Ullambana
Culture/religion: Buddhist
Date: September 2
Ullambana means “deliverance from suffering,” and specifically refers to the salvation of anguished souls in Hell. This concept originates from the Buddhist legend of Maudgalyayana saving his mother from Hades. The Ullambana festival reinforces the important concept of filial piety which is deep-rooted in Asian culture.
Ullambana customs include offering prayers to the souls of deceased ancestors and welfare of their parents and taking food, medicine and clothes offerings to monks and nuns in monasteries.
Sources: Ullambana Festival (Sangha Day), Nan Tien Temple