🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 60 (from laksa146)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa060.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.cbc.ca/kids/articles/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival","crawl_time":1776063841,"first_indexed_time":1650404126,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"ca,cbc!www,\/kids\/articles\/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival s443","src_root_hash":"16866748907616178860","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Have you heard of the Hungry Ghost Festival? | Articles | CBC Kids","meta_descriptions":["Have you ever heard of the Hungry Ghost Festival? Buddhist and Taoist communities around the world hold their own Hungry Ghost Festival. Sounds spooky? It is!"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"(Binsar Bakkara\/AP Photo)\nOn August 30th, Buddhist and Taoist communities around the world will hold their own Hungry Ghost Festival.  \nSound spooky? It is! The whole seventh month of the lunar calendar is actually called “Ghost Month.” It’s believed that the gates of the afterlife open and allow spirits to roam the Earth.\nIt’s a very haunted holiday, but the Hungry Ghost Festival is also a celebration to honour ancestors and relatives.\nThe origin story\nThe Buddha helped Mulian’s mother in the story. (Ishara S. Kodikara\/AFP\/Getty Images)\nThe origin of the Hungry Ghost Festival comes from a very old story from ancient China.\nIn the story, a monk named Mulian asks the Buddha to help his mother in the afterlife. Mulian’s mother was very hungry. But because she was a ghost, she couldn’t eat!\nBuddha tells Mulian to make offerings of food and new robes to the monks instead. Thankful for the gift, the monks pray for Mulian’s mother and she is then reborn as a human, ending her hunger. \nA feast fit for a ghost\nOfferings of fruit for the ghosts at the Hungry Ghost Festival. (Richard A. Brooks\/AFP\/Getty Images)\nJust like in Mulian’s story, being stuck in the afterlife means ghosts are pretty hungry! During the festival, families prepare elaborate meals (often vegetarian). Food is served to empty seats around the table so the ghosts of family members can sit and enjoy.\nEerie entertainment\nAn empty row of seats in the front row for the ghosts. (Wong Maye-E\/AP Photo)\nEven community performances are organized for entertainment. What do ghosts like to watch, you ask? Opera, of course! The front-row seats are always left empty — just for the VIP ghost guests!\nPaper sculptures of fancy items like designer accessories. (Anthony Kwan\/Getty Images for Hong Kong Images)\nDuring the festival, people can burn fake money (joss paper), clothes and small paper sculptures. The sculptures represent fancy things from the human world such as cars, boats and cell phones. The items are burned so the ghosts can enjoy the luxuries of the living once again!\nTradition and spirits\nNo red here — Taoist monks performing a ritual during the festival. (Tengku Bahar\/AFP\/Getty Images)\nAs it turns out, ghosts can be a little cranky! So there are many traditions that Buddhists and Taoists follow to avoid being spooked. For example, people avoid wearing the colour red because it attracts ghosts who might want to possess your body. Um, no thanks, ghosts!\nYou won't swat this guy away during the Hungry Ghost Festival. (Pixabay)\nAlso, everyone is really nice to insects around this time. That’s because a fly or spider might actually be the spirit of your great-great-great-grandpa in disguise! And don’t even think about renovating during Ghost Month! You could seriously anger a ghost who does not want you redecorating the home they used to live in.\nThe Hungry Ghost Festival is a wonderful celebration full of culture and tradition. Make sure you finish your dinner on August 30th or a ghost might eat your leftovers!\n ","attrs_markdown":"[skip to content](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival#main_content)\n\ndismiss message\n\n![](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/doodles-top-left.png) ![](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/doodles-top-right.png)\n\n[![CBC Kids](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/logos\/cbc-kids-logo.png)](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids)\n\n- [Games](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/games)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/watch)\n- [Articles](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles)\n- [Quizzes](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/quizzes)\n- [Grown-Ups](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/grownups)\n\n[SEARCH CBC KIDS](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival#search)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/doodles-top-right.png)\n\n[CBC Kids home page ![CBC Kids](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/logos\/cbc-kids-logo.png)](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids)\n\n[SEARCH CBC KIDS](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival#search)\n\n[MENU](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival)\n\n- [Games](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/games)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/watch)\n- [Articles](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles)\n- [Quizzes](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/quizzes)\n- [Grown-Ups](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/grownups)\n\n- [All Articles](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/all)\n- [Random\\!](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival)\n- Popular\n  - [Animals](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/topics\/animals)\n  - [Black History](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/topics\/black%20history,bhm)\n  - [Canada](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/topics\/canada)\n  - [Food](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/topics\/food)\n  - [Holidays](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/topics\/holidays)\n  - [Indigenous](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/topics\/indigenous)\n  - [2SLGBTQ+](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/topics\/2slgbtq+,lgbtq)\n  - [Sports](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/topics\/sports)\n\nSEARCH\n\n![close search](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/buttons\/search-close-btn-mobile.png) ![clear search](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/buttons\/search-clear-btn-mobile.png)\n\nCultural Festival\n\n# Have you heard of the Hungry Ghost Festival?\nBy the CBC Kids team  ![Published on](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/icons\/time.png) July 28, 2022  \\| Last Updated September 10, 2024\n\n![Many people gathered and throwing joss paper into an offering pile.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/FPO-card_image.png)\n\n(Binsar Bakkara\/AP Photo)\n\nOn August 30th, Buddhist and Taoist communities around the world will hold their own Hungry Ghost Festival.\n\nSound spooky? It is! The whole seventh month of the lunar calendar is actually called “Ghost Month.” It’s believed that the gates of the afterlife open and allow spirits to roam the Earth.\n\nIt’s a very haunted holiday, but the Hungry Ghost Festival is also a celebration to honour ancestors and relatives.\n\n## The origin story\n![A golden buddha.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/images\/Hungry_Ghost_Buddha_-_848x477.jpg)\n\nThe Buddha helped Mulian’s mother in the story. (Ishara S. Kodikara\/AFP\/Getty Images)\n\nThe origin of the Hungry Ghost Festival comes from a very old story from ancient China.\n\nIn the story, a monk named Mulian asks the Buddha to help his mother in the afterlife. Mulian’s mother was very hungry. But because she was a ghost, she couldn’t eat\\!\n\nBuddha tells Mulian to make offerings of food and new robes to the monks instead. Thankful for the gift, the monks pray for Mulian’s mother and she is then reborn as a human, ending her hunger.\n\n[Interested in learning about more Asian Holidays? Check out \"5 Asian holidays that'll make you want to celebrate!\"](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/treats-water-fights-and-rockets-5-asian-holidays-thatll-make-you-want-to-celebrate)\n\n## A feast fit for a ghost\n![A group of children and parents making offerings.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/images\/Hungry_Ghost_Offering_-_848x477.jpg)\n\nOfferings of fruit for the ghosts at the Hungry Ghost Festival. (Richard A. Brooks\/AFP\/Getty Images)\n\nJust like in Mulian’s story, being stuck in the afterlife means ghosts are pretty hungry! During the festival, families prepare elaborate meals (often vegetarian). Food is served to empty seats around the table so the ghosts of family members can sit and enjoy.\n\n## Eerie entertainment\n![A lot of people sitting in a large area with empty red chairs in front of them.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/images\/Hungry_Ghost_Theatre_-_848x477.jpg)\n\nAn empty row of seats in the front row for the ghosts. (Wong Maye-E\/AP Photo)\n\nEven community performances are organized for entertainment. What do ghosts like to watch, you ask? Opera, of course! The front-row seats are always left empty — just for the VIP ghost guests\\!\n\n![Joss paper crafts with some crafts that look like a wallet and watch.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/images\/Hungry_Ghost_Joss_-_848x477.jpg)\n\nPaper sculptures of fancy items like designer accessories. (Anthony Kwan\/Getty Images for Hong Kong Images)\n\nDuring the festival, people can burn fake money (joss paper), clothes and small paper sculptures. The sculptures represent fancy things from the human world such as cars, boats and cell phones. The items are burned so the ghosts can enjoy the luxuries of the living once again\\!\n\n## Tradition and spirits\n![Taoist monks at a shop dressed in a yellow robe and black hat.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/images\/Copy_of_Hungry_Ghost_Monks_-_848x477.jpg)\n\nNo red here — Taoist monks performing a ritual during the festival. (Tengku Bahar\/AFP\/Getty Images)\n\nAs it turns out, ghosts can be a little cranky! So there are many traditions that Buddhists and Taoists follow to avoid being spooked. For example, people avoid wearing the colour red because it attracts ghosts who might want to possess your body. Um, no thanks, ghosts\\!\n\n![A close up of a fly with red eyes.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/images\/Hungry_Ghost_Fly_-_848x477.jpg)\n\nYou won't swat this guy away during the Hungry Ghost Festival. (Pixabay)\n\nAlso, everyone is really nice to insects around this time. That’s because a fly or spider might actually be the spirit of your great-great-great-grandpa in disguise! And don’t even think about renovating during Ghost Month! You could seriously anger a ghost who does not want you redecorating the home they used to live in.\n\n[Want to learn more about the unique groups in Asia? Check out \"The groups of people who live in Asia\"\\!](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/the-groups-of-people-who-live-in-asia-the-biggest-continent-in-the-world)\n\nThe Hungry Ghost Festival is a wonderful celebration full of culture and tradition. Make sure you finish your dinner on August 30th or a ghost might eat your leftovers\\!\n\n![](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/bg-left-related-games.png)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/bg-right-related-games.png)\n\n## More cool posts\\!\n[![](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/FPO-card_image.png) Spooky Stories Ghost ships that haunt the high seas](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/ghost-ships-that-haunt-the-high-seas)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/FPO-card_image.png) Holidays 101 It’s Cinco de Mayo — let’s celebrate Mexico\\!](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/lets-celebrate-mexico)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/content\/static_images\/FPO-card_image.png) Halloween Samhain — the original Halloween\\!](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/a-history-of-halloween)\n\n- [Kids News](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kidsnews\/)\n\nCBC Kids  Copyright © CBC 2026\n\n##### Menu\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids)\n- [Games](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/games)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/watch)\n- [Articles](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles)\n- [Quizzes](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/quizzes)\n- [Grown-ups](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/grownups)\n\n##### Anglophone\n- [CBC Kids](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids)\n- [CBC Kids News](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kidsnews)\n- [Curio (EN)](https:\/\/curio.ca\/en\/)\n\n##### Francophone\n- [Zone Jeunesse](https:\/\/ici.radio-canada.ca\/jeunesse\/scolaire)\n- [Zone Petits](https:\/\/ici.radio-canada.ca\/jeunesse\/prescolaire)\n- [Parents](https:\/\/ici.radio-canada.ca\/jeunesse\/parents)\n- [MAJ](https:\/\/ici.radio-canada.ca\/jeunesse\/maj)\n- [Curio (FR)](https:\/\/curio.ca\/fr\/)\n\nCBC Kids  Copyright © CBC 2026\n\n- [Cookie Policy](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/about\/cookies)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/accessibility)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/cbc.radio-canada.ca\/en\/vision\/governance\/terms-of-use-digital-services)\n- Canadian Media Fund\n\nCanadian Media Fund\n\n[Back to top](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/articles\/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival#to_top)\n\nclose this modal\n\nCBC Kids uses cookies in order to function and give you a great experience. Your parent or guardian can [disable the cookies by clicking here](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/about\/cookies) if they wish.\n\nOkay\\!","attrs_readable_markdown":"(Binsar Bakkara\/AP Photo)\n\nOn August 30th, Buddhist and Taoist communities around the world will hold their own Hungry Ghost Festival.\n\nSound spooky? It is! The whole seventh month of the lunar calendar is actually called “Ghost Month.” It’s believed that the gates of the afterlife open and allow spirits to roam the Earth.\n\nIt’s a very haunted holiday, but the Hungry Ghost Festival is also a celebration to honour ancestors and relatives.\n\n## The origin story\n![A golden buddha.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/images\/Hungry_Ghost_Buddha_-_848x477.jpg)\n\nThe Buddha helped Mulian’s mother in the story. (Ishara S. Kodikara\/AFP\/Getty Images)\n\nThe origin of the Hungry Ghost Festival comes from a very old story from ancient China.\n\nIn the story, a monk named Mulian asks the Buddha to help his mother in the afterlife. Mulian’s mother was very hungry. But because she was a ghost, she couldn’t eat\\!\n\nBuddha tells Mulian to make offerings of food and new robes to the monks instead. Thankful for the gift, the monks pray for Mulian’s mother and she is then reborn as a human, ending her hunger.\n\n## A feast fit for a ghost\n![A group of children and parents making offerings.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/images\/Hungry_Ghost_Offering_-_848x477.jpg)\n\nOfferings of fruit for the ghosts at the Hungry Ghost Festival. (Richard A. Brooks\/AFP\/Getty Images)\n\nJust like in Mulian’s story, being stuck in the afterlife means ghosts are pretty hungry! During the festival, families prepare elaborate meals (often vegetarian). Food is served to empty seats around the table so the ghosts of family members can sit and enjoy.\n\n## Eerie entertainment\n![A lot of people sitting in a large area with empty red chairs in front of them.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/images\/Hungry_Ghost_Theatre_-_848x477.jpg)\n\nAn empty row of seats in the front row for the ghosts. (Wong Maye-E\/AP Photo)\n\nEven community performances are organized for entertainment. What do ghosts like to watch, you ask? Opera, of course! The front-row seats are always left empty — just for the VIP ghost guests\\!\n\n![Joss paper crafts with some crafts that look like a wallet and watch.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/images\/Hungry_Ghost_Joss_-_848x477.jpg)\n\nPaper sculptures of fancy items like designer accessories. (Anthony Kwan\/Getty Images for Hong Kong Images)\n\nDuring the festival, people can burn fake money (joss paper), clothes and small paper sculptures. The sculptures represent fancy things from the human world such as cars, boats and cell phones. The items are burned so the ghosts can enjoy the luxuries of the living once again\\!\n\n## Tradition and spirits\n![Taoist monks at a shop dressed in a yellow robe and black hat.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/images\/Copy_of_Hungry_Ghost_Monks_-_848x477.jpg)\n\nNo red here — Taoist monks performing a ritual during the festival. (Tengku Bahar\/AFP\/Getty Images)\n\nAs it turns out, ghosts can be a little cranky! So there are many traditions that Buddhists and Taoists follow to avoid being spooked. For example, people avoid wearing the colour red because it attracts ghosts who might want to possess your body. Um, no thanks, ghosts\\!\n\n![A close up of a fly with red eyes.](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/kids\/images\/Hungry_Ghost_Fly_-_848x477.jpg)\n\nYou won't swat this guy away during the Hungry Ghost Festival. (Pixabay)\n\nAlso, everyone is really nice to insects around this time. That’s because a fly or spider might actually be the spirit of your great-great-great-grandpa in disguise! And don’t even think about renovating during Ghost Month! You could seriously anger a ghost who does not want you redecorating the home they used to live in.\n\nThe Hungry Ghost Festival is a wonderful celebration full of culture and tradition. Make sure you finish your dinner on August 30th or a ghost might eat your leftovers\\!","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

7 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.2 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival
Last Crawled	2026-04-13 07:04:01 (7 days ago)
First Indexed	2022-04-19 21:35:26 (4 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Have you heard of the Hungry Ghost Festival? \| Articles \| CBC Kids
Meta Description	Have you ever heard of the Hungry Ghost Festival? Buddhist and Taoist communities around the world hold their own Hungry Ghost Festival. Sounds spooky? It is!
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	(Binsar Bakkara/AP Photo) On August 30th, Buddhist and Taoist communities around the world will hold their own Hungry Ghost Festival. Sound spooky? It is! The whole seventh month of the lunar calendar is actually called “Ghost Month.” It’s believed that the gates of the afterlife open and allow spirits to roam the Earth. It’s a very haunted holiday, but the Hungry Ghost Festival is also a celebration to honour ancestors and relatives. The origin story The Buddha helped Mulian’s mother in the story. (Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP/Getty Images) The origin of the Hungry Ghost Festival comes from a very old story from ancient China. In the story, a monk named Mulian asks the Buddha to help his mother in the afterlife. Mulian’s mother was very hungry. But because she was a ghost, she couldn’t eat! Buddha tells Mulian to make offerings of food and new robes to the monks instead. Thankful for the gift, the monks pray for Mulian’s mother and she is then reborn as a human, ending her hunger. A feast fit for a ghost Offerings of fruit for the ghosts at the Hungry Ghost Festival. (Richard A. Brooks/AFP/Getty Images) Just like in Mulian’s story, being stuck in the afterlife means ghosts are pretty hungry! During the festival, families prepare elaborate meals (often vegetarian). Food is served to empty seats around the table so the ghosts of family members can sit and enjoy. Eerie entertainment An empty row of seats in the front row for the ghosts. (Wong Maye-E/AP Photo) Even community performances are organized for entertainment. What do ghosts like to watch, you ask? Opera, of course! The front-row seats are always left empty — just for the VIP ghost guests! Paper sculptures of fancy items like designer accessories. (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images for Hong Kong Images) During the festival, people can burn fake money (joss paper), clothes and small paper sculptures. The sculptures represent fancy things from the human world such as cars, boats and cell phones. The items are burned so the ghosts can enjoy the luxuries of the living once again! Tradition and spirits No red here — Taoist monks performing a ritual during the festival. (Tengku Bahar/AFP/Getty Images) As it turns out, ghosts can be a little cranky! So there are many traditions that Buddhists and Taoists follow to avoid being spooked. For example, people avoid wearing the colour red because it attracts ghosts who might want to possess your body. Um, no thanks, ghosts! You won't swat this guy away during the Hungry Ghost Festival. (Pixabay) Also, everyone is really nice to insects around this time. That’s because a fly or spider might actually be the spirit of your great-great-great-grandpa in disguise! And don’t even think about renovating during Ghost Month! You could seriously anger a ghost who does not want you redecorating the home they used to live in. The Hungry Ghost Festival is a wonderful celebration full of culture and tradition. Make sure you finish your dinner on August 30th or a ghost might eat your leftovers!
Markdown	[skip to content](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival#main_content) dismiss message ![](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/content/static_images/doodles-top-left.png) ![](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/content/static_images/doodles-top-right.png) [![CBC Kids](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/content/static_images/logos/cbc-kids-logo.png)](https://www.cbc.ca/kids) - [Games](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/games) - [Videos](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/watch) - [Articles](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles) - [Quizzes](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/quizzes) - [Grown-Ups](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/grownups) [SEARCH CBC KIDS](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival#search) ![](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/content/static_images/doodles-top-right.png) [CBC Kids home page ![CBC Kids](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/content/static_images/logos/cbc-kids-logo.png)](https://www.cbc.ca/kids) [SEARCH CBC KIDS](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival#search) [MENU](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival) - [Games](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/games) - [Videos](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/watch) - [Articles](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles) - [Quizzes](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/quizzes) - [Grown-Ups](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/grownups) - [All Articles](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/all) - [Random\!](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival) - Popular - [Animals](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/topics/animals) - [Black History](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/topics/black%20history,bhm) - [Canada](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/topics/canada) - [Food](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/topics/food) - [Holidays](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/topics/holidays) - [Indigenous](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/topics/indigenous) - [2SLGBTQ+](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/topics/2slgbtq+,lgbtq) - [Sports](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/topics/sports) SEARCH ![close search](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/content/static_images/buttons/search-close-btn-mobile.png) ![clear search](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/content/static_images/buttons/search-clear-btn-mobile.png) Cultural Festival # Have you heard of the Hungry Ghost Festival? By the CBC Kids team ![Published on](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/content/static_images/icons/time.png) July 28, 2022 \\| Last Updated September 10, 2024 ![Many people gathered and throwing joss paper into an offering pile.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/content/static_images/FPO-card_image.png) (Binsar Bakkara/AP Photo) On August 30th, Buddhist and Taoist communities around the world will hold their own Hungry Ghost Festival. Sound spooky? It is! The whole seventh month of the lunar calendar is actually called “Ghost Month.” It’s believed that the gates of the afterlife open and allow spirits to roam the Earth. It’s a very haunted holiday, but the Hungry Ghost Festival is also a celebration to honour ancestors and relatives. ## The origin story ![A golden buddha.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/images/Hungry_Ghost_Buddha_-_848x477.jpg) The Buddha helped Mulian’s mother in the story. (Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP/Getty Images) The origin of the Hungry Ghost Festival comes from a very old story from ancient China. In the story, a monk named Mulian asks the Buddha to help his mother in the afterlife. Mulian’s mother was very hungry. But because she was a ghost, she couldn’t eat\! Buddha tells Mulian to make offerings of food and new robes to the monks instead. Thankful for the gift, the monks pray for Mulian’s mother and she is then reborn as a human, ending her hunger. [Interested in learning about more Asian Holidays? Check out "5 Asian holidays that'll make you want to celebrate!"](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/treats-water-fights-and-rockets-5-asian-holidays-thatll-make-you-want-to-celebrate) ## A feast fit for a ghost ![A group of children and parents making offerings.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/images/Hungry_Ghost_Offering_-_848x477.jpg) Offerings of fruit for the ghosts at the Hungry Ghost Festival. (Richard A. Brooks/AFP/Getty Images) Just like in Mulian’s story, being stuck in the afterlife means ghosts are pretty hungry! During the festival, families prepare elaborate meals (often vegetarian). Food is served to empty seats around the table so the ghosts of family members can sit and enjoy. ## Eerie entertainment ![A lot of people sitting in a large area with empty red chairs in front of them.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/images/Hungry_Ghost_Theatre_-_848x477.jpg) An empty row of seats in the front row for the ghosts. (Wong Maye-E/AP Photo) Even community performances are organized for entertainment. What do ghosts like to watch, you ask? Opera, of course! The front-row seats are always left empty — just for the VIP ghost guests\! ![Joss paper crafts with some crafts that look like a wallet and watch.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/images/Hungry_Ghost_Joss_-_848x477.jpg) Paper sculptures of fancy items like designer accessories. (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images for Hong Kong Images) During the festival, people can burn fake money (joss paper), clothes and small paper sculptures. The sculptures represent fancy things from the human world such as cars, boats and cell phones. The items are burned so the ghosts can enjoy the luxuries of the living once again\! ## Tradition and spirits ![Taoist monks at a shop dressed in a yellow robe and black hat.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/images/Copy_of_Hungry_Ghost_Monks_-_848x477.jpg) No red here — Taoist monks performing a ritual during the festival. (Tengku Bahar/AFP/Getty Images) As it turns out, ghosts can be a little cranky! So there are many traditions that Buddhists and Taoists follow to avoid being spooked. For example, people avoid wearing the colour red because it attracts ghosts who might want to possess your body. Um, no thanks, ghosts\! ![A close up of a fly with red eyes.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/images/Hungry_Ghost_Fly_-_848x477.jpg) You won't swat this guy away during the Hungry Ghost Festival. (Pixabay) Also, everyone is really nice to insects around this time. That’s because a fly or spider might actually be the spirit of your great-great-great-grandpa in disguise! And don’t even think about renovating during Ghost Month! You could seriously anger a ghost who does not want you redecorating the home they used to live in. [Want to learn more about the unique groups in Asia? Check out "The groups of people who live in Asia"\!](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/the-groups-of-people-who-live-in-asia-the-biggest-continent-in-the-world) The Hungry Ghost Festival is a wonderful celebration full of culture and tradition. Make sure you finish your dinner on August 30th or a ghost might eat your leftovers\! ![](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/content/static_images/bg-left-related-games.png) ![](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/content/static_images/bg-right-related-games.png) ## More cool posts\! 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Readable Markdown	(Binsar Bakkara/AP Photo) On August 30th, Buddhist and Taoist communities around the world will hold their own Hungry Ghost Festival. Sound spooky? It is! The whole seventh month of the lunar calendar is actually called “Ghost Month.” It’s believed that the gates of the afterlife open and allow spirits to roam the Earth. It’s a very haunted holiday, but the Hungry Ghost Festival is also a celebration to honour ancestors and relatives. ## The origin story ![A golden buddha.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/images/Hungry_Ghost_Buddha_-_848x477.jpg) The Buddha helped Mulian’s mother in the story. (Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP/Getty Images) The origin of the Hungry Ghost Festival comes from a very old story from ancient China. In the story, a monk named Mulian asks the Buddha to help his mother in the afterlife. Mulian’s mother was very hungry. But because she was a ghost, she couldn’t eat\! Buddha tells Mulian to make offerings of food and new robes to the monks instead. Thankful for the gift, the monks pray for Mulian’s mother and she is then reborn as a human, ending her hunger. ## A feast fit for a ghost ![A group of children and parents making offerings.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/images/Hungry_Ghost_Offering_-_848x477.jpg) Offerings of fruit for the ghosts at the Hungry Ghost Festival. (Richard A. Brooks/AFP/Getty Images) Just like in Mulian’s story, being stuck in the afterlife means ghosts are pretty hungry! During the festival, families prepare elaborate meals (often vegetarian). Food is served to empty seats around the table so the ghosts of family members can sit and enjoy. ## Eerie entertainment ![A lot of people sitting in a large area with empty red chairs in front of them.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/images/Hungry_Ghost_Theatre_-_848x477.jpg) An empty row of seats in the front row for the ghosts. (Wong Maye-E/AP Photo) Even community performances are organized for entertainment. What do ghosts like to watch, you ask? Opera, of course! The front-row seats are always left empty — just for the VIP ghost guests\! ![Joss paper crafts with some crafts that look like a wallet and watch.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/images/Hungry_Ghost_Joss_-_848x477.jpg) Paper sculptures of fancy items like designer accessories. (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images for Hong Kong Images) During the festival, people can burn fake money (joss paper), clothes and small paper sculptures. The sculptures represent fancy things from the human world such as cars, boats and cell phones. The items are burned so the ghosts can enjoy the luxuries of the living once again\! ## Tradition and spirits ![Taoist monks at a shop dressed in a yellow robe and black hat.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/images/Copy_of_Hungry_Ghost_Monks_-_848x477.jpg) No red here — Taoist monks performing a ritual during the festival. (Tengku Bahar/AFP/Getty Images) As it turns out, ghosts can be a little cranky! So there are many traditions that Buddhists and Taoists follow to avoid being spooked. For example, people avoid wearing the colour red because it attracts ghosts who might want to possess your body. Um, no thanks, ghosts\! ![A close up of a fly with red eyes.](https://www.cbc.ca/kids/images/Hungry_Ghost_Fly_-_848x477.jpg) You won't swat this guy away during the Hungry Ghost Festival. (Pixabay) Also, everyone is really nice to insects around this time. That’s because a fly or spider might actually be the spirit of your great-great-great-grandpa in disguise! And don’t even think about renovating during Ghost Month! You could seriously anger a ghost who does not want you redecorating the home they used to live in. The Hungry Ghost Festival is a wonderful celebration full of culture and tradition. Make sure you finish your dinner on August 30th or a ghost might eat your leftovers\!
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