Duck meat is eaten on the first day of the seventh lunar month.

According to the common saying, if you eat a duck in early July, you will not be afraid of anything. The ancients believed that duck has a similar pronunciation with pressure, so it has the symbolic meaning of suppressing and exorcising evil spirits. In traditional Chinese culture, July is considered the month when the gates of ghosts open. Legend has it that ghosts can freely enter and leave the world. To pray for peace and ward off evil spirits, people choose to eat duck meat on this particular day, seeing it as a way to ward off evil spirits.

Duck meat is regarded as an auspicious food in China. Because it is close to the sound of pressure, it means to ward off evil spirits. Therefore, on this special day on the first day of July, people like to enjoy a duck meat banquet to pray for family peace. , eliminate disasters and relieve disasters.

Although the extent to which modern people hold this belief may vary from region to region and from individual to individual, this tradition is still preserved and passed down in some places. It is not only a continuation of cultural traditions, but also reflects people's desire to pray for peace and good luck.

Features of the first day of the seventh lunar month:

1. Bon Festival: In Chinese Buddhist and Taoist traditions, the first day of the seventh lunar month is the beginning of the Bon Festival. This is an important festival to worship ancestors and save the souls of the dead. During the Bon Festival, people will hold various traditional ceremonies and activities, set off firecrackers, burn incense, worship ancestors, and also hold dragon and lion dances, opera and other celebration activities.

2. Putting out river lanterns: On the night of the first day of the seventh lunar month, river lantern putting out activities will be held in many places. People will make lanterns into the shape of small boats, light candles, and put them into rivers and lakes to pray for peace and avoid disasters. This is a unique and beautiful traditional custom that attracts many tourists to watch and participate.

3. Street temple fairs: On the first day of the seventh lunar month, colorful temple fairs will be held in some places. These temple fairs usually last for several days and attract thousands of people for sightseeing and entertainment. There will be various games, performances, food and handicrafts at the temple fair for people to taste and appreciate.

4. Ghostly Moonlight Night: The first day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar is considered to be the day when the gate of ghosts opens. Legend has it that at this time, lonely souls and wild ghosts in the underworld will come out and wander. Therefore, people tend to avoid staying outdoors at night and try to stay at home to avoid unexpected encounters with ghosts.

Reference for the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia-Obon Festival

Reference for the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia-Hungry Ghost Festival