Shishi (Feeding the Hungry Spirits) 施食

Shi Shi – The Ritual of Universal Almsgiving

Offering sacred food and light to restless spirits, guiding them from hunger to peace, from darkness to rebirth.

1. Etymology & Essence

施 (Shi): to give, to bestow.
食 (Shi): food, nourishment.
Together, Shi Shi (“Universal Almsgiving”) is the compassionate rite of offering consecrated rice, fruits, and light to hungry ghosts, transforming suffering into tranquility.

2. Historical Timeline

• 📜 Liu-Song Dynasty (5th c.) – First textual mention of food offerings for the dead.
• 🏯 Tang Dynasty – Grand “Hu Shi” (gilded-rice) ceremonies in state temples.
• 🏮 Song-Yuan – Rice measured in hu vessels; the term “Yan Kou” (Flaming Mouth) becomes popular.

3. Ceremonial Flow

1. Opening the Altar – Purify the space with incense and bell.
2. Invoking the Deities – Recite Qing Ci to summon guardians of compassion.
3. Offering the Feast – Place rice, fruit, tea, and light in lacquer vessels.
4. Visualisation & Blessing – The high priest visualises golden light entering each spirit, dissolving hunger.
5. Closing the Vessel – Seal the offering with mudra and mantra; ashes are scattered to rivers or gardens as final release.

4. Modern Practice & Home Altars

Temples now live-stream Shi Shi on the 15th of each lunar month. For personal observance, our porcelain hu bowls, sandalwood-light sticks, and pre-blessed rice packets allow you to recreate the ritual with elegance and authenticity.

Explore the Shi Shi Collection: hand-thrown rice hu bowls, sandalwood-flame tea lights, and consecrated food scrolls—crafted to turn every offering into a bridge of mercy.