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Why Should You Offer Vegetarian Food During the Lunar Seventh Month?

The 7th lunar month is a significant time in folk beliefs, marked by offerings and rituals dedicated to ancestors, deceased parents, and wandering souls. It is a month of remembrance and respect, where people pay homage to their departed loved ones and also acknowledge the transient souls.

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2 August, 2024

In many folk beliefs, the seventh lunar month is considered a month of amnesty for the deceased, as the King of Hell opens the gates of the underworld, allowing spirits to roam the earthly realm. Families often invite their departed ancestors to reunite during this month. As a result, many households place a greater emphasis on offering ceremonies on the first and full moon of the seventh lunar month compared to other months. Some believe that elaborate and abundant offerings are necessary to treat the ancestors to a grand feast.

However, there is also a school of thought that advocates for vegetarian offerings during the seventh lunar month. This is based on the belief that vegetarian offerings are pure and do not incite greed or attachment. On the other hand, non-vegetarian offerings are thought to easily trigger negative emotions of greed, anger, and delusion. Whether offering to ancestors or hungry ghosts, it is important to avoid inciting these negative emotions and creating a competitive environment. Especially during the seventh lunar month, when hungry ghosts and vagrant spirits are believed to be more prevalent, inciting their greed could be dangerous.

Vegetarian Offerings to Subdue Negative Emotions

Important Considerations for Hungry Ghost Offerings

It is advisable to perform hungry ghost offerings outdoors rather than inside the house, as indoor offerings may invite vagrant spirits into the home, bringing misfortune and illness to the family. Heavy negative energy in the house may also cause discomfort to the residents. Suitable offerings for hungry ghosts include boiled sweet potatoes, boiled corn, popcorn, rice crackers, and plain porridge.

The most auspicious time for hungry ghost offerings is on the evening of the 14th or the full moon of the seventh lunar month. According to folk beliefs, this is when the spirits are on their way back to the underworld, so offering at this time is considered ideal. After the ceremony, it is important to bid the spirits farewell and not invite them to stay in the house.

When participating in seventh-month offerings, it is advisable to avoid wearing all-white or all-black clothing, as these colors are associated with mourning and may attract negative energy. High levels of negative energy can have adverse effects on the host, causing fatigue and illness.

After completing the hungry ghost offerings, it is customary to jump over a fire to ward off negative energy. It is also recommended to take a bath, wash your clothes, and change into fresh attire to ensure physical and spiritual cleanliness and prevent negative energy and vagrant spirits from clinging to you.

When performing hungry ghost offerings, refrain from reciting your name in the invocation. The act of offering food and drinks to vagrant spirits is an act of merit, and there is no need to attach your name or expect reciprocity. This also helps prevent the spirits from following you or becoming indebted to you.

This information is based on folk beliefs and personal experiences.

Frequently asked questions

Offering vegetarian food during this period is a long-standing tradition in Asian cultures, especially among Buddhist and Taoist communities. It is believed that during this month, the gates of hell are opened and the spirits of the deceased are free to roam the Earth. By offering vegetarian meals, you are providing sustenance to these wandering spirits and accumulating good karma.

Offering vegetarian food is believed to bring good luck and fortune, as it demonstrates compassion and respect for life. It is also seen as a way to purify oneself and one’s surroundings, as well as a means to accumulate merit and good karma. From a practical standpoint, vegetarian dishes are often more affordable and accessible, making it easier to feed a large number of people.

There are no hard and fast rules, but traditional Buddhist-style vegetarian meals are commonly prepared. These often include mock meat dishes made from soy or gluten, as well as an assortment of vegetables, tofu, and grains. It is important to ensure that no animal products, such as meat, seafood, or eggs, are used in the preparation of these meals.

It is important to prepare the food with a respectful and compassionate mindset. Ensure that the ingredients are fresh and of good quality, and take care in the preparation and presentation of the meals. Avoid using garlic, onions, and strong-tasting herbs as these are often considered taboo during this period. Offering incense and prayers along with the food is also common practice.

Absolutely! Offering vegetarian meals is a practice that can be observed year-round, especially during other religious or cultural festivals. It is always a thoughtful gesture to provide vegetarian options at gatherings or events, as it accommodates those with different dietary preferences or restrictions.