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Zhong Yuan Festival, in comparison, is a ghost festival that is mainly celebrated
among East Asian countries. In Taiwan, people celebrate Zhong Yuan Festival on the 15th
day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar. Locals would visit a local temple in advance
to pray for protection.) Then they set a table outside their homes, lay out offerings such
as food, drinks and even cosmetics, and burn paper money. Families pray for unknown
ghosts who aren't given a proper ritual send-off, so that these homeless souls do not cause
trouble or bring misfortune to their loved ones. In fact, the whole month of July in the
lunar calendar is called the Ghost Month, in which people practice related customs and
avoid certain taboos. It is believed that the gates of Hell are wide open on the first day of
the Ghost Month. During the time, crowds of hungry ghosts, including wandering spirits
and deceased ancestors, come out to haunt the living, have a feast, drink rice wine and
collect ghost money. That's why people have to visit local temples and ask for protection
in advance. Although some people may dismiss the customs as superstition, they are still
important for Taiwanese people.
