Download The Story Of Ghost Festival 中元節的由來

The Story Of Ghost Festival
中元節的由來
The West has Halloween for ghosts.
Taiwan also has a holiday to fete the
ghost: Ghost Festival celebrated on the
15th day of the seventh lunar month.
Ghost Festival has origins in both
Taoism and Buddhism. To the Taoists,
the 15th day of the seventh month is the
birthday of Emperor Chingshiu, a god of
underworld. At this time he opens the
Gates of Hades to release all the ghosts
to enjoy the sacrifice of food.
According to the Buddhists, Ghost
Festival is from the story of “Mulien
Saving His Mother from Hades.” In this
Buddhist legend, Mulien learns that his
mother’s ghost is being tortured in hell by
starvation and hanging.
He starts his journey to the underworld
bringing food to his mother. He finally
reached this goal by having priests offer
lots of food to the “hungry ghosts” of
Hade on the 15th day of the seventh
month.
This legend has been passed down
through the ages, and some rites are held
so that the ghosts may cross over to the
salvation.
Also the 15th day of the seventh month
has become an occasion for teaching the
virtue of filial piety.