英语演讲中元节.ppt

* Ghost Festival VS Just as the west has Halloween for ghosts, the Chinese also have the Ghosts Festival to fete the departed spirits of the underworld. 中元节 The 14th and 15th of the seventh lunar month The Ghost Festival (Half July) becomes a time for remembering the importance of filial piety. The Ghost Festival, sometimes we say the Hungry Ghost Festival , also called Half July, is a popular occasion celebrated thoughtout China on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. Because it is closely related to the Buddhism, it has an other name, the Ullambana (盂兰盆节). One of the Buddhas chief disciples. His name is Maudgalyayana (梵文，“目犍连”，或“目连” Mulian) He has clairvoyant powers, an uncommon trait among monks. One day, Mulian missed his mother, and used his unique trait to see where his mother wre reborn. His mother was in the Hades and became a hungry ghost (pretas) whose throat is thin and fragile in which no food could pass through. Mulian turned to the Buddha for help. The Buddha advised him that on the Buddha‘s Joyful Day, he was to offer food and robes to 500 bhikkhus(比丘)who would help Mulian to save his mother. Through the merits created, Mulian’s mother finally gained a human birth. People prepare a large feast to the ghosts. People release river lights to warm and comfort the homeless ghosts. The lotus lights direct the ways of the underworld to the spirits. Burning incense to respect their ancestors Burning paper money and other offerings to let the ghosts live a better life underworld In some other Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore and Japan, live shows are held. The live shows include Chinese opera, dramas and even burlesque shows. The live shows are popularly knows as the “koh-tai”. And the festival activities in Japan even include sending presents. Koh-tai 七月歌台 Chinese opera Burlesque show *