In the Ghost Festival story, the return of ancestors' spirits is a significant element. People prepare a lot for their arrival. They clean the houses and set up special places for worship. Also, the idea of karma plays a role. If people are good during this time and do proper offerings, they will have good luck. And the presence of wandering spirits who are also part of the festival's concept. They are the ones that people also try to appease with offerings.
One main element is the opening of the gates of the underworld. It allows ghosts to come out. Another is the offerings like food and paper money. People believe ghosts need these things in the afterlife.
Often, there are ghosts as main characters. They can be the spirits of ancestors. For example, in stories about family reunions during the Ghost Festival, the ancestors' ghosts are central. Also, there are often figures like Taoist priests or Buddhist monks. They play important roles in dealing with the ghosts, either by protecting people from harmful spirits or helping the lost souls find peace. Another common character is the ordinary person who accidentally encounters the supernatural during the Ghost Festival.
The Hungry Ghost Festival is a traditional Asian festival. The story goes that during this time, the gates of the underworld open, and the hungry ghosts are allowed to roam the earth. These ghosts are believed to be those who have no descendants to make offerings to them or those with unfulfilled desires. People perform various rituals like making food offerings to appease the ghosts and prevent them from causing misfortune.
The main element is the battle between good and evil represented by Prahlada and Holika. Prahlada's faith in Lord Vishnu is another key element.
Well, in an Autumn Festival story, the time of the year, which is autumn, is a big element. The changing leaves, the cooler air, all set the mood. The traditions like lighting lanterns are important. For example, there might be a story where a child gets lost during the lantern - lighting and then finds his way back home with the help of the lanterns' light. And of course, the celebration of harvest is also a main element, as the Autumn Festival is related to the end of the harvest season.
The Hungry Ghost Festival has roots in ancient beliefs. It's believed that during this time, the gates of the underworld open and ghosts are allowed to roam the earth. People offer food and perform rituals to appease the ghosts and ensure peace.
In the full moon festival story, family reunion is a crucial element. The festival is a time for families to come together, just like how the full moon gathers light. The stories of immortals like Chang'e and the Jade Rabbit are also main elements. These stories add a sense of legend and wonder. Also, the offerings made to the moon such as fruits are elements that are part of the traditional story and practice.
The main element is the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. It shows the triumph of good. Also, the nine days of Navaratri before Dasara are important as they symbolize the goddess's preparation for the battle.
One of the well - known Chinese Ghost Festival stories is about Mu Lian. Mu Lian was a very pious Buddhist. His mother, however, was not a kind - hearted person. After she died, she was sent to the underworld and suffered great pain. Mu Lian was determined to save his mother. Using his great spiritual power, he descended into the underworld. There, he saw his mother in a miserable state. Mu Lian tried to feed his mother food, but the food turned into fire as soon as it touched her mouth. Mu Lian was very sad. Eventually, through his sincere prayers and great merit, he was able to save his mother and help her to be reborn in a better place. This story shows the importance of filial piety in Chinese culture, and also reflects the theme of the Ghost Festival - to remember and care for the deceased ancestors.
The Ghost Festival, also known as Zhongyuan Festival in China. It is believed that on this day, the gates of hell open and ghosts are allowed to roam the earth. People will offer sacrifices to their ancestors and wandering spirits. They burn incense, offer food and paper money. It's a way to show respect to the deceased and also to pray for peace and good fortune.
In the Duanwu Festival story, the most important elements are Qu Yuan, dragon boat racing and zongzi. Qu Yuan's story is the core. His patriotism and misfortune made people remember him. Dragon boat racing shows people's eagerness to rescue him. And zongzi is a way of showing respect for him by preventing the fish from harming his body. Also, elements like mugwort leaves and realgar wine are part of the story as they are used for warding off evil spirits in the context of commemorating Qu Yuan.