Review of the 2013 Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival
While Westerners have Halloween, in the East people celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival. In China once a year it is believed locally that the gates of hell open and the ghosts of yesteryear are released to roam freely across the earth and visit their relatives. This is the traditional Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival, where once a year Chinese across the world pay homage to the deceased and offer ritualistic offerings.
Photo Credit: Slice of Light via Flickr
On Ghost Day fine food and stunning papier mache decorations are lovingly handcrafted and burnt in an offering to the dead, with a place being set for the deceased at the table, as if they were still alive.
Origins of the Hungry Ghost Festival
The origins of the month long Hungry Ghost festival are believed to stem from an amalgamation of Chinese Buddhism and other local folk traditions. Several local religions reflect the same theory of the gates of hell opening on an annual basis.
Photo Credit: Muhamad Fauzi Hussein via Flickr
As well as the festival emphasising the importance of honouring the dead of your own ancestors the Chinese believe that it is also important to give offerings to the ghosts without living families. It is believed if this is not done these wondering spirits can cause harm to the living. Traditionally the month of the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival is seen as one of the most dangerous months of the year as tortured spirits are on the look out to capture souls.
Festivities
Variations of the Hungry Ghost Festival can be seen all across Asia, although the Chinese celebrations in Chongquing are famed for being some of the most spectacular. If you want to join in the festivities the Radisson Blu Plaza Chongqing hotel puts you right at the heart of the action, while offering luxurious surroundings for your trip.
Tourists have plenty to see and do during the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival and in 2013 the Chinese operas were particularly spectacular. These events involve the entire local community and are usually held on temporary bamboo stages, the performances praising the charitable nature of the deities. While these shows are taking place you can enjoy a spectacular feast of local delicacies including elaborate pork and chicken dishes, alone with succulent rice and fruit. If you want to experienced traditional Chinese food as never before, this is the place to be.
The 2013 Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival
This year the Hungry Ghost Festival was bigger and better than ever before. Throughout China and particularly the Chongqing region there were a huge number of operatic performances, pop concerts and celebratory fireworks all in the honour of the dead. Although modern day China is becoming a super economy it is clear that the country is not forgetting its roots and traditions. Honouring the memories of loves ones past and having a healthy respect for the dead is embedded into the youth of China from a young age. In years to come it is hoped that the increasing economic prowess of the nation will enable even more elaborate shows and displays to be created, becoming an annual spectacle for visitors from across the globe to enjoy.
About the Author
On her recent Asian adventure, Sally discovered ups and downs of many of the top local festivals. She plans on sharing the tips and tricks she learnt to ensure others have an enjoyable stay.
