2. The Story Of Ghost Festival 中元節的由來

3. The West has Halloween for ghosts. Taiwan also has a holiday to fete the ghost: Ghost Festival celebrated on the 15 th day of the seventh lunar month.

4. Ghost Festival has origins in both Taoism and Buddhism. To the Taoists, the 15 th 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 15 th day of the seventh month.

7. This legend has been passed down through the ages, and some rites are held so that the ghosts may cross over to the salvation.

8. Also the 15 th day of the seventh month has become an occasion for teaching the virtue of filial piety.