Singapore’s smouldering summer may be in full swing, but Cairen Harry finds there’s something chilling in the air this month…
There’s something strange happening in your neighbourhood – so you’d better be on the lookout! Those who scare easily should take care, because the Lion City is set once again to become the haunted city. As we move into the seventh lunar month, legend has it the gates of hell will open, allowing the dead to roam the land of the living for one month. Marked by one of Singapore’s most colourful religious celebrations, the Hungry Ghost Festival falls this year from August 13 to September 10.
History
Also known as the Feast for the Wandering Souls, the Hungry Ghost Festival takes place as a mark of respect for the dead. Offerings of food, money and entertainment are made, in order to appease wandering souls and ward off bad luck. Whilst the dead are celebrated, it’s also a time of fear. If dissatisfied, the ghosts can create havoc in the living world, making them extremely dangerous.
According to Buddhist legend, the festival began thousands of years ago with a devout Buddhist monk – Mu Lian. His mother was condemned to suffer in hell for her bad deeds and denied food as punishment. The gods took pity on Mu Lian’s appeals for his mother and he was instructed to prepare a feast for his ancestors on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. The gods allowed the dead into the land of the living to enjoy the feast and so the tradition began. Today, the Chinese make offerings to help their ancestors and any “lost” souls live more comfortably in the spirit world.
Although the first, fifteenth and last days are considered most important, the festival is celebrated throughout the month. Marked by much tradition as well as superstition, there can be differences in the way the festival is celebrated, according to either Buddhist or Taoist customs.
For Taoists, the festival is a grand affair. Sumptuous feasts of meat, fish and vegetables are prepared for the dead in order to appease the ghosts and gain good luck. Prayers are made and joss sticks and candles are burned in tribute. Also burnt are paper offerings representing money, houses and cars, as well as the belongings of the deceased. Entertainment is provided for the ghosts, with live, night-time shows known as ge tai performed on outdoor stages. Auctions of significant items and the burning of effigies also take place.
For Buddhists it’s a quieter celebration, with more emphasis on the filial piety shown by Mu Lian. It’s used as a time to celebrate the Buddhist faith, with prayers, chanting and reminders to children about their filial duties.
Uniquely Singapore
Diana Chua – who along with Geraldene Lowe, offers specialised heritage tours of Singapore – believes the Lion City is in a “grey area” when it comes to Hungry Ghost celebrations. According to her, there’s a real mix of the different faiths, which can be seen in the rituals. “Singapore is a really multi-cultural place, where the faiths band together, creating a very different celebration”, she says. Clans or associations in Singapore will often arrange a night of celebration with food and live entertainment. There’s also a less conservative approach to festivities, with large pop concerts often taking place. Despite this, the festival is becoming less popular for some – particularly with younger generations. And the scale of activities has also decreased as they become more costly.
Where to look
Festival celebrations can be seen throughout Singapore. Expect to see thousands of people – from successful businessmen to market vendors – preparing offerings for their departed ancestors and any hungry ghosts who have lost their way.
Angering or offending any of the lost souls can have disastrous results. Getting sick, becoming unlucky or having a nasty accident are just some of the punishments they can inflict. To avoid this, certain superstitions are followed very closely during the Hungry Ghost month:
· After dark is considered to be the ghosts’ time, so people are advised to return home early to avoid angering or being possessed by wandering ghosts.
· Kicking or standing on the offerings left to the ghosts is considered particularly offensive.
· Many of these ghosts are unable to be reincarnated due to their dubious past, so they’re on the lookout for a replacement body. Activities such as swimming are believed to be dangerous, as a hungry ghost may use the opportunity to drown you and take your place in the land of the living.
· Children are especially vulnerable and should be extra careful.
· To hold an important event – such as a wedding – seal a business deal, move and renovate your house, or even make important decisions, is considered extremely inauspicious during this month.
CONTACTS
Heritage tours If you or your visitors would like to learn more about the real Lion City, join one of Heritage Guide Diana Chua and Geraldene Lowe's famous tours exploring Chinatown, Tiong Bahru, the Singapore River, Lion City churches and other historical and interesting areas of Singapore. Tickets: $25 – covers temple donations, snacks and donation to charity. Tel: 6737 5250/9489 1999, Email:geraldenestours@hotmail.com.
www.SingaporeSights.com is a visual feast of the best the Lion City has to offer. From events and festivals, to dining suggestions and places of interests, it’s a great way to find something to keep visitors and explorers busy!
Photography: Courtesy of Eugene Tang, www.SingaporeSights.com.
Do you have a Singapore Secret you’d like to share? Send details (700 words) plus images to mjones-white@acpmagazines.com.sg and you could be published in an upcoming issue of The Finder!
Posted on August 07
