During this celebration in Chinese temples, spirit mediums pierce their bodies with spears and, while in a trance, write out charms for devotees. A sedan chair carried shoulder-high and rocking as if possessed by the spirit of the deity is also carried in procession. The Birthday of the Third Prince or Ne Zha is celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth moon in the Chinese calendar. According to Chinese legend, Ne Zha is a child god who carries a magic spear in one hand and a magic bracelet in the other. His birthday is observed in colourful celebrations in Taoist temples where devotees bring him gifts of clothing such as caps and gowns.
Altar tables are also laden with food and flowers.
As part of the celebration, temple mediums go into a trance and pierce themselves with sharp instruments. The Chinese Festival of the Hungry Ghosts takes place during the seventh lunar month when ghosts are believed to wander the earth. As some are thought to be mischievous, paper money and joss sticks are burnt, food offered and performances of Chinese opera or wayang staged to appease them. During this time, market stall holders pool their resources and organise auctions where diners bid for articles like ceramic statues of gods, household items and pots of flowers. There are many stories on the origin of this Chinese festival.