The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as Zhongyuan Jie, is a traditional Chinese festival observed to honour and appease the spirits of the deceased. This festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, which typically falls in August. It is believed that during the entire seventh lunar month, the gates of the underworld are opened, allowing spirits to roam the earth.
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Hungry Ghost Festival Dates
To help you plan for Hungry Ghost Festival celebrations, here are the upcoming dates for the next few years:
| Year | Lunar Date | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 15th day of 7th month | 18 August | Sunday |
| 2025 | 15th day of 7th month | 7 August | Thursday |
| 2026 | 15th day of 7th month | 25 August | Tuesday |
| 2027 | 15th day of 7th month | 15 August | Sunday |
Celebrations and Traditions
The Hungry Ghost Festival is marked by various rituals and practices aimed at appeasing the spirits and ensuring their peace. The festival is celebrated with offerings, prayers, and performances.
Traditional Practices
- Offerings and Prayers: Families prepare food, incense, and other offerings to appease the spirits. Paper money, known as joss paper, is burned as a symbolic offering to the deceased.
- Public Performances: Opera performances, known as “Getai,” are held to entertain both the living and the spirits. These performances are typically held outdoors with elaborate stages.
- Lanterns and Paper Boats: Lanterns are lit and paper boats are set afloat on water to guide lost spirits.
- Feasting: Families gather for a meal to honour their ancestors and share the food offered to the spirits.
Observing Hungry Ghost Festival in Malaysia
The Hungry Ghost Festival is a significant cultural event in Malaysia, particularly among the Chinese community. It is a time for reflection, respect, and remembrance of the deceased. The festival also serves as a reminder of the importance of filial piety and the cultural traditions passed down through generations.
Popular Questions About Hungry Ghost Festival
Is the Hungry Ghost Festival a public holiday in Malaysia?
No, the Hungry Ghost Festival is not a public holiday in Malaysia. It is a cultural and religious observance celebrated by the Chinese community.
How do people celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival in Malaysia?
People celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival by making offerings of food, incense, and joss paper to appease the spirits. Public performances, such as Getai, are also held to entertain both the living and the spirits.
Why is the Hungry Ghost Festival celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month?
The Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month because it is believed that the gates of the underworld are opened during the entire seventh lunar month, allowing spirits to roam the earth.
What are some taboos during the Hungry Ghost Festival?
Some taboos during the Hungry Ghost Festival include avoiding going out at night, not stepping on or kicking offerings left on the streets, and refraining from swimming, as it is believed that spirits may cause accidents.
For more details and updates on Malaysia’s public holidays and observances, visit our official Malaysia holiday calendars.