GHOST MONTH

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Ghost Month is an event that takes place during the seventh month of the Chinese Lunar year. The event is without parallel in the West. Neither a religious nor a civil holiday, Ghost Month is seen as being a time to perform one's duty to the spirits of the dead who, once a year, are released to wander the earth. The rituals performed during this time also serve to protect the living from troublesome ghosts.

According to tradition, the gates of the underworld open up on the fifteenth day of the seventh month and the spirits of the dead are allowed into the world of the living to find food. Many families and businesses will set tables of food out in front of their homes to feed any ghosts that pass by. This serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it is a compassionate act towards hungry spirits. On the other, spirits who are fed will not cause trouble in that area. Often, the members of the family or company employees will hold sticks of incense and bow in front of the offerings to pay respect to the dead. Is it said that the ghosts will 'eat' the essence of the food, leaving the physical matter behind. Some people say the food tastes bland after the ghosts have had their share.

Using a pair of sickle moon-shaped divining tools which are and flat on one side and rounded on the other, many people will ask ghosts or their own ancestors for advice about the future. This method will illicit one of three types: 'yes,' 'no,' or 'laughing.' If the spirits are laughing you must try again. Many people will try again anyway if the answer is not to their liking.

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Published by Seraphim William Davidson