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Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Hungry Ghost: A community-friendly festival

Despite taboos about going out and doing things during a month when spirits are said to roam the streets, there are many activities that bring people together.
hungry-ghst
SUBANG JAYA: Do not do this, do not do that! It’s Hungry Ghost Month!
Chinese parents often say this to their children during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, where the streets are believed to be filled with roaming spirits.
However, despite its negative connotations, the Hungry Ghost Month often brings communities and residents together.
A member of Poh Toh Association Subang Jaya, who only wanted to be known as Chien, said that residents gather to pray and witness cultural performances every year.
He noted that there are about 40 to 50 events organised by various groups throughout the Klang Valley every year.
“Puppet shows and traditional opera are commonly staged, depicting stories about family values and morals.
“Hundreds of communities come together. The kids will be learning and making friends, the adults will be doing the same as well. It’s a very community-friendly festival,” he said.
Asked about how these performances are funded, Chien explained that well-to-do businessmen are always willing to donate as they believe doing so would help bring more prosperity for their businesses.
“Many companies, businessmen and individuals donate thousands of ringgit every year. If they do not do so, they believe that their businesses will not be successful,” Chien said.
Taoists believe that the gates of heaven and hell are opened at this time allowing spirits a one-month free pass into the human world.
This year, it is believed the gates of the other realm will open from August 3 to August 31.
Older generations believe that prayers should be conducted and food offerings given to appease the wandering spirits throughout the month. People are also asked to pray at home to ancestors on the actual day of the festival this year, which was on August 17.
In the Chinese culture practised in Malaysia, people also have the custom of offering sacrifices to the deceased during the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, and the Double Ninth Festival. But different to these festivals, the Hungry Ghost Festival is the day that all ghosts come out to visit the living.
According to Chien, some people tend to mix the Hungry Ghost Festival and Qingming Festival, especially when it comes to offerings.
“Joss paper offerings for the Hungry Ghost Festival generally stick to basic provisions and supplies. Currency, gold ingots, simple jewelry, clothing and basic incense are common.
“The more ‘crazy’ things like iPads and electronics are usually for Qingming,” said Chien.

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