Chinese families celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival at the end of every summer. According to Chinese mythology, the ‘Ghost Gate’ opens on this particular day. Ghosts of all kinds pass the gate and roam around the human world, being pretty hungry. 

We put together eight creative ways for young learners to experience the Chinese Ghost Festival, at home or as after-school activities. Download our free resource pack here.

Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival

According to Chinese mythology, the ‘Ghost Gate’ opens on this Hungry Ghost Festival. All ghosts come through the gate that day to enter the human world. 

These ghosts are believed to be ancestors. They have different personalities but share one thing in common – they are hungry. 

Some traditions include releasing lanterns to guide the ‘ghosts’ to go home.

Source of image: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-08-22/Zhongyuan-Festival-How-to-mark-China-s-ghost-festival–12WbYeLyfpm/index.html

People burn paper offerings (贡品 gòng pǐn) to wish their ghost ancestors a happy life after death. 

Source of image: http://www.guilinholiday.com/fact-v1155-ghost-festival

People toss paper money to ensure their ancestor ghosts aren’t poor. They also prepare huge banquets with real food to ‘feed’ the ghosts.

Source of image: https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/have-you-heard-of-the-hungry-ghost-festival

Source of image: https://www.foodline.sg/Discover/om-nom-taste-of-thai-review-dig-into-a-feast-this-hungry-ghost-festival/

We put together eight creative ways for young learners to experience the Chinese Ghost Festival, at home or as after-school activities. Download our free resource pack here.

#1: Art – identify

Chinese people burn paper offerings (贡品 gòng pǐn) to wish their ancestors a happy life after death. Can you identify these paper gift offerings?

#2: Music – listen

Suona, a traditional Chinese music instruction, is often played at funerals and weddings. Suona is sometimes called the Chinese clarinet. Look at the images of a clarinet and a Suona. Can you spot their differences and similarities? Click the link to listen to this Suona solo.

#3: Festivals – discover

These countries also celebrate ghosts, can you find out what these countries are and how they celebrate ghosts?

#4: Animation – watch

“Spirited Away” is a 2001 Japanese animated fantasy film. It tells the story of a ten-year-old girl who inadvertently enters the world of ghosts while moving to a new neighborhood. It’s a story about courage, adventure and friendship. Watch a short clip of “Spirited Away”.

#5: Langauge – solve

Figure out these English words and Chinese phrases that include ‘ghost’. Take a guess, what do they mean? Download the resource pack to find answers.

#6: Craft – make

Creating and offering a flower bouquet is a gesture of respect, love, and remembrance, helping both the giver and the recipient find solace in a time of loss. In China, it’s usually shown as a big flower wreath. In other countries, it may be shown as a flower bouquet. Download the resource pack to find tutorials on making four sorts of paper flowers: lily, rose, chrysanthemums, and carnation.

#7: Design – show and tell

Think about the type of ghost you want to create. Is it spooky, friendly, mysterious, or whimsical？ Design your ghost.

#8: Celebrate

Join our live online event to unlock the secrets of the Chinese Ghost Festival with kids worldwide. Click the link to book your place.