Origin and History of Halloween in China
Halloween is a religious festival which signifies the connection between the living and the dead. It began about 2,000 years ago, during the rule of Han Dynasty in China. Halloween is celebrated on the 14th night of the seventh lunar month according to the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the spirits revisit the mortal world on this day. Halloween in China is also known as the Ghost Festival, Teng Chieh, Zhugyuan Jie and so on.
Local name: Teng Chieh
Ways to celeberate Teng Chieh in China
The Halloween festival is also called as Teng Chieh in China. Families prepare a variety of traditional food stuff and offer them to their ancestors (the departed souls of their family). Bonfires, lanterns and colorful hanging lights are lit on miniature paper boats. Lanterns on water are released to make way for the spirits. In China, Buddhist and Taoist priests chant liturgies and perform rituals and pray for the spirits. Halloween is also mentioned as the feast of the hungry ghosts in China because it is dedicated to spirits on a peaceful journey to heaven. Especially to those who are not given a proper burial after passing away.
