an accomplished [disciple](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disciple) of the [Buddha](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Buddha-founder-of-Buddhism) who had obtained the ability to perceive everything in the universe. He saw that his late mother had been reborn as a hungry ghost. [Distraught](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Distraught) and consumed with pity, he brought her a bowl of food. But she was unable to consume it. Maudgalyayana went to the Buddha for advice. The Buddha said that for such attempts at rescuing the deceased who are suffering greatly, the whole [sangha](https://www.britannica.com/topic/sangha) (the Buddhist [community](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/community) of monastics and laity) would need to come together. It just so happened that the Pravarana Day, a holiday that marks the end of the three-month rains retreat ([vassa](https://www.britannica.com/topic/vassa)), would be such a time of monastic assemblage. Thus the Buddha established a holiday to be observed on the 15th day of the 7th month, during which devotees would [convene](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convene) to offer food, incense, lanterns, and other good things, along with [mantras](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantras) and vows, in order to free the deceased from suffering. The offerings to the ghosts on this holiday, as explained in the text, are considered as a means to transfer merit ([punya](https://www.britannica.com/topic/punya)) to the deceased to [alleviate](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alleviate) their suffering and help them escape their condition more expeditiously. The offerings also serve as a display of [filial piety](https://www.britannica.com/topic/xiao-Confucianism), a distinctly [Confucian](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Confucianism) [ethical](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethical) value of devotion to the family that is explicitly called out as the significance of the Yulanpen Sutra. There is speculation that the Yulanpen Sutra originated as a way of combining Chinese values of filial piety with Buddhist belief during the transmission of [Buddhism](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Buddhism) to China, although earlier shadows of the tale, and the importance of feeding hungry ghost relatives, do exist in earlier South Asian sources. A similar story of a suffering hungry ghost and mother in a past life who is aided by her Buddhist monk son is recounted in the Petavatthu (Pali: “Ghost Stories”) section of the South Asian-composed [Khuddaka Nikaya](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Khuddaka-Nikaya), a [canonical](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canonical) Buddhist text that dates to approximately the 3rd century bce. However, that earlier text does not establish a holiday nor does it define the offering to ghosts explicitly in terms of the Chinese notion of filial piety. Based on the Yulanpen Sutra story, this holiday is called Yulanpen Jie or Ullambana festival among Buddhists. There is evidence of it having been observed in China since 538 ce. ## Zhongyuan and ghost month in Daoism The association of the seventh month with ancestors might predate the transmission of Buddhism into China, however the question of how the Daoist and Buddhist strands influenced each other, and which aspects of the Hungry Ghost Festival preceded the other, remains obscure. It is likely that the two strands mutually influenced each other over time. The holiday among Daoists is called Zhongyuan Jie (Middle Element Festival). In Daoist thought, there are three divine officials, called the [Sanguan](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sanguan), of three realms: upper, middle, and lower. The middle realm, that of the earth, is called zhongyuan (“middle element”), and its ruler is Diguan (also called Qingxu) whose birthday is said to fall on the 15th day of the 7th month, hence giving the holiday its name. On Diguan’s birthday, he is said to come to earth to judge good and bad deeds of the living. However, despite his association with the festival’s Daoist name, it is not Diguan who is most significant for festive activities. Rather, it is the ghosts (Chinese: [gui](https://www.britannica.com/topic/guei)) who, according to [Daoist](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Taoism) thought and also drawing on Chinese folk traditions, are let out of the gates of the underworld to roam the earth during the seventh month. Ghosts of ancestors are welcomed as guests who have returned for a pleasant visit, but also thought to be on the loose are plenty of fearful ghosts, often of people who died in an unfortunate manner or who do not have relatives to tend to them. Celebrants endeavor to ward off these more [malicious](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malicious) ghosts to prevent the harm they may cause the living. ## Feeding and fearing the ghosts [![Burning spirit money](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/258407-050-B956C510/paper-money-burning-during-hungry-ghost-chinese-festival.jpg?w=300)1 of 2](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/258407-050-B956C510/paper-money-burning-during-hungry-ghost-chinese-festival.jpg) [Burning spirit money](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/258407-050-B956C510/paper-money-burning-during-hungry-ghost-chinese-festival.jpg)Spirit money burns to transmit it to the ghosts for their use during the Hungry Ghost Festival. (more) [![Burning down the (paper) houses, on a boat](https://cdn.britannica.com/06/258406-050-39C4BEEB/indonesian-chinese-hungry-ghost-festival-hong-san-koo-tee-temple-2019.jpg?w=300)2 of 2](https://cdn.britannica.com/06/258406-050-39C4BEEB/indonesian-chinese-hungry-ghost-festival-hong-san-koo-tee-temple-2019.jpg) [Burning down the (paper) houses, on a boat](https://cdn.britannica.com/06/258406-050-39C4BEEB/indonesian-chinese-hungry-ghost-festival-hong-san-koo-tee-temple-2019.jpg)Paper houses burn on a boat to transmit these luxury items to ghosts during the Hungry Ghost Festival at the Hong San Koo Tee temple in Suabaya, Indonesia, on August 15, 2019. (more) There are a number of offerings Hungry Ghost Festival observers provide to host the ghosts. Of course, as implied by their name, the hungry ghosts need and want to be fed, so celebrants leave out plenty of bowls of food for the ghosts to consume. Food is prepared for them three times a day, and some families will leave an empty spot at the meal table for friendly relative ghosts to join. It is also thought that the ghosts need money to function both in the [afterlife](https://www.britannica.com/topic/afterlife-religion) and in the earthly realm, so paper money, often called joss (“idol” or “statue”) paper or spirit money, is burned, which is a practice performed for many Chinese funeral [rituals](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/rituals) with the idea that the incineration of the money transfers it from the earthly world to the spirit realm. In some instances, large paper boats filled with offerings of symbols of wealth are set ablaze. Additionally, paper handicrafts in the forms of everything from popular foods such as [dim sum](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dim-sum) and noodles to luxury items such as [iPhones](https://www.britannica.com/technology/iPhone) and houses are burned to give the ghosts things they might enjoy. Joss sticks ([incense](https://www.britannica.com/topic/incense)) are also lit as offerings. Buddhist monks and Daoist priests are also employed for various ritual incantations to ward off ghosts. Throughout the festival, cultural performances such as traditional [Chinese operas](https://www.britannica.com/art/Chinese-music/Song-and-Yuan-dynasties-10th-14th-century#ref283382) are also staged for the enjoyment of both the living and the dead. Costumed parades are also included in the public festivities. A visually stunning part of the ceremony occurs when celebrants light lanterns at night and set them out on the water. The practice is meant to guide the spirits to the underworld. The first, 15th, and last day of the month are considered the highlights of the festival, and there is variation concerning precisely on which date certain [rites](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/rites) are performed, such as when joss money is to be incinerated or when the guiding lanterns should be set afloat. Explore Britannica Premium\! Smart, reliable knowledge for professionals, students, and curious minds everywhere. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=smart-2026) ![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-left.webp) ![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-right.webp) ![Mobile](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-mobile.webp?w=400) With all the malicious ghosts roaming about, it is thought that great care must be taken at this time. The seventh month is considered inauspicious for such events as weddings or moving houses. Swimming is prohibited because there could be water ghosts and drowning is a particularly unfortunate way to go. Wearing red or black is advised against since ghosts are attracted to those colors. Laundry should not be left to dry overnight since ghosts could get caught in it. People, especially children, are advised to be inside before dark to [avoid](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/avoid) harm. And if you hear your name called late at night, do not turn around: it could be a ghost playing a trick\! ## Related ghost festivals in Asia [![Bon festival lanterns](https://cdn.britannica.com/06/183306-050-1E7EE983/Bon-Dance-Lanterns-Festival-Japanese-Culture.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/06/183306-050-1E7EE983/Bon-Dance-Lanterns-Festival-Japanese-Culture.jpg) [Bon festival lanterns](https://cdn.britannica.com/06/183306-050-1E7EE983/Bon-Dance-Lanterns-Festival-Japanese-Culture.jpg)In Japan the Hungry Ghost Festival is called Bon. (more) The Hungry Ghost Festival has spread throughout Asia and taken on new forms. In [Japan](https://www.britannica.com/place/Japan) the festival is called [Obon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bon-Japanese-festival), a shortened form of [Urabon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bon-Japanese-festival), which some scholars think is a translation of Ullambana. According to the Japanese interpretation of the festival, when the mother of Maudgalyayana (Japanese: Mokuren) was released from her suffering, the monk joyfully danced. Hence the festival in Japan prominently features a special Bon dance. Celebrants take a break from work and visit relatives at the same time as the ancestral spirits, too, visit their families during the festival from the 13th to 15th of days of the month. Colorful lanterns are lit to welcome the ghosts back to earth and to bid them farewell at the end of the festival. Also called: Ullambana festival (Show more) Chinese (Pinyin): Yulanpen Jie or Zhongyuan Jie (Show more) Related Topics: [Bon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bon-Japanese-festival) [ghost](https://www.britannica.com/topic/ghost-spirit) [guei](https://www.britannica.com/topic/guei) (Show more) [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Hungry-Ghost-Festival) In Vietnam Ullambana turns into Vu Lan, and the festival highlights respect for parents, living and dead. Chinese people in [Malaysia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Malaysia) also propitiate and burn in effigy the god Dashiye, who, according to Chinese thought, is the ruler of the underworld and tries to keep the ghosts from getting out of line while they roam the earth. In [Hakka](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hakka) [communities](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communities) in [Taiwan](https://www.britannica.com/place/Taiwan), giant pigs raised to be more than 1,500 pounds (680 kg) are showcased and feasted upon for the holiday. For Chinese communities in [Phuket](https://www.britannica.com/place/Phuket), [Thailand](https://www.britannica.com/place/Thailand), who call the festival Por Tor, prominently featured are red cakes in the shape of turtles. [Charles Preston](https://www.britannica.com/editor/charles-preston/13008388) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI chevron\_right Hungry Ghost Festival close [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. [Chinese New Year](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year) - [Introduction & Top Questions](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year) - [History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year#ref470248) - [Traditions and celebration](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year#ref470249) - [Food traditions](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year#ref470250) - [The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year#ref470251) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year/additional-info) [Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Chinese-New-Year) [Images & Videos](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year/images-videos) [![Chinese New Year](https://cdn.britannica.com/45/195645-004-3B211EA7/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/45/195645-050-C2BA680A/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg) [![An illustration of a large purple monster against a dark landscape.](https://cdn.britannica.com/81/238181-138-086E4858/Lunar-New-Year.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/video/Lunar-New-Year/-274942) [![Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival](https://cdn.britannica.com/29/158229-004-27749378/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/29/158229-050-F6244412/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg) [![The animals of the Chinese zodiac illustrated against an orange background.](https://cdn.britannica.com/55/238255-138-294D501B/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/video/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac/-275459) [![Chinese zodiac chart](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/267080-004-D867F6AA/chinese-zodiac.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/267080-050-D2A05320/chinese-zodiac.jpg) [![Lunar New Year](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/146912-004-7FA19ED4/Red-lanterns-trees-Lunar-New-Year-Beijing.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/146912-050-7808C7C2/Red-lanterns-trees-Lunar-New-Year-Beijing.jpg) [![Traditions of the Chinese New Year](https://cdn.britannica.com/48/179948-138-8EE57BD5/Overview-Chinese-New-Year.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/video/Overview-Chinese-New-Year/-193482) Related Questions - [What are three don’ts on Chinese New Year’s Day?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-are-three-donts-on-Chinese-New-Years-Day) - [What is Good Friday?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-is-Good-Friday) - [What events are commemorated on Good Friday?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-events-are-commemorated-on-Good-Friday) - [When is Good Friday?](https://www.britannica.com/question/When-is-Good-Friday) - [What is Yom Kippur?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-is-Yom-Kippur) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Contents Ask Anything [Lifestyles & Social Issues](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Lifestyles-Social-Issues) [Festivals & Holidays](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Festivals-Holidays) CITE Share Feedback External Websites [![Chinese New Year](https://cdn.britannica.com/45/195645-050-C2BA680A/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https://cdn.britannica.com/45/195645-050-C2BA680A/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg) [Chinese New Year](https://cdn.britannica.com/45/195645-050-C2BA680A/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg) Dragon performers in the Chinese New Year parade in Los Angeles. (more) # Chinese New Year Homework Help Written by [Tamanna Nangia Tamanna Nangia is Associate Editor, Encyclopaedia Britannica. She has over five years of experience in editorial processes, handling many different aspects of the publishing process: content development,...](https://www.britannica.com/editor/tamanna-nangia/13068200) Tamanna Nangia Fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors [History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year/additional-info#history) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything Top Questions ### What is the Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is a 15-day festival celebrated in [China](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) and by Chinese communities worldwide that begins with the new [moon](https://www.britannica.com/science/moon-natural-satellite) between January 21 and February 20; festivities last until the following full moon. ### What animal is the Chinese New Year in 2026? In 2026 the Chinese New Year marks the Year of the Horse, according to the [Chinese zodiac](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-zodiac) calendar. ### What are three don’ts on Chinese New Year’s Day? On the first day of the New Year, sweeping or cleaning is avoided as it is believed to brush away good fortune. During the 15 days of celebration, breaking objects is considered a bad omen, as it is thought to bring bad luck, and gifting or buying new books is discouraged because the word for “book” sounds like “lose” in [Chinese](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-languages). ### How long is Chinese New Year celebrated? The Chinese New Year is celebrated over a period of 15 days. ### What foods are traditionally eaten during Chinese New Year? Traditional foods include [carp](https://www.britannica.com/animal/carp-fish-species) for long life, whole [fish](https://www.britannica.com/animal/fish) for abundance, [dumplings](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dumpling) and spring rolls for wealth, long [noodles](https://www.britannica.com/topic/noodle) for longevity, sticky rice cakes for success, and [citrus](https://www.britannica.com/plant/Citrus) fruits for good luck. ## News • [Singapore retail sales rebound in February on CNY boost, but outlook clouded by Iran war](https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/singapore-retail-sales-rebound-8-3-in-february-on-festive-boost) • Apr. 6, 2026, 1:21 AM ET (Straits Times) ...(Show more) [Bok Kai Festival, one of California's oldest Chinese New Year traditions, returns to Marysville](https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/video/bok-kai-festival-one-of-californias-oldest-chinese-new-year-traditions-returns-to-marysville/) • Mar. 22, 2026, 2:11 AM ET (CBS) [Muslims in Bali hold Idul Fitri prayers after Nyepi or day of silence](https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/03/21/muslims-in-bali-hold-idul-fitri-prayers-after-nyepi-or-day-of-silence) • Mar. 21, 2026, 5:09 AM ET (The Star) [Hong Kong to test new campsite booking system amid overcrowding, litter concerns](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3347018/hong-kong-test-new-campsite-booking-system-amid-overcrowding-litter-concerns) • Mar. 18, 2026, 4:54 AM ET (South China Morning Post) [Chinese New Year boosts Hong Kong visitor numbers in first 2 months of 2026](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346858/did-chinese-new-year-help-boost-hong-kongs-visitor-figures-january-february) • Mar. 17, 2026, 2:52 AM ET (South China Morning Post) Show less Chinese New Year, annual 15-day [festival](https://www.britannica.com/topic/feast-religion) in [China](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) and Chinese [communities](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communities) around the world that begins with the new [moon](https://www.britannica.com/science/moon-natural-satellite) occurring sometime between [January](https://www.britannica.com/topic/January) 21 and [February](https://www.britannica.com/topic/February) 20, according to Western [calendars](https://www.britannica.com/science/calendar). Festivities last until the following [full moon](https://www.britannica.com/science/full-Moon-lunar-phase). [![An illustration of a large purple monster against a dark landscape.](https://cdn.britannica.com/81/238181-138-086E4858/Lunar-New-Year.jpg?w=800&h=450&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/video/Lunar-New-Year/-274942) The Legend of Lunar New YearThousands of years ago, a monster named Nian prowled the Chinese countryside... (more) [See all videos for this article](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year/images-videos) The [holiday](https://www.britannica.com/topic/holiday) is sometimes called the [Lunar New Year](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lunar-New-Year) because the dates of celebration follow the phases of the moon. Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general. ## History The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in [legend](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legend). One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, so those things were used to chase the beast away. ## Traditions and celebration [![Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival](https://cdn.britannica.com/29/158229-050-F6244412/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg?w=300)1 of 2](https://cdn.britannica.com/29/158229-050-F6244412/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg) [Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival](https://cdn.britannica.com/29/158229-050-F6244412/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg)Light display of a dragon at a Lantern Festival marking the end of the Chinese New Year. (more) [![The animals of the Chinese zodiac illustrated against an orange background.](https://cdn.britannica.com/55/238255-138-294D501B/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac.jpg?w=800&h=450&c=crop)2 of 2](https://www.britannica.com/video/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac/-275459) Discover the Myth Behind the Chinese Zodiac2026: The Year of the Horse. (more) [See all videos for this article](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year/images-videos) One popular Chinese New Year tradition is the thorough cleaning of one’s home to rid the residence of any lingering bad luck. Some people prepare and enjoy special foods on certain days during the holiday. Celebrations to [usher](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/usher) out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one often include firecrackers, [fireworks](https://www.britannica.com/technology/firework), and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colorful red envelopes. The last event held during the Chinese New Year is called the [Lantern Festival](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lantern-Festival), during which people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a nighttime [parade](https://www.britannica.com/art/parade). Since the [dragon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dragon-mythological-creature) is a Chinese symbol of good fortune, a dragon dance highlights festival celebrations in many areas. This [procession](https://www.britannica.com/topic/procession) involves a long, colorful dragon being carried through the streets by numerous dancers. In addition Chinese New Year is a time to feast and visit family. Along with the celebrations, Chinese New Year is associated with a few [superstitions](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/superstitions). Breaking objects is considered a bad omen and is thought to bring bad luck. Gifting or buying new books is discouraged because the word for “book” sounds like “lose” in Chinese. Arguments and anger are avoided to ensure harmony, and sweeping or cleaning on the first day is seen as inauspicious, as it is believed to brush away good fortune. ## Food traditions Families prepare food in advance since using sharp objects on New Year’s Day is considered unlucky. Particular dishes are chosen for the hopeful meanings suggested by their names, such as [carp](https://www.britannica.com/animal/carp-fish-species), which represents a long life. Many traditional dishes served during this festival reflect wishes for [prosperity](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/prosperity), health, and longevity. The celebrations begin on the eve of Chinese New Year, and a whole [fish](https://www.britannica.com/animal/fish) is almost always present on the table because the Chinese word for “fish” sounds like the word for “surplus,” suggesting abundance will flow throughout the year. [Dumplings](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dumpling) (jiaozi), with their crescent shapes resembling ancient [ingots](https://www.britannica.com/technology/ingot) of [gold](https://www.britannica.com/science/gold-chemical-element), are a must-have. Uncut long noodles are consumed to represent longevity, with the belief that eating them without breaking the strands will bring long life. Sticky rice cakes called nian gao are commonly consumed, because their name means “high year,” implying steady progress and success in whatever one pursues. [Crisp](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/Crisp), golden spring rolls mirror ancient gold bars, symbolizing wealth, and bright citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines are shared because their round shape and color evoke fullness, success, and good luck. Also called: Lunar New Year (Show more) Related Topics: [China](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) [Chinese zodiac](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-zodiac) [Lunar New Year](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lunar-New-Year) [January](https://www.britannica.com/topic/January) [February](https://www.britannica.com/topic/February) (Show more) [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Chinese-New-Year) ## The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac [![Chinese zodiac chart](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/267080-050-D2A05320/chinese-zodiac.jpg?w=1000)](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/267080-050-D2A05320/chinese-zodiac.jpg) [Chinese zodiac chart](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/267080-050-D2A05320/chinese-zodiac.jpg)Find your Chinese zodiac sign and element based on your birth year in this chart. (more) The Chinese [lunar calendar](https://www.britannica.com/science/lunar-calendar) operates on a 12-year [zodiac](https://www.britannica.com/topic/zodiac) cycle, with each year represented by an animal. Every animal in this zodiac system, which is called [Sheng Xiao](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-zodiac), is believed to have a personality that represents the year and the people born during that year. The Chinese zodiac year begins with Chinese New Year, thus changing the cycle to a new animal. In the Chinese tradition, a person’s birth year—rather than their birth month—is considered key to understanding character and fortune. For example, 2026 is recognized as the Year of the Horse. Explore Britannica Premium\! Go beyond the basics with trusted, in-depth knowledge for professionals, students, and lifelong learners. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=basics-2026) ![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-left.webp) ![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-right.webp) ![Mobile](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-mobile.webp?w=400) \| animal \| traits \| year of the zodiac (2026–37) \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| [horse](https://www.britannica.com/animal/horse) \| represents motion, liveliness, freedom, and enthusiasm \| 2026 \| \| [sheep](https://www.britannica.com/animal/domesticated-sheep) \| symbolizes tranquility, peace, compassion, creativity, and emotional awareness \| 2027 \| \| [monkey](https://www.britannica.com/animal/monkey) \| stands for curiosity, mischief, flexibility, and clever problem-solving \| 2028 \| \| [rooster](https://www.britannica.com/animal/chicken) \| represents confidence, inflexibility, and attention to detail \| 2029 \| \| [dog](https://www.britannica.com/animal/dog) \| symbolizes loyalty, reliability, fairness, and protection \| 2030 \| \| [pig](https://www.britannica.com/animal/pig-mammal-group) \| represents honesty, self-indulgence, generosity, and abundance \| 2031 \| \| [rat](https://www.britannica.com/animal/rat) \| represents quick thinking, sharp intuition, and adaptability \| 2032 \| \| [ox](https://www.britannica.com/animal/ox-mammal-Bos-taurus) \| symbolizes fertility, patience, hard work, persistence, and dependability \| 2033 \| \| [tiger](https://www.britannica.com/animal/tiger) \| stands for independence, passion, and impulsiveness \| 2034 \| \| [rabbit](https://www.britannica.com/animal/rabbit) \| represents calm, healing, sensitivity, and sacrifice \| 2035 \| \| [dragon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dragon-mythological-creature) \| symbolizes luck, fortune, independence, intuition, and leadership \| 2036 \| \| [snake](https://www.britannica.com/animal/snake) \| signifies wisdom, intuition, careful observation, and inward reflection \| 2037 \| [Tamanna Nangia](https://www.britannica.com/editor/tamanna-nangia/13068200) [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI chevron\_right Chinese New Year close [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. Load Next Page Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. print Print Please select which sections you would like to print: verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Preston, Charles. "Hungry Ghost Festival". Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Sep. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival. Accessed 15 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hungry-Ghost-Festival> Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. print Print Please select which sections you would like to print: verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Nangia, Tamanna. "Chinese New Year". Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Feb. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year. Accessed 15 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year> External Websites - [Western Kentucky University - TopSCHOLAR - The Origin of Chinese New Year (PDF)](https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1114&context=dlps_fac_pub) - [CBS News - Where is the lunar new year celebrated and who celebrates it?](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lunar-new-year-chinese-new-year-snake-celebrate-2025/) - [United States Department of State - American English - Chinese New Year (PDF)](https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/chinesenewyear.pdf) - [Wake Forest University - Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology - Chinese New Year](https://lammuseum.wfu.edu/education/teachers/chinese-new-year/) - [Columbia University - Asia for Educators - The Lunar New Year: Rituals and Legends](https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/china_general_lunar.htm) - [Live Science - Chinese New Year: Customs & Traditions](https://www.livescience.com/61773-chinese-new-year.html) - [Royal Museums Greenwich - How do people celebrate Chinese New Year?](https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/time/how-do-people-celebrate-chinese-new-year) Britannica Websites Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. - [Chinese New Year - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)](https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Chinese-New-Year/390118) - [Chinese New Year - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)](https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Chinese-New-Year/574653)
Readable Markdown	Top Questions - What is the Hungry Ghost Festival? - Where is the Hungry Ghost Festival celebrated? - When does the Hungry Ghost Festival take place each year? - Why do people celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival? - What traditions or activities are common during the Hungry Ghost Festival? - How do people show respect to ancestors and 'hungry ghosts' during the festival? Hungry Ghost Festival, frightening and festive [Buddhist](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Buddhism) and [Daoist](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Taoism) holiday celebrated in [East Asia](https://www.britannica.com/place/East-Asia) and [Southeast Asia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Southeast-Asia), particularly in areas with [Chinese](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) cultural influence, to propitiate the ghosts of the [deceased](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/deceased). The holiday is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month on the Chinese [lunar calendar](https://www.britannica.com/science/lunar-calendar), falling in July or August on the [Gregorian calendar](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gregorian-calendar). The Hungry Ghost Festival, and local variations thereof, draws on both Buddhist and Daoist beliefs in the existence of [ghosts](https://www.britannica.com/topic/ghost-spirit) deemed to be in need of honor and appeasement, and the meaning of the [festival](https://www.britannica.com/topic/feast-religion) takes on somewhat different shades depending on interpretations from the different religious traditions, although practices are generally quite similar. It is sometimes known as the Yulanpen or Ullambana festival in reference to the Buddhist Yulanpen (Ullambana) Sutra that tells the holiday’s foundational [ghost story](https://www.britannica.com/art/ghost-story). The holiday is observed with offerings to the ghosts along with [lantern](https://www.britannica.com/technology/lantern-lighting) lighting and cultural festivities. Often breezily compared to [Halloween](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Halloween), the Roman Catholic holiday [All Souls’ Day](https://www.britannica.com/topic/All-Souls-Day-Christianity), or the Mexican holiday [Day of the Dead](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Day-of-the-Dead), this haunting holiday has its own unique background, beliefs, practices, and regional variations. ## Ullambana and hungry ghosts in Buddhism [Hungry ghosts](https://cdn.britannica.com/95/258395-050-1510B96D/portion-of-wheel-of-life-or-bhavacakra-in-pema-osel-ling-monastery-santa-cruz-california.jpg)The hungry ghost (preta) realm as depicted in a portion of a bhavachakra (“wheel of life”) image, which represents the cycle of rebirths, or samsara, in the Pema Osel Ling monastery in Santa Cruz, California. Imagined and often illustrated as frightening beings with protruding stomachs and tiny mouths who are always ravenous, invisible hungry ghosts (Sanskrit: pretas; Chinese: e gui), according to Buddhist belief, sometimes haunt the human realm. In Chinese [culture](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture), they are thought to do so particularly during the seventh month of the year. Of the six realms or statuses into which rebirth can occur in the Buddhist cycle of [samsara](https://www.britannica.com/topic/samsara) (continual rebirth), the hungry [ghost](https://www.britannica.com/topic/ghost-spirit) realm is particularly gruesome, and rebirth there would be the result of some rather negative [karma](https://www.britannica.com/topic/karma) in need of being worked off. The ghosts’ continual attachment—itself the cause of suffering, according to Buddhist thought—to earthly life brings them back to haunt the living. A famous hungry ghost story that establishes the origin of the festival is told in the [Mahayana](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mahayana) Chinese Buddhist Yulanpen Sutra (also called the Ullambana Sutra), which is claimed to have been translated into Chinese from Indian sources in the 3rd or 4th century ce. In the tale, Maudgalyayana (Pali: Moggallana; Chinese: Mulian) was an accomplished [disciple](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disciple) of the [Buddha](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Buddha-founder-of-Buddhism) who had obtained the ability to perceive everything in the universe. He saw that his late mother had been reborn as a hungry ghost. [Distraught](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Distraught) and consumed with pity, he brought her a bowl of food. But she was unable to consume it. Maudgalyayana went to the Buddha for advice. The Buddha said that for such attempts at rescuing the deceased who are suffering greatly, the whole [sangha](https://www.britannica.com/topic/sangha) (the Buddhist [community](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/community) of monastics and laity) would need to come together. It just so happened that the Pravarana Day, a holiday that marks the end of the three-month rains retreat ([vassa](https://www.britannica.com/topic/vassa)), would be such a time of monastic assemblage. Thus the Buddha established a holiday to be observed on the 15th day of the 7th month, during which devotees would [convene](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convene) to offer food, incense, lanterns, and other good things, along with [mantras](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantras) and vows, in order to free the deceased from suffering. The offerings to the ghosts on this holiday, as explained in the text, are considered as a means to transfer merit ([punya](https://www.britannica.com/topic/punya)) to the deceased to [alleviate](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alleviate) their suffering and help them escape their condition more expeditiously. The offerings also serve as a display of [filial piety](https://www.britannica.com/topic/xiao-Confucianism), a distinctly [Confucian](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Confucianism) [ethical](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethical) value of devotion to the family that is explicitly called out as the significance of the Yulanpen Sutra. There is speculation that the Yulanpen Sutra originated as a way of combining Chinese values of filial piety with Buddhist belief during the transmission of [Buddhism](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Buddhism) to China, although earlier shadows of the tale, and the importance of feeding hungry ghost relatives, do exist in earlier South Asian sources. A similar story of a suffering hungry ghost and mother in a past life who is aided by her Buddhist monk son is recounted in the Petavatthu (Pali: “Ghost Stories”) section of the South Asian-composed [Khuddaka Nikaya](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Khuddaka-Nikaya), a [canonical](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canonical) Buddhist text that dates to approximately the 3rd century bce. However, that earlier text does not establish a holiday nor does it define the offering to ghosts explicitly in terms of the Chinese notion of filial piety. Based on the Yulanpen Sutra story, this holiday is called Yulanpen Jie or Ullambana festival among Buddhists. There is evidence of it having been observed in China since 538 ce. ## Zhongyuan and ghost month in Daoism The association of the seventh month with ancestors might predate the transmission of Buddhism into China, however the question of how the Daoist and Buddhist strands influenced each other, and which aspects of the Hungry Ghost Festival preceded the other, remains obscure. It is likely that the two strands mutually influenced each other over time. The holiday among Daoists is called Zhongyuan Jie (Middle Element Festival). In Daoist thought, there are three divine officials, called the [Sanguan](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sanguan), of three realms: upper, middle, and lower. The middle realm, that of the earth, is called zhongyuan (“middle element”), and its ruler is Diguan (also called Qingxu) whose birthday is said to fall on the 15th day of the 7th month, hence giving the holiday its name. On Diguan’s birthday, he is said to come to earth to judge good and bad deeds of the living. However, despite his association with the festival’s Daoist name, it is not Diguan who is most significant for festive activities. Rather, it is the ghosts (Chinese: [gui](https://www.britannica.com/topic/guei)) who, according to [Daoist](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Taoism) thought and also drawing on Chinese folk traditions, are let out of the gates of the underworld to roam the earth during the seventh month. Ghosts of ancestors are welcomed as guests who have returned for a pleasant visit, but also thought to be on the loose are plenty of fearful ghosts, often of people who died in an unfortunate manner or who do not have relatives to tend to them. Celebrants endeavor to ward off these more [malicious](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malicious) ghosts to prevent the harm they may cause the living. ## Feeding and fearing the ghosts There are a number of offerings Hungry Ghost Festival observers provide to host the ghosts. Of course, as implied by their name, the hungry ghosts need and want to be fed, so celebrants leave out plenty of bowls of food for the ghosts to consume. Food is prepared for them three times a day, and some families will leave an empty spot at the meal table for friendly relative ghosts to join. It is also thought that the ghosts need money to function both in the [afterlife](https://www.britannica.com/topic/afterlife-religion) and in the earthly realm, so paper money, often called joss (“idol” or “statue”) paper or spirit money, is burned, which is a practice performed for many Chinese funeral [rituals](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/rituals) with the idea that the incineration of the money transfers it from the earthly world to the spirit realm. In some instances, large paper boats filled with offerings of symbols of wealth are set ablaze. Additionally, paper handicrafts in the forms of everything from popular foods such as [dim sum](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dim-sum) and noodles to luxury items such as [iPhones](https://www.britannica.com/technology/iPhone) and houses are burned to give the ghosts things they might enjoy. Joss sticks ([incense](https://www.britannica.com/topic/incense)) are also lit as offerings. Buddhist monks and Daoist priests are also employed for various ritual incantations to ward off ghosts. Throughout the festival, cultural performances such as traditional [Chinese operas](https://www.britannica.com/art/Chinese-music/Song-and-Yuan-dynasties-10th-14th-century#ref283382) are also staged for the enjoyment of both the living and the dead. Costumed parades are also included in the public festivities. A visually stunning part of the ceremony occurs when celebrants light lanterns at night and set them out on the water. The practice is meant to guide the spirits to the underworld. The first, 15th, and last day of the month are considered the highlights of the festival, and there is variation concerning precisely on which date certain [rites](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/rites) are performed, such as when joss money is to be incinerated or when the guiding lanterns should be set afloat. Smart, reliable knowledge for professionals, students, and curious minds everywhere. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=smart-2026) ![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-left.webp) ![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-right.webp) ![Mobile](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-mobile.webp?w=400) With all the malicious ghosts roaming about, it is thought that great care must be taken at this time. The seventh month is considered inauspicious for such events as weddings or moving houses. Swimming is prohibited because there could be water ghosts and drowning is a particularly unfortunate way to go. Wearing red or black is advised against since ghosts are attracted to those colors. Laundry should not be left to dry overnight since ghosts could get caught in it. People, especially children, are advised to be inside before dark to [avoid](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/avoid) harm. And if you hear your name called late at night, do not turn around: it could be a ghost playing a trick\! ## Related ghost festivals in Asia The Hungry Ghost Festival has spread throughout Asia and taken on new forms. In [Japan](https://www.britannica.com/place/Japan) the festival is called [Obon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bon-Japanese-festival), a shortened form of [Urabon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bon-Japanese-festival), which some scholars think is a translation of Ullambana. According to the Japanese interpretation of the festival, when the mother of Maudgalyayana (Japanese: Mokuren) was released from her suffering, the monk joyfully danced. Hence the festival in Japan prominently features a special Bon dance. Celebrants take a break from work and visit relatives at the same time as the ancestral spirits, too, visit their families during the festival from the 13th to 15th of days of the month. Colorful lanterns are lit to welcome the ghosts back to earth and to bid them farewell at the end of the festival. Also called: Ullambana festival Chinese (Pinyin): Yulanpen Jie or Zhongyuan Jie In Vietnam Ullambana turns into Vu Lan, and the festival highlights respect for parents, living and dead. Chinese people in [Malaysia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Malaysia) also propitiate and burn in effigy the god Dashiye, who, according to Chinese thought, is the ruler of the underworld and tries to keep the ghosts from getting out of line while they roam the earth. In [Hakka](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hakka) [communities](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communities) in [Taiwan](https://www.britannica.com/place/Taiwan), giant pigs raised to be more than 1,500 pounds (680 kg) are showcased and feasted upon for the holiday. For Chinese communities in [Phuket](https://www.britannica.com/place/Phuket), [Thailand](https://www.britannica.com/place/Thailand), who call the festival Por Tor, prominently featured are red cakes in the shape of turtles.
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