1. The Hungry Ghost Festival
By Andrea Chin

2. Description
A grand folk festival with roots in Buddhism, Taoism, and ancestor worship
Celebration starting on the 15th day of the seventh month on the lunar calendar: coincides with autumn harvest
Gates of the underworld releasing vengeful or “hungry” ghosts
Rituals and offerings to appease or ease the suffering of ghosts

5. Framing Question
In traditional China, how did the myths and rituals embodied in the Hungry Ghost Festival reflect society and their values?

6. History
The earliest reference in the 6th-century Record of Seasonal Observances in Jinchu (Jingchu suishi ji) by Zong Lin ( )
Celebrated by all classes of people in traditional society
Tang Dynasty ( ): Buddhism & Taoism
Infused teachings (i.e. karma & cosmic flow)
Elevated rituals to a more formal level
“transformation tales” (pien-wen) – Mulien Saving His Mother from the Dark Regions
Provided a model of filial devotion & Buddhist spiritual power
Informs the main components of the Hungry Ghost Festival
Imperial Ancestral Temple
Song Dynasty ( ): more dramatic, festive fanfares
Changes in modern times

7. Significance Encompasses many aspects of Chinese culture Values Myth
food
music and dramatic arts
Values
family and community dynamics, extending to the emperor & state
ancestor worship, respect for the dead
religious heritage (Buddhism & Taoism)
Myth
a narrative to come to terms with mortality
find a place in the world
“correct” spiritual posture
Ritual
sacred intent
the experience of transcendence
gives new meanings to history