| Hungry Ghost Festival |
|
The 7th month of the
Chinese lunar calendar marks the Festival of the Hungry Ghost ie. the Chinese
version of Halloween. The Chinese believed
that the gates in the nether world would open, providing an opportunity for the ghosts to
emerge. It is said that on the 14th day, virtually all the ghosts will be
let loose to freely
roam the world. A series of rituals have to be performed to pacify these tumultuous spirits. It is believed that the souls of those who
had died
from accidents, disasters and homicides are restless. To appease these souls
food which normally consists of biscuits, sweets and peanuts would be
offered besides paper money for the circulation in the underworld.
Ironically these notes were pragmatically printed in this world. These paper
money would be burnt together with candles and joss sticks. These sort of offerings were normally carried out on the road
fringes. On a grander scale, preparations would start days ahead. Canopies were put up and the names of the sponsors would be
tagged on the offerings and displayed on
A ship and a horse together with its rider in paper effigies would be
burnt to transport these salvaged souls to nirvana. Chinese opera would be performed to amuse and entertain the spirits. Interestingly, the
show
|
[back]
[home]
Bahau Today | Town Agenda | Retrospective |
Click and Win | Sports | Business |
Education
Shopping | Town Guide | Search |
From the Municipal Office | About the Website
Copyright 2000©
All rights reserved.
No part of this webpage, including
graphics, text and design may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of the author.
For further information, please email to: webmaster@bahau.com.my