In my childhood, my favorite holiday is Zhongyuan Purdue. I can get together with my neighbors; we can watch the outdoor opera on this day. In addition , I can see a lot of red lanterns. People hung them on pillars.
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【Red Lanterns】 (Taken from Google Graphics.) |
In Taiwan, July 15 is the "Ghost Festival." According to legend, Lin wanted to save his mother, so Lin visited the hell. Lin prepared a lot of food for his dead mother. His mother was guilty and so she could not swallow the food. Lin asked God to help him, so God asked him to prepare a lot of food for ghosts in July every year. This doing can redeem his mother’s sin. Later this tradition becomes the origin of Zhonguan Purdue.
In Chinese lunar calendar, July is known as "ghost month." All ghosts will return to the human world. To seek peace, people hold a "Putu" ceremony in July. People prepare much food, and ghosts can enjoy the offerings. Taiwanese called the ghosts “Good Brothers .” Temples will release water lanterns to guide those ghosts, so those ghosts will not get lost. They can reach the human world successfully. In the meantime, people avoid some taboos, such as: Do not travel; do not go near the sea; do not get married.
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【Offerings of Putu】 (Taken from Google Graphics.) |
In Taiwan, a Putu ceremony means that people must respect ghosts. It is also a symbol of ethnic coexistence, peace, and compassion for people. This festival combines religion, cultural value and folk practice. Zhongyuan Purdue teaches young generations to respect and memorize their dead ancestors. This ritual can also teach people the importance of filial piety.
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【Water lanterns】 (Taken from Google Graphics.) |
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