The Zhongyuan Festival, also known as the Obon Festival, is one of the traditional Chinese folk festivals. It is on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, which is the middle of the traditional Chinese ghost moon, and is therefore regarded as an important time to sacrifice the dead.
There are many legends and stories about the origin of the Zhongyuan Festival, the most famous of which is the legend about Obon. According to legend, Obon originated from a story in the Buddhist scripture Obon Sutra. The protagonist of the story is a monk named Mu Qianren, who sadly discovers that his mother has fallen into the midst of evil spirits. Mu Qianlian was very worried about his mother's suffering, so he sought the help of the Buddha. The Buddha told Muqianlian that he could help his mother through practice and sacrifice.
Following the Buddha's advice, he began to sacrifice and practice for his mother. His devotion and elaborate rituals satisfied the demons. In this way, the mother was revived and freed from suffering. To celebrate this miracle, the Buddha designated the 15th day of the seventh lunar month as the Middle Yuan Festival, also known as Obon.
Obon is widely celebrated in China, especially in the south. On this day, people prepare abundant food offerings to the undead to quench their hunger and thirst. Families also place incense cases and candlesticks on their doorsteps to honor ancestors and deceased relatives. Another traditional activity is the release of river lanterns, where people put bamboo tubes containing candles into the river to illuminate the undead.
Another important traditional activity of the Zhongyuan Festival is the performance of traditional stage plays, such as tea-picking and shadow puppetry. Often featuring eerie characters and storylines, these plays are designed to entertain the dead and pray for peace and a good harvest in the coming year.
Although there are many legends and stories about the origin of the Zhongyuan Festival, it all emphasizes the remembrance and sacrifice of deceased relatives. This tradition not only helps people remember their loved ones, but also spreads Chinese respect and love for family and family. The importance of the Zhongyuan Festival is not only reflected in religious beliefs, but also becomes a part of Chinese culture and is passed down from generation to generation.