The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as Yulan Festival, marks the 15th night of the seventh month in the lunisolar calendar. For 2024, this falls on Sunday, August 18, but festivities and rituals are continuously carried out throughout the seventh lunar month (August 4 to September 3).
According to Chinese culture, this is the one time of year when the gates of the underworld are opened, and the deceased get to visit their loved ones again.
“On August 18, the gates of heaven and hell open. This day is significant as it coincides with the Chinese Ghost Festival when people make merit for their ancestors and spirits without relatives to receive blessings.”
During this festival, it is customary to perform rituals throughout the day to honor different spirits. In the morning, people typically worship household deities with offerings of three to five kinds of meat, sweets, and fruits.
By mid-morning, they pay respects to their ancestors with similar offerings, including their ancestors’ favorite dishes. In the afternoon, offerings are made to wandering spirits.