subject: Ghost Festival: When The Gates Of Hell Open [print this page] Predominantly a Chinese festival, and celebrated by the Chinese populations residing in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan and Vietnam as well, the Ghost Festival is no ordinary festival. Chinese calendar's seventh lunar month is also known as the ghost month for it said that during this period, the Gates to Hell are opened and malevolent spirits begin to roam earth.
There are three specific days that garner much importance during this month. The first day of the Ghost month is when the Gates are opened and the spirits from Hell are released. Therefore, these spirits are offered food and incense by believers, in altars set up outside homes for this very purpose. Both one's ancestors as well as other spirits are made these offerings so that a dangerous spirit may not feel inclined to cause you or your family any harm.
It is on the second important day that is the 15th day of the month that the Ghost Festival takes place. On this day, both Buddhists and Taoists are of the belief that the gates to both heaven as well as hell are open and they conduct many rituals to reduce their suffering of the spirits. On this night, believers set out delicious meals to satisfy the hunger of the deceased thus earning the holiday the name of 'Hungry Ghost Festival'. This is a solemn holiday for it is believed that this month is inauspicious and is therefore unsuitable for activities such as moving house and big business deals. People even stay away from bodies of water for they fear that they will be dragged in by a ghost residing there.
Finally, on the last day of the lunar month, the gates are closed and the chanting of the believers are said to guide the spirits back. Thus ends a most curious celebration of the deceased and an interesting insight into the Chinese culture and belief system.
In Vietnam, the festival is carried out similarly. This festival is among the many interesting cultural insights that the country offers travellers and therefore tourists visit the country in abundance. When seeking accommodation in a Vietnam hotel, perhaps consider staying at Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa located on one of the unspoilt beaches of the country. This resort in Mui Ne will ensure that you deserve the very best in terms of the service and cuisine whilst allowing you to soak in the culture and history unique to Vietnam.
