zhōng yuán jié中元节：gǎn ēn感恩zǔ xiān祖先de的rì zi日子
Today is the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, known as the Zhongyuan Festival in China.
On this day, people commemorate their ancestors and express their longing for loved ones.
Together with Qingming Festival and New Year's Eve, it is an important day for ancestor worship.
The Zhongyuan Festival originates from a Buddhist story.
Legend has it that a monk named Mulian offered food and prayers on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month to save his deceased mother.
His filial piety moved heaven, and he successfully rescued his mother.
People were touched by his filial devotion and began to worship their own ancestors on this day, passing down the tradition.
In traditional customs, every household sets up offerings, burns paper money, and prays for the peace of their ancestors.
At night, some people release river lanterns, small lights floating along the water carrying the blessings and thoughts of their families.
In some southern regions, there are also rituals called 'Pudu' to prepare food for lonely spirits and wandering ghosts, hoping they will no longer be alone.
In modern society, the Zhongyuan Festival is quietly changing.
In cities, due to environmental protection and safety, many places no longer allow the casual burning of paper money.
Instead, there are public burning sites or online memorial services.
Although the methods differ, the core spirit of respecting ancestors and cherishing family remains unchanged.
The Zhongyuan Festival reminds us to pause in our busy lives, think of our families, and express gratitude.
No matter the form, this heartfelt intention will be passed down from generation to generation.