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Series of rituals have to be performed to pacify these tumultuous spirits.The 7th month of the Chinese lunar calendar marks the Festival of the Hungry Ghost ie. the Chinese version of Halloween. The Chinese believed that the gates in the nether world would open, providing an opportunity for the ghosts to emerge. It is said that on the 14th day, virtually all the ghosts will be let loose to freely roam the world. A series of rituals have to be performed to pacify these tumultuous spirits. It is believed that the souls of those who had died from accidents, disasters and homicides are restless. To appease these souls food which normally consists of biscuits, sweets and peanuts would be offered besides paper money for the circulation in the underworld.Effigy of a ship and a horse were constructed.  

Ironically these notes were pragmatically printed in this world. These paper money would be burnt together with candles and joss sticks. These sort of offerings were normally carried out on the road fringes. On a grander scale, preparations would start days ahead.  Canopies were put up and the names of the sponsors would be tagged on the offerings and displayed on the altar. 

A ship and a horse together with its rider in paper effigies would be burnt to transport these salvaged souls to nirvana. Chinese opera would be performed to amuse and entertain the spirits. Interestingly, the showEscorted by the rider, the ship is believed to be able to transport the souls to nirvana. will go on even when there is no audience. In actual fact, the show was meant for the spectators from the other world. According to the Chinese, the 7th month is also considered a month of taboo for auspicious events like marriages, celebrations, contracts and moving into new premises which should be avoided at all costs. According to some unsubstantiated reports, the accident rate will be higher than any in other month. The rationale behind this is spooky enough. It is believed that the restless souls of those who had  died of violence are seeking physical entities in the form of human bodies for the process of reincarnation.

 

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