Kuching Prepares for the Hungry Ghost Festival Peak
KUCHING, Aug 12: As the Hungry Ghost Festival reaches its climax, communities across Sarawak are gearing up to honor their ancestors and appease wandering spirits. This annual observance, deeply embedded in Chinese tradition, runs from August 4 to September 2 this year, with its zenith occurring on August 18.
The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as Zhongyuan Festival in Taoism and Yulanpen Festival in Buddhism, marks the seventh month of the lunar calendar, often referred to as ‘Ghost Month’. During this time, the gates of the afterlife are believed to open, allowing spirits to roam among the living. These spirits, known as ‘hungry ghosts’, are thought to be ancestors who did not receive a proper farewell or have unresolved issues with the living.
Key Rituals and Offerings
On August 18, the 15th day of the festival, the spirits are believed to be particularly potent and may be more malevolent than on other days. To manage these powerful spirits, rituals and offerings become more elaborate. In Sarawak, families prepare altars outside their homes, which are adorned with food, incense, and ‘hell money’—a special joss paper burned to provide for the deceased in the afterlife.
Public performances, known as ‘Getai’, are also a significant part of the celebrations. These performances are designed to entertain both the living and the spirits, with front-row seats left vacant for the ghostly guests.
Traditions and Customs
According to Law, a dedicated Buddhist devotee, her family meticulously prepares for the Hungry Ghost Festival each year. “We always buy silver and red-gold joss paper, candles, and incense for the offerings,” Law said. “It’s a tradition that must be upheld. For instance, if you purchased four packs of silver joss paper this year, you must buy at least four or more next year. You can never buy less.”
The Do’s of the Hungry Ghost Festival
- Burn Joss Paper and Incense: Essential for providing spirits with resources for the afterlife and guiding them.
- Prepare Elaborate Food Offerings: Place these meals on altars outside homes to nourish spirits and invite good fortune.
- Attend Getai Performances: Enjoy public performances, but respect the empty seats reserved for spirits.
The Don’ts of the Hungry Ghost Festival
- Avoid Staying Out Late: Spirits are more active at night, increasing the risk of encountering wandering ghosts.
- Refrain from Swimming: Especially in natural bodies of water, as water spirits might pull swimmers under.
- Do Not Disturb Offerings: Avoid stepping on or taking food meant for the spirits.
- No Nighttime Photography: Especially near offerings and Getai performances, as spirits might be inadvertently captured, leading to bad luck.
- Avoid Whistling at Night: Whistling is believed to attract spirits who may misinterpret the sound as an invitation to follow.
- Skip Red Clothing: Wearing red is thought to attract spirits, while black, associated with mourning, could bring misfortune during this period.
Observing Taboos for a Safe Festival
The Hungry Ghost Festival is not only a time for respect and remembrance but also a period marked by specific customs and taboos designed to protect individuals and ensure a harmonious celebration. Adhering to these practices helps avoid negative encounters with wandering spirits and ensures a respectful observance of this significant cultural event.