Modern touch to tradition as Hungry Ghost month begins
GEORGE TOWN: Ornately decorated charcoal logs called “black gold” are among the offerings in demand as the Hungry Ghost month begins today.
The solid pieces of charcoal are decorated, usually in red and gold, to symbolise wealth and prosperity.
Prayer paraphernalia shop operator Teh Guan Heng, 58, said demand began as early as June, with elaborate pieces costing more than RM1,000 each.
Some customers wanted their “black gold” adorned with ornaments and LED lights for display at Hungry Ghost Festival events, he said.
“The black gold is usually put up for bidding during dinners and other events, with the money raised going to the associations to run charity projects,” he said at his shop in Jalan Rangoon here yesterday.
At Teh’s shop, the “black gold” is flanked by effigies representing the Black and White Guards of the Underworld (Hei Bai Wu Chang).
Teh said increasingly elaborate versions of “black gold” had become centrepieces at fundraising dinners organised during the festival.
Observed during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the Hungry Ghost Festival is rooted in the folk belief that denizens of hell are allowed to return to the human world for the month.
Food, incense and joss paper are offered to honour ancestors and appease wandering spirits.
The peak of the festival is on the 15th of the seventh lunar month, which falls on Aug 27 this year.
Teh said joss paper offerings to the King of Hades were selling well, with large groups doing prayer rituals, usually buying them early.
“Individual customers usually wait until the last three days before buying what they need,” he said.
Customers could also buy joss paper folded into shapes such as pineapples.
Temples, associations and communities hold prayers, fund-raising dinners and other events throughout the seventh lunar month.
Some people traditionally avoid staying out late, swimming or wandering alone in secluded places at this time, believing that wandering spirits would be more active.
Fisherman Wong Kok Leong, 62, said he avoids eating meat whenever he goes to sea during the seventh month.
“We believe the sea should be treated with respect at this time, so I take vegetarian meals whenever I go fishing,” he said.
Angler Tan Wei Ming, 39, said he would cut down on fishing trips and avoid going out alone at night.
“It is about respecting beliefs and customs passed down for generations,” he said.
Teong Guan Association chairman Steve Yap said about 200 Hungry Ghost Festival events were expected to be held across Penang this year, with permit applications still being submitted.
His association is trying to raise RM2mil for SJK(C) Heng Ee.
“The funds will support the school’s relocation and construction of its new school,” he said.
