The Chinese have an important festival called the "Hungry Ghost" month where they believe that all vengeful/ restless spirits roam the earth for an entire month to seek justice/ peace.
During this time, the Chinese have many superstitious beliefs which include not going out after dark or doing laundry (night) and not turning back if your name's called (when walking alone), etc.
They perform burning of "Hell notes" as they call them to appease the spirits as well as food offerings so as to not aggravate them (spirits) in hopes that they'll keep them from harm.

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