In the Chinese culture, during the seventh month on the calendar, the gate of Purgatory, is open to allow all ghosts and goblins to wonder around. In S'pore, the euphemism for this event is called Hungry Ghost Festival or HGF. Everyone needs a break and spirits are no exception. I guess this is like a summer vacation for them 8-) But seriously, most Chinese here in S'pore do not take this event lightly. Unlike Halloween in the States, the HGF lasts the entire month instead of just one day. Also during Halloween, children (and some immature adults 8-) pretend to be ghosts and goblins so they can go around for trick-or-treating. It's also called "mischief night" where kids will go around doing pranks and put the blame wholly on the spirits. This is a strict no-no in S'pore, and not simply because you will get caned for it 8-) It's a very solemn occasion and you must do everything you can to avoid getting in trouble, either with the authority or the other dimension.
One of the common sights around this time is wayangs. Wayang, which is Malay for show, includes Chinese opera and auctions to bring good luck. Street performance is also part of Wayang where you can also see people singing pop music, among other things. People around this time gather in groups to avoid encounter with the spirits. It's one of the reasons that restaurant and the road side food stalls are full during this time. I have also heard that at the auctions people would pay much more for a normal lottery tickets hoping to hit the jackpot. The side effect of the wayangs, of course, is that they keep us the living souls awake 8-) Since the noises usually last past mid-night, peace usually don't return to this dimension until the wee hours in the morning.
Another common sight is the burning of candles, incense sticks and hell paper. Burning in Chinese culture is kind of like an inter-dimensional transport system. I have heard of a case in Taiwan where someone build an entire ship out of paper for the purpose of burning to send it to the other dimension. But it only works with papers and not with food. Food are simply "offered" to them. And it matters who you offer it to. If you are offering to your deceased family members then you are allowed to eat the food. Otherwise, food that are offered to appease the spirits or food that were offered by other family are to be avoided.
One thing to watch out for is not to step on the burnt materials. Most people would draw a circle on the ground with chalk for people to avoid. If you do accidentally step within the boundary of the circle, make sure you bow and apologize. There are other problems with this common burning ritual. Many fires were started because of this. There were many cases where civil defense are called in to put out the fire. Nowadays HDB offers metal drums so people can burn items in them safely. Many people also complain about the smoke and pollution problem during this time.
Another sight you will see around this time is that the bookstore will be fully stocked with ghost stories. The one of the most popular books are the "S'pore Ghost Stories" series. Many supernatural events have been "well-documented" in these books. Things like babies seeing bad things where adults usually miss, witch doctor or Bomoh and their practices, people who were born with the "third eye" or the "sixth sense", etc. Some people avoid talking about this HGF. And there are others who simply want to eat on the 15th 8-) One other interesting thing is that there are a lot more funerals during this time of the year. Pretty baffling.
I am not normally a superstitious person. But all this eerie atmosphere is starting to have an effect on me. Noises at night would startle me. Pagers going off at night would scare me half to death. One of the best advice from a netter was "just imagine that within this month, there is another dimension operating in this world and that you will meet 'things' from the other dimension wherever you go. It will be easier to step on others' toes. Don't be too adventurous." Some other advices are:
p.s. Boy, do I miss those fortune cookies.
17/08/94
