Dining with the Ghosts of Your Ancestors

In Chinese culture, Zhong Yuan Jie, now known as Ghost Festival, is an ancient tradition in which the Chinese believe spirits are welcomed back to Earth to walk among the living.

This year, Ghost Day is celebrated Aug. 17, but varies depending on the region in China. Deceased ancestors are believed to come back from the afterlife and join living relatives for the day. The living will often prepare a large spread of food, typically vegetarian, for deceased loved ones. Some even leave room at the table for homeless spirits with nowhere else to go.

There are activities all month leading to Ghost Day, like floating lanterns at night on the water to guide the lost souls home and welcome them from the underworld. Throughout the month, people celebrating will burn incense, paper-mâché forms of gold, jewelry and fine clothing as a ritualistic offerings for the spirits.

There are also quite a few activities not encouraged during Ghost Month, such as buying a new home, moving and getting married.

There will typically be several open seats at the table, welcoming spirits to join the living for dinner and celebration. The entire event is meant to absolve the suffering of the deceased and allow them one earthly meeting with loved ones.