Ghost Month in Taiwan

Hello!

This entire month of July of the lunar calendar is a period when it is believed that the spirits of the dead walk the earth. According to Taoist beliefs, this festival of deliverance originated on the birthday of the Chinese Guardian of Hell who governs all matters in the underworld and decreed an amnesty out of mercy so all lost souls could be released back to the mortal world from hell on the 1st day of July to enjoy incense, candles and food offered to the spirits for a period of one month so they might be converted to "The Way."

During this month many special celebrations are held, with sacrifices and offerings laid out to feed and appease the wandering lost souls.

This is in Changhua Province, where CJ's grandmother lives. As you can see loads of food such as fruit, noodles, dumplings, cookies, wine, paper spirit money, incense sticks ,and others are being offered to the lost souls.

The offering time is over. It's time to cook and enjoy the offerings.

Typical temple in Taiwan . It has special a one-day Ghost Festival event for the worshipers.

Temple musicians playing some deafening religious music.

CJ and Vincent strolling around a night market next to the temple.

One of the special events is a competition for 'the heaviest pig.'



This is the winner - weighing 1,640 kilograms - 'unbelievable'

Second Prize


'cool' goat.

Moreover, since this period is not regarded as auspicious time of the year so no funeral, marriage and traveling is done during this time! Taiwanese people are very superstitious - several things you must NOT do like, going to the beach, buying a car or house, getting married, going abroad, do the laundry at night, moving any home furniture, etc....

Anyway, the Ghost Festival is almost over. We are looking forward to Moon Festival on September 22, and of course CJ's bday on Sept 20.