Hungry Ghosts Festival

 Dedicated to the dead, the festival occurs either in August or September coinciding with the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. The main theory behind the celebration of this is basically to ward off evil spirits who, according to Chinese superstition, come down during this time on earth. People burn incense and paper money to keep away the spirits. Opera performances and offerings of food to the needy are also part of the celebrations. Children are discouraged from being outdoors after dusk. This is considered an inauspicious time and no business deal is signed nor property bought.