China has a rich cultural tradition. The seventh lunar month of every year is referred to as the “Ghost month” by the people of China. They believe that the spirits of the dead return to the human realm during this month. They celebrate the “Hungry Ghost” festival during this month. The Chinese avoid important events during this month. They take this traditional festival very seriously. The festival is also celebrated in other countries like Singapore, Japan, Vietnam and Malaysia. 

The story behind this festival is very interesting. Maudgalyayana (Mu Lian) was Buddha’s disciple. He was a young and noble monk. He believed in helping the poor and needy. His mother was cruel and hard-hearted. She chastised beggars coming to her door for food. She always looked down upon the poor.

Mu Lian’s mother was very selfish and cared for none but herself. She becomes very angry when she finds out that her son had become a monk. She was hoping that he would support her. She tries to dissuade him from becoming a monk. But determined Mu Lian refuses to budge. She vents out her anger on other monks by serving them non vegetarian food (without their knowledge).

Mu Lian’s mother is sent to hell after her death. Mu Lian feels sad for her. He wants to help her. He tries to feed her, but the food turns into fire or blood. He prays to the Buddha seeking her release from hell. Buddha takes pity on her. He decides to open the gates of hell once a year on the seventh lunar month to help sinful ghosts to return to the Earth and to receive food. 

According to another version of the story, Mu Lian’s cruel mother dies and is reborn in the realm of the Hungry Ghost (also known as the Preta realm). Mu Lian prays to the Buddha for a better rebirth to his mother. Buddha asks him to perform meritorious deeds and to transfer his merits to his mother. Mu Lian follows Buddha’s instructions. His meritorious deeds help her take birth in the human realm. 

The Buddhists offer prayers in the monasteries during this month in order to help their ancestors reach higher realms. The first, fifteenth and the last day of the month are considered very important. The Taoists celebrate the Hungry Ghost festival by organizing prayer meetings, burning various things (sometimes even cars are burnt) and offering food. Street performances are organized to entertain the ghosts. Prayer meetings usually end with dinner. All the members of the community have dinner together. They also raise funds for charity during these events.