I just remember about the Hungry Ghost Festival in 7th chinese month now!! It is very known and taken very seriously by Chinese community. This festival that falls on the 7th month of the lunar New Year is celebrated mainly in China and other countries like Singapore & Malaysia.It is believed by the Chinese that during this month, the gates of hell are opened to free the hungry ghosts who then wander to seek food on Earth. Some even think that the ghosts would seek revenge on those who had wronged them in their lives. The reason why the Chinese celebrate this festival is to remember their dead family members and pay tribute to them. They also feel that offering food to the deceased appeases them and wards off bad luck.
Since I am kid, my grandma specially warned my sisters and me from staying out too late night on this month. They also tell the kids about this story from the generation to generation.. When I walked with my mum..Suddenly, I see the people are burning the increass paper at outside their house..I asked her that what is this..? She said it is for ghosts! It make me scary! She also make us remember to try not to step on incense paper, or curse and swear at the burnt smell of incense paper. If not, you will get bad luck in your life!
Here is the list of ‘advices’to heed during the Hungry Ghost festival
- Don’t move, renovate or marry during Hungry Ghost Festival as it is considered inauspicious.
- Stay away from swimming during the 7th month as it is believed that the water spirits will drag these little ones into the water and drown them.
- Avoid old trees. It is believed that the spirits will hide there.
- Children are advised to return home early and not to wander around alone at night. This belief is due to the reason that the wandering ghosts might possess children.
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