Ghost Festival, September 3

September 3 of this year corresponds to the 15th day of the 7th month per the lunar calender making it the day of the Ghost Festival in China.  This is a day when ghost are free to walk the earth and many activities are provided for their benefit.  Monks will throw rice into the air to feed them, shops will close to keep the streets clear for the ghosts and even entertainment is provided for them in the form of concerts and plays.  While some people may think this is a scary time it is much more a reflection of the past and honoring ancestors.  People do things for the benefit of the spirits such as at the concerts the first row is left empty for the ghosts.