People in China believe that the 15th day of the seventh lunar month is the climax of the ghost month and the day when the gate of hell is wide open, which is also called Ghost Festival. Because it is a festival that integrates monks, customs and Taoism, it is also called Zhongyuan Festival, Arahara Festival and July and a half. The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month should be related to the popular land worship in ancient China.
Taoism has "three officials": celestial officials, local officials and water officials. Legend has it that the birthday of local officials is July 15, which is called the Mid-Yuan Festival. His main duty is to atone for the world. Every Mid-Autumn Festival, local officials will open the gate of hell, which is also a day when dead ancestors can go home for reunion, so it is also called Ghost Festival.
During the period from the first opening of the gate of hell on the first day of the seventh lunar month to the closing of the gate of hell on the 30th of the seventh lunar month, ghosts from the underworld returned to the dead to reunite with their relatives. At the same time, there are also many homeless ghosts. Ghosts from the underworld will flock to the dead and wander anywhere where people can find food.
In order to avoid excessive resentment, people burn incense and paper money for ghosts when the gate of hell is opened. People often set up Dojo to place steamed buns for ghosts, and on this day, they worship their ancestors, light lamps on graves and light the way home for the dead. Taoist temples around the country will also hold grand ceremonies to cross over the souls of the deceased.
When will the gate of hell open?
Before midnight on July 14, and before midnight on July 15, the gate of hell was wide open.
It is generally believed that July 14 is the day when the gates of hell are wide open, so few people go out at night. In fact, it's midnight on July 14, and before midnight on July 15, the gate of hell opened and closed again. According to ancient records, this time should be the deadline for ghosts to return to the underworld. On the eighth day of the first month of the following year, that is, the day after the festival, the gate of hell will be opened again, allowing ghosts to travel around the world again. Probably the ghost door was wide open these two times.
In Buddhism, opening the gates of hell is also the compassion of the Buddha, so that many ghosts with unfulfilled wishes can completely get rid of their troubles and regrets, repent, let go, and finally get rid of their suffering. Therefore, in Buddhism, July 15 is called "Buddha's Happy Day".
Matters needing attention in the opening of Ghost Gate in July
1, it is not appropriate to call names when going out at night.
2. Don't wear clothes with your own name.
3. Go to the wild or remote places less at night.
4. Don't pat others on the shoulder.
5. Don't whistle.
6. Don't swim in dangerous waters.
7. Don't steal sacrifices.
8. It is not advisable to play the magic games of "Cai Xian" and "Bi Xian".
9. Don't pick up money by the roadside.
10, you should not have any disrespectful thoughts or words in your mouth and heart when passing through the funeral place.
1 1, avoid stepping on paper or burning paper.
12, don't hurt innocent people.
13, it is best not to take pictures at night.
14. Don't put chopsticks on the rice bowl when eating.
15, don't walk gaudy.
16, don't put your toe on the bed when you sleep at night.
17, wind chimes should not be hung on the bedside.