Chung Yuan Festival

Chung Yuan Festival, originally uploaded by jdgemm, CLICK PICs for more.

Takes place on the 15th day of the Seventh month (Lunar calender). Also halfway through ghost month.

According to Kate's Mom, in the morning they performed certain rituals inside for their ancestors.

Rituals include setting out food, drink, cigarettes for those departed spirits. Also included is burning of "ghost money" to make sure they're well provided for in the spirit world.

In the afternoon they performed other rituals for those spirits who don't have friends or relatives outside. In addition, it helps ensure those spirits don't cause any trouble to the family. Sounds a little like spiritual extortion.

Unfortunately in the China Post it was reported that burning ghost money releases benzene which is a cancer-causing substance.

As Kate's mom says, it's hard to change customs.