Zhong Yuan Festival

Death is not the end, being forgotten is. On the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, it is the Zhongyuan Festival. And today is just that day in the year of 2025. As the sky grows dark, families prepare food to honor their ancestors. In some areas, people also float lanterns on rivers and lakes. This is to light the way for the spirits of their loved ones to come back home. 

Ancient Chinese believe that honoring the dead was not superstition. It was a way to keep a connection between the living and the spirits of the deceased through rituals. This is also a deep part of Chinese culture called “filial piety”-a way to show love and respect for our ancestors. We keep these old traditions not because we want to stay in the past, but to remind the next generation where their roots are and how to find peace in their hearts. May the spirits of our loved ones rest in peace and be cherished. May the living find peace and unity in this world.