A significant even for the Chinese is Cheng Meng Day, which usually falls on the first week of the second month of the Chinese calendar. On that day, the whole family, the family goes to the cemetery to clear the ground around the graves of parents and ancestors. Prayers are also said for their souls. Food offerings are also taken to the cemetery. These rites at the graveyards of the ancestors plus the food offerings are only meant to honor the departed ancestors. Some Chinese believe that the souls of their ancestors would come back to feast upon the food offered to them.
The Chinese also celebrate the seventh month of their calendar. They believe that in this month the souls of their dead ancestors are released to roam about the universe for one whole month. Most families make certain offerings to their ancestors. These offerings are in the form of ordinary food and they are offered in temples and at market areas. A lot of joss sticks are burned by the roadside by those who are offering prayers for their ancestors.
Discussion
- How is All Souls’ Day celebrated in the students’ country? (when, where is it celebrated, what kinds of food and items are offered, why do they celebrate, etc.)
- Is the Hungry Ghost Festival also celebrated in the students’ country? Discuss.
- Volunteer can ask the student what they think happens to a person after death and then can introduce generally what the volunteer himself/herself believes in life after death.