Here's a festival unlike any other in Singapore: the Hungry Ghost Festival. Every year, for a month, the Chinese honour the memories of those who have deceased. The Hungry Ghost Festival is much rooted in Buddhist and Taoist culture and happens during the seventh month of the Lunar calendar and lasts for fourteen days.
What happens during Hungry Ghost Festival?
Hungry Ghost Festival is not to be confused with the other festival for the dead, Qingming Festival, where descendants clean the graves of their dead ancestors and place offerings on the tombs. It is believed that the dead return to 'visit' the living for the fourteen days of the festival – and can get mischievous if they are not pleased.
During this period, various offerings are made – from hell money to other material luxuries like flashy cars, fancy jewellery, lavish mansions and even the latest iPhone (in paper form of course).
To keep our otherworldly guests entertained, getai shows are also held all around the island, especially in the heartland areas. Some shows include song and dance performances, Chinese opera, comedy and more.
As with other celebrations and festivals in Singapore, there is also a list of dos and don'ts we should observe (we're a superstitious lot!) – we unpack the list.
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