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.

Comments

Gongteck Prayers Ceremony at Klang Selangor, Malaysia

Ancestor worship is based on the belief that the bereaved family members of the deceased have a continued existence and possess the ability to influence the fortunes of the living. Early forms of ancestor worship were deeply rooted and extensively developed by the Late Neolithic Period in China. With the teachings of Confucianism and Taoism, religious traditions such as ancestor worship have become an integral part of the daily activities of Chinese descendants. The goal of ancestor worship is to ensure the well-being of ancestors in the netherworld and sometimes to request special favors or assistance. The social function of ancestor worship is to cultivate kinship values such as filial piety, family loyalty, and the continuity of the family lineage. The rituals of ancestor worship commonly involve making offerings to deceased ancestors to ensure their welfare in the afterlife, which is often imagined resembling earthly life. Ancestor worship typically begins with the...

Ancestor Worship at San Qing Gong Temple, Singapore

Ancestor worship in Chinese tradition is a deeply rooted practice aimed at honoring ancestors, seeking their guidance, and ensuring their continued spiritual well-being in the afterlife. It reflects cultural values of filial piety, respect for elders, and the importance of familial connections across generations. In Chinese tradition, bereaved family members of a deceased will set up a home altar for the purpose of ancestor worship after the funeral. The altar normally includes a photograph of the deceased, an inscription of its name on a memorial tablet, and an urn for offerings. Daily or twice-daily offerings are made to ensure the deceased has a good start in the afterlife. Necessities such as the deceased's favorite food and drink are placed on the altar. After 49 days, the altar is usually taken down, which marks the period during which the deceased is believed to undergo judgment in the netherworld. Following this, the deceased is worshipped alongside all other ancestors of t...

Xi'an Chong Yang Gong Temple, Shaan'xi Province, China

As per the Chinese saying, Xi'an stands as a symbol of Chinese culture. It was once known as Chang'an, the ancient capital of the Han and Tang Dynasties. Located in Shaanxi Province, the ancient capital of Xi'an has fostered a diverse religious culture encompassing Taoism, Buddhism, and Islam. Chong Yang Gong Temple in Xi'an is dedicated to the founder of Quanzhen Taoism, Master Wang Chong Yang. The Quanzhen Sect, also known as The Complete Perfection Tradition of Taoism, emphasizes that Taoist cultivation should begin with the self. Specifically, practitioners are taught to empty themselves of selfish desires as a foundational practice. Chong Yang Gong Temple has a historical establishment of over 800 years and covers about six acres of land. The palace underwent renovations two years ago, featuring a fascinating gallery of Taoist exhibits. Among these exhibits is a sacred tower that prominently displays the remains of Master Wang Chong Yang, offering visitors a close ...

My Diary

Search This Blog