People in China believe that the 15th day of the seventh lunar month is the climax of the ghost month and the day when the gate of hell is wide open, which is also called Ghost Festival. Because it is a festival that integrates monks, customs and Taoism, it is also called Zhongyuan Festival, Arahara Festival and July and a half.
During the period from the first opening of the gate of hell on the first day of the seventh lunar month to the closing of the gate of hell on the 30th of the seventh lunar month, ghosts from the underworld returned to the dead to reunite with their relatives. At the same time, there are also many homeless ghosts. Ghosts from the underworld will flock to the dead and wander anywhere where people can find food.
In order to avoid excessive resentment, people burn incense and paper money for ghosts when the gate of hell is opened. People often set up Dojo to place steamed buns for ghosts, and on this day, they worship their ancestors, light lamps on graves and light the way home for the dead. Taoist temples around the country will also hold grand ceremonies to cross over the souls of the deceased.