je me souviens

Flower Power - Sophie Gamand

“Flower Power is about challenging myself to approach pit bulls with a fresh perspective and an open heart. I invite the viewer to do the same." [x]

WHAT IS IT?

The Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. This day falls in July or August in our Western calendar.

It is believed that the gates of hell are open throughout the Hungry Ghost Month but they are most open on this night. It is believed many hungry and wayward ghosts come to visit the living.

Many believers refrain from going out after the dark for fear they may encounter a ghost. They are also extra cautious near the water as the ghosts of people who die by drowning are considered especially troublesome especially when they wander the living world.

HOW IS IT CELEBRATED?

The Hungry Ghost Festival often begins with a parade with decorated lanterns in various shapes, including boats and houses, are placed atop decorated floats. The paper lanterns are then carried to the water, lit, and released.

The glowing lanterns and boats are meant to give directions to lost souls and help ghosts and deities find their way to the food offerings. The paper lanterns eventually catch on fire and sink.

There are also special ceremonies to avoid the wrath of the ghosts such as putting the family’s ancestral tablets on a table, burning incense, and preparing food three times that day. 

Plates of food are put out for the ghosts on the table. People also feast on this night, and they might leave a place open at the table for a lost ancestor.

WHAT ARE THE ORIGINS?

The origin of the Hungry Ghost Festival and the Ghost Month (鬼月) in China is uncertain. Cultures in Asia from India to Cambodia to Japan share similar beliefs about the month, and these traditions seem to date from before Buddha. 

One story of the Hungry Ghost Festival’s origin is that of one of the Buddha’s disciples, Mulian. He tried to save his mother from hell where she had to compete with other hungry ghosts for food. When he tried to send his mother food, it would burst into flames, so the Buddha taught him to make food offerings to the ghosts to keep them from stealing his mother’s food.

Another version says Mulian traveled to hell on lunar July 15 to offer food and ask that his mother be released. His filial piety paid off and she was released, leading to the tradition of burning incense and offering food during the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Took this picture last summer(2010) in Colorado. Right outside of a friends Cabin.

my only sunshine

you make me happy

when skies are gray

you’ll never know dear

how much i love you

please dont take

my sunshine away

history meme: one war | revolution of france 1789-1799

We strokesss it, we petsss its hair.

Myyyyyyyyy prrrreccciousssssssssss!!!!

Know where you stand: Modern Day Locations blended with Major Historical Events by Seth Taras 

1. The Hindenberg Disaster of May 6, 1937 

2. Allied soldiers rushing the beach at Normandy in June 1944

3. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989