What are Wandering Souls?
All living beings, including humans and animals, are considered sentient beings. Wandering souls refer to the spirits of the deceased who roam aimlessly without anyone to worship them. According to folk beliefs, the seventh month of the lunar calendar is when the King of Hell opens the gates of hell, releasing these wandering souls. This practice of offering rituals to the wandering souls, also known as ‘Cung Co Hon’ or ‘Cung Chung Sinh’, extends to paying respects to all departed souls, especially those without a proper resting place.
While wandering souls and ghosts are believed to roam the earth every month, the opening of the gates of hell during the seventh month results in a higher number of these spirits returning to the mortal realm. Traditionally, it is believed that the gates of hell close on the 14th or 15th day of the lunar month. However, there are variations depending on the year, with some years having the gates open before the 1st of July and closing after the 15th. Nonetheless, after the 15th, the number of wandering souls is considered to decrease significantly, leading many people to postpone certain activities until after this date.
Offerings for Wandering Souls should be prepared before 12 noon on the 15th of July
When and What Time Should Offerings be Made to Wandering Souls?
During the seventh month, families usually perform rituals to honor their ancestors, deities, and wandering souls. The timing of these rituals can vary depending on local customs and family schedules, but they typically fall between the 1st and 15th of the seventh month. Many families choose a day that coincides with a weekend to allow for more convenient preparations. However, it is traditionally believed that the 14th and 15th are the most appropriate days to perform these rituals, as the wandering souls are thought to be on their way back to hell at this time. By offering them food and other items, it is believed that they will partake in the offerings and then leave immediately, bringing good fortune and reducing misfortune.
The ideal time for making offerings to wandering souls is during the evening, preferably between 5 and 7 pm. This is considered the time when these spirits can receive the offerings.
Offerings for Wandering Souls should be vegetarian
What to Prepare for the Ritual
The offerings may vary slightly depending on regional customs, but generally, the following items are included:
– Salt and rice (1 plate each)
– Thin porridge (12 small bowls) or 3 portions of molded rice
– 12 pieces of rock sugar
– Paper clothes and paper money (can be real money but in small denominations)
– Sugarcane, left intact but cut into small sections of about 15 cm each
– Cakes, candies, and real money in various denominations
– Popped corn, boiled sweet potatoes, corn, and cassava
– Flowers and fruits of 5 different colors (representing the five elements)
– 3 small glasses of water, 3 incense sticks, and 2 small candles
Chant for the Ritual
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
We pay our respects to the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and the Arhat Maudgalyayana
We pay our respects to the City God, the Local Deity, the God of the Land, the Stove God, and all the deities who govern this place.
Today is the 15th day of the seventh month in the year of the Yin Fire Horse.
With sincerity, on this day of pardoning the deceased, we invite the homeless wandering souls, who have no graves or descendants, who wander in the wilderness, under trees, in the grass, in the markets, or on the roads, without proper clothing, and who roam day and night, suffering from hunger and cold throughout the year, to come and enjoy the offerings of food, drinks, rice, salt, fruits, lanterns, money, and colorful clothes prepared by the devotees. Please bless the devotees and their families with good health, prosperity, harmony, and all good things, and take away all misfortunes.
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
For reference only
Why is Garlic Offered to the God of Wealth but Strictly Forbidden on Ancestral Altars?
“Garlic is an essential offering when worshipping the God of Wealth, but why is it considered taboo on the ancestral altar?”
The Power of Three: A Ritual for Prosperity and Abundance
The ancient art of Feng Shui warns against leaving these items on your altar for too long, as they are believed to bring about financial loss and misfortune.
The Ultimate Guide to Year-Round Offerings: A Spiritual Take on Lunar Traditions
The full moon of the seventh lunar month is an important occasion for many families, who take great care in preparing offerings and rituals. However, it is essential to be mindful of certain considerations when performing these ceremonies.
The Ghost Festival: A Month-Long Celebration or Just a Single Day? When is the Best Time to Bid Farewell to the Hungry Ghosts?
The seventh lunar month is known as the ‘Month of the Hungry Ghosts’ due to the belief that this is when the King of Hell opens the gates of the underworld, allowing lost souls to wander the Earth.
The Ancient Warning: Why You Shouldn’t Burn Incense After Dark in the 7th Lunar Month
The 7th lunar month is steeped in cultural significance and is considered the most auspicious month of the year. Superstition surrounds this month, with a traditional warning against burning incense in the evenings.
