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The Chinese believe that the first day of the 7th lunar month, the gates of hell swing open, permitting the ghosts of deceased relatives to return to their earthly homes for a visit. In order to placate the spirits and discourage their mischief, Buddhist priests are invited to bless foods and offering and supplicate the spirits with prayer. These offerings are also to prevent the ghosts of criminals and spirits with no living relatives from entering one’s house and cause trouble.