Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c12.s1.t2.2

v2.c12.s1.t2.2

Buddhism has great influences on folk festivals greatly. From the perspective of Buddhism, Chinese festivals can be divided into three types on the whole: firstly, with the introduction of Buddhism brings new festivals to China such as Bathing Buddha Festival, Ullambana Festival, etc. The contents of these festivals and conventions change with different tendencies in the long-term social transformation from imitating ancient Indian customs to sinicising constantly, while some contents disappear gradually and new contents increase little by little. Secondly, some Buddhist festivals integrate with traditional Chinese festivals and form mixed festivals. For example, Laba Festival combines with the day of winter sacrifice, so that ancestor worship and Buddha worship are integrated. Yuanxiao Festival combines Lantern Festive and Shangyuan Day. Ullambana Festival mixes with Hungry Ghost Festival and has richer contents including Buddha worship, ancestor worship, sweeping tomb and releasing lantern. Thirdly, Buddhism participates in activities of traditional Chinese festivals, and many of them melt into Buddhist contents, eg Double Seventh Festival, Pure Brightness Festival, Double Ninth Festival, etc. On one hand, Buddhism provides appreciation sites or entertainment items for festival recreation; on the other hand, Buddhist ceremonies are held to pray for believers or to form a connection with the masses in other ways.