The Ghost Festival, also known as the Chinese Ghost Festival or the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that honors the spirits of ancestors and ghosts. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, which typically falls in August or September. Here's an English introduction to its origins and customs:

**Origins:**
The Ghost Festival is believed to have originated from ancient Chinese beliefs in ancestor worship and the worship of ghosts. It is thought to be a time when ghosts return to the mortal world to visit their loved ones. The festival is also associated with the story of the Compassionate King, who, according to legend, opened the gates of hell to allow spirits to return to the world for one day.
**Customs:**
1. **Offerings to the Dead:** Families typically set up altars in their homes or at gravesites to offer food, drinks, and paper replicas of money and other items that the spirits might need in the afterlife. These offerings are burned to symbolically provide for the spirits.
2. **Zongzi (Dumplings):** Zongzi, a sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves, is a traditional food associated with the Ghost Festival. It is believed that eating zongzi can prevent ghosts from causing harm.
3. **Lanterns:** People often release lanterns into the sky as a way to guide lost spirits back to the spirit world. These lanterns are usually lit with candles and carry wishes or prayers for the ancestors.
4. **Fairy Balls:** In some regions, people create and release "fairy balls" made of paper or other materials. These are believed to carry away bad spirits.
5. **Festive Foods:** Apart from zongzi, other festive foods such as fruits, vegetables, and meat may be prepared and offered to the spirits.
6. **Special Performances:** Various performances, such as dragon and lion dances, are held to entertain the spirits and ward off evil.
7. **Avoiding Bad Behavior:** It is considered bad luck to do certain activities during the Ghost Festival, such as sweeping the floor, washing hair, or taking a bath, as these might sweep away the spirits or wash them away.
8. **Wearing Red:** Some people wear red, believing that the color can scare away evil spirits.
The Ghost Festival is a time of both respect and celebration for the spirits, reflecting a blend of ancient traditions and modern practices in Chinese culture.
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