Did you see the Street Lunch Party today??

Did you see a lot of people were burning the stuff on the street today?

And a table with a lot of food?

Wonder what it's about?

It's the Street Lunch Party for the GHOSTs!!

And CONGRATs! That also mean we're half way to the end of the ghost month!

Here's the short introduction for Ghost Month (from: http://www.gio.gov.tw/info/festival_c/ghost_e/html/ghost2.htm):

"The Taiwan people refer to the seventh lunar month as "Ghost Month" , the first day of which is called the "Opening of the Gates of Hades" since it is believed that the gates of Hell are flung open on this day to allow the ghosts and spirits of the nether world into the world of the living for a month of bacchanal of food and wine. This earthly party comes to an end on the 30th day of the month, called the "Closing of the Gates of Hades" since the portals to the spirit world are shut once again on this day.

On the 15th day of Ghost Month, many people stay at home to avoid an unlucky encounter with a ghost out enjoying the Ghost Festival; and special care is taken to avoid walking near riverbanks where a water spirit may easily steal the body of the living."

So that's why people need to prepare a lot of food today for the GHOSTs,

just to make sure they won't get upset and bring them bad luck,

especially if you're running a business.

Got it??

But now some scholars say that the Ghost Month was made up by the first emperor of Ming dynasty. Why? Because the seventh month of lunar calendar had been considered the month of all the good luck, so this emperor didn't want people to share the luck with him. And later he lied to everyone that the seventh month of lunar calendar is the Ghost Month, then he can take all the good luck from other people and enjoy the whole month by himself. Isn't it cute?

Oh well,

if you can capture some guy without legs or head but walking on the street during the Ghost Month with your camera,

bring it to The Cat's Pajamas Hostel (Again, the BEST hostel in Taipei EVER!!),

we will offer you a free accommodation for 1 night (in the dorm).

Work hard on it, little kitten!!