Shifting traditions: Tan (right) helping a couple register their marriage at the Kulai Che Ai Khor Character Uplifting Association. He said more couples are setting aside taboos and getting married during the lunar Ghost Month.
JOHOR BARU: The month-long Hungry Ghost Festival used to be a quiet period for marriage registrations but more young couples are now choosing to say “I do” despite the traditional taboo.
Assistant registrar of marriage Darren Tan from the Kulai Che Ai Khor Character Uplifting Association said times have changed with many preferring meaningful dates such as birthdays or anniversaries over auspicious ones in the lunar calendar.
“Some 10 years ago, it was rare to see couples getting married during the Ghost Month.
“It is usually a slow time for us and very difficult to get even five couples throughout the month.
“But the numbers have grown over the years and for this year’s festival, which falls on Aug 23 to Sept 21, we have 31 couples scheduled to register their marriage,” he said in an interview.
Traditionally, Chinese families discourage weddings, moving house or opening a new business during the seventh month of the lunar calendar.
“The Ghost Month is considered inauspicious as it is believed that spirits roam the earth during the period,” he said.
“Previously, we would see couples who consulted the lunar calendar and were very rigid about choosing the most auspicious date – even down to the exact minute they signed their marriage registration form.
“We will try our best to accommodate their requests as we have to respect their beliefs.
“But as time passes, we are seeing less of such practices,” Tan added.
He also said couples now place greater emphasis on the registration of marriage itself.
“My colleagues and I noticed that couples used to view the registration of marriage as a more casual affair compared to their wedding reception.
“Back then, the registration of marriage was only attended by the bride, groom and their witnesses but these days, they are accompanied by large groups of loved ones.
“The couples often bring along their photography and videography teams to document the important occasion, making the atmosphere very lively,” he said.
Tan stressed that while there is nothing wrong with observing traditions, ultimately a strong marriage depends on the couple’s effort.
According to Taoist beliefs, the Ghost Month, also known as Phor Thor in Hokkien or Yu Lan in Mandarin, is when the gates of hell open, allowing spirits to roam freely in the mortal world in search of offerings.
Johor Baru Tiong-Hua Association marriage registration unit chief Datuk Kelvin Lee said at least 40 couples have booked dates to wed during the period, including Buddhists and Christians.
“Besides the Ghost Month, people used to avoid getting married during the Qing Ming Festival or Chinese All Souls Day as it is considered taboo in Chinese society.
“Things have changed as we are still receiving bookings from couples to register their marriage although the numbers are about 20% lower compared to other months,” said Lee, who is also an assistant registrar of marriage.
