The Ghost Festival

Watercolor & ink & shredded Paper｜18x12 inch | 2023

The Ghost Festival is such an interesting part of Taiwanese culture! It happens in mid-July of the lunar calendar, and people believe it’s when ancestors and spirits return from the other world to visit. To welcome them, we prepare offerings and hold celebrations. In 基隆 (Keelung), there’s even a formal ceremony with fireworks and water lanterns to guide lost spirits to the event.

The offerings are really specific—you need at least three types of meat and seasonal fruits. My parents used to tell me not to eat the food while it’s being offered. As a kid, I couldn’t help but think, “Isn’t this just a ghost buffet?” So naturally, I had to draw a table full of ghost cats enjoying the buffet at the festival.

Aside from food, there’s also ghost money (the “other world currency”) on the table. I included a cat tossing ghost money around because she’s thrilled with the donations!

We also prepare some shower items for a pretty ghost - she hadn’t showered for a year, ahh), alcohol, and hire performers to keep our ghostly customers entertained. We want to keep our ancestors entertained!