Playing it safe in the netherworld

Sanitise as you go: Lim (right) showing the various sets of prayer paraphernalia, thoughtfully curated for modern times to include Covid-19 vaccination kits. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Even the spirits of ancestors are not being spared from the risk of Covid-19.

A wide variety of paper paraphernalia such as sanitisers, face masks, and even vaccines are now on sale for the Phor Thor (Hungry Ghost Festival) this year.

These Covid-19-related essentials, together with hell notes, are among the popular paraphernalia sought by those who want to keep their dearly departed in the netherworld “safe” from the virus.

Kong Fatt Trading shop owner, Kenny Lim, 38, said that due to inconsistent supply because of the pandemic, he had stocked up an entire warehouse full of effigies and prayer paraphernalia before the festival.

“After two years of silence during Phor Thor, this year is about recovering from our losses.

“Despite a 10% to 15% price increase in joss paper from local factories and effigies from China, I have to ensure all items are available at the store for my regular customers.

“Following the pandemic, we now have Covid-19 test kits, sanitisers, and vaccines, besides the usual paraphernalia like fancy cars, big houses and smartphones.

“The stacks of foreign bank notes (hell notes) are also well worth the exchange rate – only RM2 for a stack of US $100 notes,” he remarked.

Lim said that since the pandemic, he has had a larger client base thanks to online platforms.

“The younger generation wants convenience and have items delivered to their doorsteps.

“I have drawn up specific sets of prayer paraphernalia for different household sizes, purposes and price range.

Yesterday, Lim’s shop was rather quiet, unlike the usual hustle and bustle before the festival from today to Aug 26.

“Many Phor Thor festival organisers are still holding on and are unsure whether to organise it for the public.

“But after missing it for the past two years, I foresee that this year will be better.

According to Chinese belief, the spirits enjoy a month-long “vacation” in the human world when the gates of hell open during the seventh lunar month.

It is customary to have Chinese opera performances, puppet shows and kotai (stage shows) to entertain the community and wandering spirits during the festival, which is called Yu Lan in Mandarin or Phor Thor in Hokkien, to ensure a peaceful and prosperous year.

The festival proper falls on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, which is on Aug 12 this year.