During the Hungry Ghost Feast, do ghosts come into the human world to look for food?

Have you noticed that, about a month ago, numerous people suddenly appeared on the streets of Macau, burning incense and paper offerings? Hungry Ghost Feast is a festival that is prevalent in many countries, especially in China, on the Fourteenth day of the seventh lunar month.

It is believed that the seventh lunar month is the "Ghost Month", when the gates of the netherworld open, allowing the souls of the deceased to return to the human world. Therefore, many families would burn paper money and place food by the roadside to pay tribute to their ancestors and soothe the souls of the deceased.

 

So, do ghosts really come into the human world to look for food? From a traditional perspective, people believe that the souls of the deceased will return to the human world to enjoy offerings. These rituals not only express the memory of our ancestors but also convey the wish for peace and safety.

 

What is the significance of these ceremonies?

 

Burning paper money: People believe that after burning paper money, it will become the wealth of another world for their ancestors to use.

Arranging food: Just like inviting relatives for a meal, fresh fruits, rice, and dishes are a "treat" for the ghosts.

Incense burning: The curling smoke of a cigarette is regarded as a bridge that connects the human world with the spiritual world.

 

It's not just a "Ghost Festival"

 

Although it sounds a bit terrifying, the core of this festival is actually "filial piety" and "compassion". It is not only to soothe ghosts, but also to remind us to remember and be grateful for the family members who have left. At the same time, it also reflects the kindness towards the homeless, wandering souls.

 

Nowadays, in cities, we can see these customs being carried out in some designated iron buckets, which are both safe and retain the tradition.

 

Although modern people may not all believe in the existence of ghosts, these customs are still passed down from generation to generation and have become part of the culture. These curling incense fires and flickering flames are not only traditional customs but also the shapes of people's yearning. The next time we meet on the street, I hope you can also understand this warmth that transcends time and space.