Ghost Festival

By Crusader1307

A ''Ghost Festival'' (or Ghost Day) is a traditional form of worship and remembrance for The Dead. Practiced in many Asian Nations, it is a feature of both Taoist and Buddhist Religions. Celebrated according to the changing Lunar Calendar, The Festival is held on the 15th Day of the 7th Month. During the Ceremony, wooden Houses are built into which is placed paper and straw stuffed ''dolls'' to represent a particular Deity. It is believed that both Heaven and Hell ''opens'' to allow Spirits to commune with their Ancestors or Humankind in general. Prayers are offered to those Souls ''suffering'' in Hell, as well as food (prepared) for The Spirits ''consumption''. Other offerings include Joss (or ''Hell Money'') and other ''valuables'' needed by the ''suffering Dead''. For those Spirits already in ''Paradise'', Family ''welcome'' them with a great feast and other valuables for them to ''take back with them''. At the end of The Ceremony, the ''Paper Gods'' are burned, to ensure that Prayers ''go with them'' to their Realms.