The understanding of Seventh Month Prayers and their associated activities

The Lunar 7th Month Festival used to be an annual event for ancestor worship among Chinese descendants. However, my new neighbor, who recently moved in last month from mainland China, seems busier than usual. They were told by acquaintances that they should offer joss papers every day for wandering spirits during that month.

It's good to follow the tradition of 7th month prayers. However, it is also important for people to understand the meaning and purpose rather than blindly following. In Chinese tradition, the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar is called Zhong Yuan Festival (中元節), and the entire seventh month is commonly known as the Ghost Month. During this time, ghosts and wandering spirits, including those of deceased ancestors, revisit the mortal world from the lower realm.

Intrinsic to the Ghost Month is ancestor worship, where traditionally, the filial piety of descendants extends to their ancestors even after their deaths. Activities during the month include preparing ritualistic food offerings, burning incense and joss paper (a papier-mâché form of material items such as clothes, gold, and other paper effigies) for the visiting spirits of the ancestors. Elaborate meals are served with empty seats arranged for each deceased family member, treating them as if they are still living. Ancestor worship distinguishes the Qing Ming Festival from the Ghost Month, as the latter includes paying respects to all deceased, whether known or unknown.

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