Ghost month is always the 7th lunar month. This year that falls from August 10th - September 7th. Basically, the Chinese and Taiwanese believe that the gates of Hell are thrown open at the beginning of this lunar month and the ghosts, or spirits, are free to roam the Earth. During certain times of this month, more specifically the 1st day and the 15th day of the lunar month, the people set out "offerings" for the ghosts. The streets are frangrant with the intense smell of incense. All along the sidewalks, tables are loaded with snacks, sodas, tea, noodles, chips, chicken, etc. There are containers bursting with flames as the 'ghost money' and 'ghost clothing' are burned for the spirits to bring back to Hell with them. Businesses have these areas set up right outside and the workers will come outside to 'worship' or 'praise' the ghosts. If they provide enough offerings and praises to appease the ghosts, they will be assured of a year of prosperity and peace. Pictured above is one of the smaller tables of the many set up and down every street.
I asked one of my lau shi (teachers) about death and what that meant to her. She told me that everyone went to the 'ground.' There was no way to get straight into 'heaven' with the Gods. She told me that only heroes got to go immediately to be with the gods. The rest of the people all went to the 'ground.' Based on how 'good' of a person you were and how much people praise you, you are placed into a level (for lack of a better word). The really really bad people have to work in the heat of the ground with very little food and no clothing. The people that were really 'good' do not have to work in the 'ground,' but get to stand in the doorways waiting to be reincarnated. So I asked my sweet teacher if her ancestors were in the 'ground' and she simply replied, "Well, yes, but they aren't working" and smiled sweetly at me. But she was quick to assure me that it wasn't religion, but just tradition. Pictured above is the burning of the "ghost money."As I walked through the streets with the incense frangrance nearly choking me and the smoke from the burning ghost money stinging my eyes, I was so completely overwhelmed with so many emotions. Thankful that I have faith and hope in the one true God and I don't have to burn money, clothing, or give Him food so that He will provide me with peace and prosperity for the next year. Broken hearted that so many of the Taiwanese people that I have come to love and care about are so trapped in this type of bondage. Blessed to have a personal relationship with my Savior. Frustrated that I didn't have the language capabilities to stop immediately and share the hope that I have from God with the people standing around, 'bai bai'-ing (worshipping) to the ghosts.
Please lift up my Taiwanese friends, believers and not-yet-believers, especially during the last few days of Ghost Month. Please contact me if you would like to know more specific details to be lifting up to Father!
