The Hungry Ghost Festival at Chinatown
Posted by noelbynature under Lifestyle, News
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Chinatownboy lays out the event calendar for this year’s 7th Month, or Hungry Ghost, Festival at Chinatown, from 29 August to 1 September. Far from being a macarbe, Halloweenish celebration, the annual 7th Month Festival is the time the Chinese commemorate and look after their ancestors with offerings of food, wealth and entertainment.
Chinatownboy summarises the Hungry Ghost Festival:
A traditional festival from China, from popular beliefs, the Hungry Ghost Festival is one where literally all hell breaks lose as the gates of hell will open to let out the ‘hungry ghosts’ to earth during the seventh lunar month, usually between August and September. To appease the wandering spirits the Chinese will offer prayers to the deceased, burn joss sticks, paper money and offer food. There will even be entertainment for the spirits during the festival. It is common to see street wayang (Chinese Opera) or getai (mini concerts) performances being held during this period. Generally held at night, it is believed that these loud affairs attract and entertain the spirits. After the celebrations are over, the ghosts will return back to where they come from after a month of ‘merry-making’.
This year’s events include guided tours and movie screenings by the Chinatown Business Association, click here to find out how you can take part.
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(6) Comments
Posted by: Francis
Posted on: August 24th, 2009
Thanx for the post. I'm new to Singapore. Where can I see the sights and sounds of the things you mentioned. I live around the Holland Village area. Corner of Commonwealth Ave and Holland Ave. Is Chinatown a good place to start. Thanx in advance
Posted by: James Seah
Posted on: August 30th, 2009
Thank you for the blog on this traditional Chinese festival practised in Singapore. It is educational and informative. Cheers!
Posted by: tao-victor
Posted on: September 5th, 2009
Hi Francis, Oophs, apologies for late response. With the Ghost Festival, it is happening all over Singapore, but it is difficult to know exactly unless one goes checking it out. The Chinatown was an exception because there was ample notice, thanks to the Chinatown Business Association. (^^) If you walk around Holland Village, there will be one or two events, example check out the wetmarket or the more traditional shops. If I can find some, I will try to post here. Hi James, Kamsiah (thanks) for your kind comments. How about sharing with us how it was like in Bukit Ho Swee in the old days? (^^)
Posted by: hilarious quotes
Posted on: October 8th, 2009
wow very entertaining, the festival was very impressive
Posted by: vet
Posted on: February 3rd, 2010
This festival is very famous and people wait for this eagerly.
Posted by: Sutures India
Posted on: April 14th, 2010
Really colorful and joyous event. Sure everyone was impressed and happy.
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