
06/09/2025
【中元节 The Ghost Festival】
中元节,又称“鬼节”或“孟兰盆节”,是华人重要的传统节日,每年农历七月十五举行。它融合了道教与佛教信仰:道教称为“三元节”中的“中元”,是地官赦罪之日;佛教则称为“盂兰盆节”,源于目莲救母的故事,意在超度亡灵。民间相信农历七月是“鬼月”,此时阴间之门大开,亡魂返回阳间。因此,中元节既是缅怀祖先的时刻,也是祭祀孤魂、祈求平安的重要节日。
节日期间,人们在家中或寺庙祭祀,准备供品如烧鸡、米饭、水果,焚香、烧纸钱以慰先人。有些社区会设普渡坛,供奉“好兄弟”(无主孤魂),并分发施食。佛教寺庙则举行“盂兰盆法会”,诵经超度。部分地区还会放水灯,引导游魂回归,象征光明与解脱。此外还有歌台或戏班表演,原为酬神,后来成为民间娱乐。种种习俗体现了孝道、敬鬼神的精神,也反映了人们对生命与死亡的尊重。
在此,北大月影心随心祝愿大家中元节安康!
The Zhongyuan Festival—also known as the “Ghost Festival” or “Ullambana Festival”—is observed on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. It blends Daoist and Buddhist beliefs: in Daoism, it is the “Middle Yuan,” when the Earth Official grants amnesty for sins; in Buddhism, it is the Ullambana Festival, from the story of Maudgalyāyana (Mulian) saving his mother. It is believed the seventh lunar month is “Ghost Month,” when spirits return to the human realm. Thus, the festival honors ancestors and offers rites to wandering souls, seeking peace and protection.
Families and temples prepare offerings, burn incense and joss paper, and serve food such as chicken, rice, and fruit. In many communities, pudu (communal salvation) altars are set up for “good brothers” (unclaimed spirits). Buddhist temples hold Ullambana services, chanting sutras to deliver souls. In some regions, people float lanterns to guide spirits back, symbolizing light and release. There are also getai (song-stage) or opera shows, once meant for deities, now popular entertainment. These customs embody filial piety, reverence for spirits, and respect for the cycle of life and death.
Hereby, Hand In Hand Under The Moonlight wishes everyone a peaceful Hungry Ghost Festival!
#中元节
#北大月影心随心
#千秋万代你我同在