I still remember when I was a kid, I was instructed by parents to strictly observe taboos for the entire Hungry Ghost month. Some of the taboos are not whistling during the night as it is believed that whistling is a way of calling the spirits. Do not open an umbrella in the house because spirits might seek shelter under the umbrella. Back then, I was very curious what so special about that month.
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Hungry Ghost Festival or just simply known as Ghost Festival is a traditional festival among Buddhist which held on 15th night of July based on Chinese Lunar Calendar, which mean 14th August 2019. Usually the entire month of July in Lunar Calendar is called Ghost month, where ghosts or spirits unleashed from the gate of hell, a.k.a the world of death and free to roam in human world. Spirits and the living are occupying the same space in this entire month. Buddhist will take this opportunity to perform various rituals ceremony to purify the spirits and free from suffering from the underworld.
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In this month, special temporary zinc tents will be built in neighborhoods to ‘entertain’ the visiting spirits. There will be free flow of food, paper-made clothes, shoes, hell bank notes, gold, cars, houses available to please the spirits. Other than that, live concert-style performances (usually singing and dancing) are held to keep the visiting spirits entertained. Public are invited to watch the performance, however, the first row of seats are purposely kept empty because those seats are reserved for the spirits.
Setting up tent.
Setup in progress..
In every tent, there will be a huge paper-made giant structure that caught everyone’s eye. That is the Tai Su Yeah (King of Hades). It is believed that Tai Su Yeah is transformed by Guan Shi Yin, a kind-hearted god in Buddhism. Tai Su Yeah is invited to preside over this festival. The angry face of Tai Su Yeah helps to control hungry ghosts so that they do not fight for food.
Left hand of Tai Su Yeah holds a ‘flag’, which is called ‘TongFan’. Purpose of the ‘flag’ is to call the spirits to come and enjoy the food and performances. Right hand of Tai Su Yeah is a board, with this board, it allows the spirits to eat the food prepared for them.
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The paper crafted Tai Su Yeah will be burnt at the end of the ceremony to send him off.
Apart from Tai Su Yeah, there are others paper crafted animals and characters such as Horses and generals are the helpers of the Tai Su Yeah.
Hei Bai Wuchang. They were given the task of hunting stray souls. From their appearance, it’s obvious why they given such name.
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A lot of food or gifts prepared for the spirits.
When the night falls, there will be performances to entertain the spirits. Of cause, public are welcome to join as well. But please bare in mind that DO NOT sit on the first row because those are 'reserved' for the spirits.
For those who hungry, there are free food as well. So just grab some food and enjoy the performance.
For those who are not Buddhist, feel free to attend and observe the ceremony. For sure, it will be an eye-opener. Oh, do respect the spirits by behaving yourself ya...