What is a ghost moon? What month is ghost month?

July calendar is the "ghost moon" in China folklore. It is said that every year on the 30th day of June in the lunar calendar, the Tibetan King Bodhisattva, who is in charge of hell, will open the ghost gate and release the hungry ghost until the 30th day of July.

In ancient China, most people believed in ghosts and gods. Legend has it that anyone who dies normally can be reincarnated. People who die unexpectedly because of their sins will become ghosts after death. These hungry orphans wander around the world. Some evil spirits will also take the opportunity to harass the living in the world, causing people to die because of dangerous accidents. Therefore, people who accidentally die at this time of year are usually called "taken away by ghosts" by affiliated associations.

In order to make people and ghosts in the world of Yin and Yang safe, our country has the custom of setting up Purdue in July since ancient times. It is believed that the "Purdue" ceremony for these ghosts can help them get rid of the suffering of hell as soon as possible. On the other hand, it is hoped that they will stop harassing the living people in the world. Therefore, every July, in addition to the "Purdue" ceremony, we also burn more paper on the roadside to make a fortune. Later, it evolved into the custom of "putting lights on" and "respecting brothers".

Because this kind of universal salvation means praying for peace, in addition to offering rich sacrifices to all "good brothers" on the Mid-Autumn Festival in July 15, people also invite theatrical troupes to perform acts in return for God and hold banquets for guests, which is very expensive. Now advocate saving and improving folk customs. Although there are still Purdue activities, they have been much streamlined.

The cultural custom that everything is inappropriate in July of the lunar calendar is formed because a series of natural and man-made disasters occurred in July last year, which easily makes people feel afraid of this period. In today's society, many taboos have gradually failed to stand the test of the times, but there are still some things that science still cannot explain.