The Real Meaning of the Universal Salvation ritual during the Middle Primordial Festival
The seventh month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar is often called "Ghost Month." At the time of the Middle Primordial Festival Zhongyuan, many people partake in the Universal Salvation ritual, placing offerings for the roaming dead souls who cannot be reincarnated and who have no one to offer sacrifice to them. Those wandering spirits are often called "Good Brothers." In reality, however, the festival's highlight should be the ritual offerings for the ancestral spirits. According to the Taoist belief, once the ancestors are adequately cared for, one can think about lonely souls wandering on this earth.
The seventh month of the lunar year is the perfect time for those inhabiting the land of living to show concern for their forefathers. For many, however, the "Ancestral Worship Month" as a name is too plain-looking. Vividly described stories of ghosts and spirits have been widely adopted in Chinese culture since the early medieval times. That is why the somewhat romantic name "Ghost Month" became more attractive. After some decades, not only the name but the whole festivities for the ancestors during this month were replaced by the offerings given to houseless ghosts and spirits. The original meaning of the Middle Primordial Festival has been lost.
How to hold a successful Universal Salvation ceremony, then? In Taoist Association, we believe that our ancestors earned the right to be worshipped by their descendants. Haven't they experienced various natural and man-made calamities? Weren't they struggling for their survival, fighting over food and water during times of war and chaos? No matter how dire their circumstances were, they could pull through, ensuring the life of the next generations. That is why we, as their offspring, are obliged to pay them respects by burning incense before their altars. However, there is no life without death, and survival comes at a high cost, often by harming other people or souls. The religious assembly for the Universal Salvation ceremony at the Middle Primordial Festival is a great occasion to pay respects to one's ancestors and other souls that have been victims of one's survival. Thanks to the Taoist priest's performance, the descendants can deliver an official document to heaven, facilitating the salvation of lost souls.
To let the spirits enjoy the offerings displayed on the unique tables during the festival, one should consecrate them in a special Taoist ritual. After the food and other offerings are purified from negative energy, the ghosts can eat them. The consecrated items always work better than the regular offerings!
Proper etiquette and custom during the Middle Primordial Festival entail 1) In the morning, it is best to participate in temple conduct that commemorates the birthday of the Great Earthly Emperor-Official; later, one can pay respects to one's ancestors at home (it is also possible to register ancestors for the recommendation zhai ceremony that time) 2) Afternoon is the best time to pray for the salvation of lost souls. Being grateful and fulfilling one's filial duty is a common aspect of Chinese traditional education. It also conforms to the ancient spirit of "saving yourself and other beings."