In traditional Chinese culture, "Universal Salvation" (普渡 - Pu Du) mainly refers to the "Zhongyuan Universal Salvation" (中元普渡), which is an important custom and activity of the Zhongyuan Festival (Ghost Festival) on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. Zhongyuan Universal Salvation is not only prevalent in mainland China but is also widely spread in Chinese communities in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia.
1. Origins and Significance
- Origins: The origins of Universal Salvation can be traced back to Buddhist and Taoist cultures. Legend has it that it originated during the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang, who set up vegetarian feasts and offered food to monks to deliver the souls of the deceased. Later, it gradually evolved into a large-scale folk sacrificial activity.
- Significance: Universal Salvation aims to deliver wandering souls and wild ghosts, comfort the spirits of the deceased, and prevent them from causing trouble in the human world. Through this ritual, people hope to receive the blessings and protection of their ancestors and the departed, ensuring their family's peace, health, and smooth life.
2. Timing
- Main Timing: Universal Salvation is usually held in the seventh month of the lunar calendar, with the 15th day being the most grand.
- Other Times: Some regions or families will also choose to hold small-scale Universal Salvation activities on the Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) or other special days.
3. Forms of Activities
- Preparation for Sacrifices: Every household will place offerings in front of their doors or in specific places, including fruits, meals, and joss paper. Among them, paper crafts such as gold and silver treasures, clothes, and houses are also common offerings.
- Ritual Process:
- Burning Incense and Praying: Praying to the deities of heaven and earth for blessings, and inviting wandering souls and wild ghosts to come and enjoy the offerings.
- Distributing Food and Releasing Lanterns: Scattering food into the air or on the water surface to symbolically feed the wandering ghosts; at night, water lanterns are released to guide the spirits back.
- Releasing the Flaming Mouth (Fang Yan Kou): A Dharma master presides over a ceremony, chanting scriptures to deliver the souls of the deceased.
- Ending: After the ceremony, all offerings will be disposed of; some are burned, and some are given away as charity to those in need.
4. Cultural Connotations
Universal Salvation is not just a simple sacrificial activity; it contains profound folk culture and religious beliefs. Through this method, people express their feelings of longing for the departed while also pinning their beautiful wishes for future life. In addition, Universal Salvation is also an opportunity to promote harmonious relationships among neighbors; everyone participates together, promoting the enhancement of community cohesion.
5. Contemporary Influence
With the development and changes in society, the forms of Universal Salvation are constantly evolving. Although traditional customs are still adhered to by many people, an increasing number of novel practices have emerged, such as online sacrifices and eco-friendly sacrifices, which not only preserve the essence of traditional culture but also meet the needs of modern society.
In conclusion, as an important folk custom, Universal Salvation carries rich cultural information and social value in the process of its inheritance and development.
