HUNGRY Ghost Festival marks one of the busiest periods for the Chinese community as familiar scenes of makeshift stages spring up in back lanes, open fields and community halls in preparation for the month-long celebrations.
Observed during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the festival, better known as Phor Thor in Hokkien or Yu Lan in Mandarin, is widely celebrated by communities across East and South-East Asia.
Taoist belief has it that the gates of hell open during this month, allowing spirits to roam freely in the mortal world.
During the festival, the King of Hades or known as Tai Su Yeah in Hokkien, will oversee spiritual activity, ensuring that the wandering spirits do not misbehave, cause harm or overstay their time in the human realm.
Throughout the period, offerings of food, paper money and effigies are made as acts of compassion meant to appease the spirits and bring good fortune to the living.
Towering paper effigies of Tai Su Yeah are often crafted as the centrepieces of Phor Thor celebrations.
Once the effigies are burned in a ritual ceremony, each Phor Thor committee typically hosts an appreciation dinner, where people gather to share a meal in the spirit of community and gratitude.
It is also a busy time for local elected representatives and other politicians, whose schedules are filled with invitations to these community feasts.
Adding to the lively atmosphere are getai - live stage performances - put on as entertainment for both spirits and humans.
The front rows of these shows are traditionally left empty, reserved for the spectral guests.
This year, the festival is observed from Aug 23 to Sept 21. – By LO TERN CHEN
