Title: Legend of Zhong Yuan Hui aka Pu Tor
Description: Lunar 7th Month : Ghost month
Description: Lunar 7th Month : Ghost month
REBORN - September 2, 2007 03:28 PM (GMT)
THE LEGEND OF ZHONG YUAN JIE : LUNAR 7TH MONTH
aka MENG LAN SHENG HUI
Traditionally, the lunar 7th month is an important month for most Chinese.
In Taoism, it is known as "Zhong Yuan Pu Tor " aka "Zhong Yuan Jie".
In Buddhism, it is known as "Meng Lan Sheng Hui", a festival in remembrance of Mu Lan's filiality:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival
In Taoism, Zhong Yuan Jie is one of the three main festivals, namely,
i) On 15th day of the Ist Lunar month is known as "Shang Yuan" (Upper year/season).
This date is the celebration of "Tian Guan, Heavenly Emperor" aka Ji Wei Da Di;
ii) On the 15th day of the 7th month is known as "Zhong Yuan" (Mid year/season).
This date is the celebration of "Di Guan, Earthly Emperor;
iii) On the 15th day of the 10th Lunar month is known as "Xie Yuan" (Lower year/season).
This date is the celebration of "Shui Guan, Water Emperor). :
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Taoism, Zhong Yuan Jie is a time for reflection of the things that have happened during the first 'part' of the year. As this period also coincides with the 'opening of hell gate', many people were too engrossed in seeing that our good brothers and sisters' needs were taken care of!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
REBORN - September 3, 2007 12:35 AM (GMT)
Zhong Yuan Jie
On Saturday, 20th day of the lunar 7th month, I was invited to observe an simple "private' ritual of Zhong Yuan Jie. It is different from the "public" celebration where the setup is grand and usually have a getai.
Master Simon Li was the Taoist Priest conducting this ritual.
This is the main offering altar:
(Those circular 'Tian shang' are to bless the roasted pig. This is more a Buddhist custom)
A must in all Zhong Yuan Jie celebration......
And of course, Guan Yin Niang Niang:
This is the different (between the 'private' and 'public' celebration). A separate altar for the deceased!
(I noticed that the Kim shan and Yeng shan have the top facing downward. This is to bless all the people there).
AND they also provides private amendities......
(for the netherworld escorts/ambassors whom escorted the two deceased members that were invited for this celebratin!):
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The ritual started off with the dotting of Da Shi Ye, Guan Yin Niang Niang and the magic mirror.
Members were gathered in front of the main offering altar. Master Simon that begins chanting and the list of all the members were read. Interesting, the unit number of the residency and not the actual name of the person were read out!:
After chanting the scripts, all the members were lead towards the 'local' altar and tea were offered to these 'local' deities:
Members were lead back to the main tentage where Master Li continued with the ritual. Some offerings were thrown on the floor for members to pick up. The purpose of this ritual is to remind members not to be wasteful.
Next come the chao tu for the deceased members.
And finally the offering of wines to all the "good brothers and sisters". :
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Preparation for the final sending off:
Dances of the fire RED PHOENIX!
The most amazing dance I ever seen!
On Saturday, 20th day of the lunar 7th month, I was invited to observe an simple "private' ritual of Zhong Yuan Jie. It is different from the "public" celebration where the setup is grand and usually have a getai.
Master Simon Li was the Taoist Priest conducting this ritual.
This is the main offering altar:
(Those circular 'Tian shang' are to bless the roasted pig. This is more a Buddhist custom)
A must in all Zhong Yuan Jie celebration......
And of course, Guan Yin Niang Niang:
This is the different (between the 'private' and 'public' celebration). A separate altar for the deceased!
(I noticed that the Kim shan and Yeng shan have the top facing downward. This is to bless all the people there).
AND they also provides private amendities......
(for the netherworld escorts/ambassors whom escorted the two deceased members that were invited for this celebratin!):
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The ritual started off with the dotting of Da Shi Ye, Guan Yin Niang Niang and the magic mirror.
Members were gathered in front of the main offering altar. Master Simon that begins chanting and the list of all the members were read. Interesting, the unit number of the residency and not the actual name of the person were read out!:
After chanting the scripts, all the members were lead towards the 'local' altar and tea were offered to these 'local' deities:
Members were lead back to the main tentage where Master Li continued with the ritual. Some offerings were thrown on the floor for members to pick up. The purpose of this ritual is to remind members not to be wasteful.
Next come the chao tu for the deceased members.
And finally the offering of wines to all the "good brothers and sisters". :
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Preparation for the final sending off:
Dances of the fire RED PHOENIX!
The most amazing dance I ever seen!