How to Say Zhongyuan Festival in English and the Origin of Zhongyuan Festival
Zhongyuan Festival, also known as Hungry Ghost Festival, is an important traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month. It is believed that during this time, the gates of hell are opened, and the spirits of the deceased roam the earth. In this article, we will explore the origin of Zhongyuan Festival and how it is celebrated.
The Origin of Zhongyuan Festival
The origin of Zhongyuan Festival can be traced back to ancient Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. According to Buddhist teachings, the seventh lunar month is known as the Ghost Month, during which the spirits of the deceased are released from the underworld and allowed to visit their living relatives. Taoist beliefs also hold that the gates of hell open during this time, and rituals must be performed to appease the wandering spirits.
Legend has it that during the Tang Dynasty, a Buddhist monk named Mulian encountered his deceased mother in the underworld. He discovered that she was suffering from hunger and thirst due to her past misdeeds. Deeply concerned for her well-being, Mulian sought the help of Buddha. Buddha advised him to offer food and other necessities to relieve his mother's suffering. Mulian followed Buddha's instructions and successfully saved his mother from her torment. This event is said to have inspired the tradition of offering food to the spirits during Zhongyuan Festival.
How to Say Zhongyuan Festival in English
In English, Zhongyuan Festival is commonly referred to as the "Hungry Ghost Festival." This name reflects the belief that the spirits of the deceased are hungry and in need of food offerings during this time. The term "Hungry Ghost" comes from Chinese folklore, which describes spirits who have committed sins in their past lives and are now condemned to eternal hunger and thirst.
It is important to note that while the term "Hungry Ghost Festival" is widely used in English, it may not fully capture the cultural and religious significance of Zhongyuan Festival. The festival is not only about appeasing hungry spirits but also about honoring ancestors and seeking blessings for the living.
Celebrating Zhongyuan Festival
Zhongyuan Festival is celebrated in various ways across different regions of China and other East Asian countries. Here are some common customs and practices associated with the festival:
1. Making Offerings: During Zhongyuan Festival, people prepare elaborate offerings of food, fruits, and other items to be placed on altars or outside their homes. These offerings are believed to provide nourishment for the wandering spirits and bring blessings to the living.
2. Burning Ghost Money: Another common practice is burning joss paper or "ghost money" as an offering to the spirits. Ghost money is usually made from bamboo paper and is believed to provide financial resources for the deceased in the afterlife.
3. Setting Up Altars: Many families set up altars in their homes during Zhongyuan Festival. These altars are adorned with portraits of deceased family members and are used for offering prayers and incense.
4. Theatrical Performances: In some regions, theatrical performances known as "Ghost Plays" are held during Zhongyuan Festival. These performances depict stories from Chinese mythology and folklore and are believed to entertain and appease the spirits.
5. Floating Lanterns: In certain areas, people release floating lanterns on rivers or lakes as a way to guide the spirits back to the underworld. This practice is believed to bring good luck and blessings.
Overall, Zhongyuan Festival is a time for reflection, remembrance, and paying respects to ancestors. It is a unique cultural event that showcases the rich traditions and beliefs of Chinese society.
Conclusion
Zhongyuan Festival, or the Hungry Ghost Festival, is a significant traditional Chinese festival that honors ancestors and appeases wandering spirits. Its origin can be traced back to ancient Buddhist and Taoist beliefs, and it is celebrated through various customs such as making offerings, burning ghost money, setting up altars, and performing theatrical plays. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the interconnectedness between the living and the deceased.