“Ghost!!!” The mere mention of the word can send shivers down the spine for most people. The fear associated with ghosts is something that has accompanied us throughout most of human history. But there has also been a good element of curiosity surrounding these supernatural entities. Surprisingly, ghosts have also been a cause for celebration. Halloween is the greatest evidence for it. But is Halloween the only celebration associated with the supernatural? Closer to home, in parts of Asia including Singapore, we have our own celebration – The Hungry Ghost Festival. It is the day which marks the yearly visit to earth made by the souls of the deceased. Here are some facts associated with this unique celebration which falls on 15 August this year.
The ghostly origins
The hungry ghost festival is known by a number of names such as Zhongyuan Jie, Gui Jie or Yulan Festival. There are a number of similar stories regarding the origin of the festival. The prominent tales talk about how a Buddhist monk (with a different name depending upon the story you choose) visits his deceased mother and feels sorry for the tormentous state that she is in. The monk is unable to feed the starving spirit as the food turns into coal when placed into her mouth. It is said that the monk approached Buddha with this sorrow of his. The Buddha went on to teach him about how to make offerings to the dead and thus came about the Hungry Ghost Festival.
Let the gates of the dead open
The Hungry Ghost Festival is part of the Buddhist and Taoist traditions. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the gates of the other world are believed to be opened allowing the spirits to throng the earth. This is the day of the festival. The whole month is devoted to the spirits. And guess what, they are HUNGRY!!
Keeping the spirits happy
As we mentioned earlier the visiting spirits are a hungry lot and so people leave food for the souls of their ancestors and others. Sometimes you might find food for the souls left outdoors as well. Incense sticks are lit in veneration of the dead. In some parts of Asia including in Singapore, concerts and other cultural events are conducted. The seats in the front rows would be decorated in red and left unoccupied, reserved for the souls who are on a visit. Lotus lanterns are floated in water bodies as a mark of homage to the dead.
A bit of horror to conclude
Going by traditional beliefs, here are a few tips for the ghost month. Keep away from water bodies. Don’t speak ill about any of your dead relatives. Don’t wander around in isolated places late at night. Tuck the kids into bed early. Don’t make any major changes in your life.
Let Ghost month and the Hungry Ghost Festival be a chance for us to remember our loved ones who aren’t with us anymore. Still, there is always going to be room for a bit of fun and horror.
Wish you all a horrific ghost month!
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