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The Ultimate Guide to Ghost Festival: Timing and Rituals for a Peaceful Offering

The seventh lunar month is often regarded as the "Hungry Ghost Month," a time believed to bring misfortune. Superstitions aside, it is a month where many honor their ancestors and pay respect through offerings and rituals. It is a time-honored tradition, and many take great care in preparing and observing these rituals.

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4 August, 2024

The Hungry Ghost Festival is a popular spiritual practice in Vietnam, held annually on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month (Rằm tháng 7). It involves offering rituals to wandering spirits to ward off bad luck and bring peace and prosperity to the family. But what is the proper way to perform this ritual? When is the best time, and how should one pray? Let’s explore these questions and more in this article.

1The Rituals of Hungry Ghost Festival

When performing the rituals, the host should be dressed neatly and avoid wearing shorts.

It is advisable to keep children, pregnant women, and the elderly away from the ceremony as they may be vulnerable to mischievous spirits.

For the offering, avoid presenting sticky rice, chicken, or salty dishes.

The offering tray should be placed outdoors, away from the entrance of the house.

When scattering the paper money, face the four directions: East, West, South, and North.

In Vietnamese folk beliefs, incense sticks are usually lit in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) to represent the Yang energy when honoring the ancestors and offering prayers for health, luck, and smooth sailing in life.

Remember to keep the incense sticks straight when lighting them.

The host should arrange the offerings symmetrically, with flowers and fruits following the “East for flowers, West for fruits” principle, along with wine and water.

2Timing of the Rituals

Hungry Ghost Festival Rituals

The rituals are typically performed in the late afternoon or evening because, according to folk beliefs, the bright daylight hours weaken the spirits, and performing the rituals in the morning may prevent the spirits from approaching.

3Prayers for the Hungry Ghosts

During the ceremony, the host should stand in front of the offering tray and join their hands in a praying gesture at eyebrow level. Before starting the prayer, bow three times and then recite the prayer, ending with four bows and three final bows.

The prayer should include the date of the ceremony, the names of the deceased, the host’s name and those of their family members, the reason for the prayer, and any wishes or requests.

The seventh lunar month is considered inauspicious, with various taboos. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of these taboos, as well as the proper offerings and rituals, to avoid any misfortune.

With this information, we hope you can choose the right time and prepare well for the Hungry Ghost Festival rituals this seventh lunar month.

Frequently asked questions

The Ghost Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is a traditional Buddhist and Taoist festival observed in various parts of East Asia. It is believed that during this time, the gates of hell are opened and the spirits of the deceased are free to roam the Earth for a month. The festival usually falls in the seventh month of the lunar calendar, typically between August and September in the Gregorian calendar.

One of the main rituals is making offerings to the hungry ghosts. People prepare elaborate vegetarian feasts and burn incense and joss paper as a way of honoring the spirits and ensuring their blessings. Releasing paper lanterns on water, believed to guide lost spirits home, is also a common practice. Other rituals include performing operas and plays, believed to entertain the ghosts, and engaging in charitable acts, such as donating to the poor and freeing captive animals.

It is important to understand the beliefs and traditions surrounding the festival. Offerings should be made with respect and sincerity, ensuring that they are suitable for the spirits’ needs. It is also essential to be mindful of the environment, avoiding any actions that may cause harm or pollution. Preparing offerings with care, being considerate of others, and maintaining a calm and respectful attitude are key to a peaceful offering.

Yes, there are several taboos associated with the festival. It is considered inauspicious to marry or move house during this month. Pregnant women and young children are advised to stay indoors after dark to avoid any negative spiritual influences. Loud noises, such as fireworks, are also discouraged as they may disturb the spirits. It is important to be respectful and mindful of these taboos to ensure a harmonious festival period.

While the festival has its roots in traditional religious beliefs, it continues to hold cultural significance today. It serves as a reminder of the importance of family, ancestors, and community. The festival also promotes values such as compassion, charity, and respect for the environment. For many, it is a time to reconnect with cultural heritage and pass on traditions to younger generations.