Hungry Ghost Festival: The do’s and don’ts

File photo of devotees burn joss paper during the Hungry Ghost Festival, sending offerings to the spirits of the deceased. Photo credit: Paul Huang

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Aug 9: As the peak of the Hungry Ghost Festival approaches, communities across Sarawak are preparing to honour their ancestors and appease wandering spirits.

This annual observance, deeply rooted in Chinese culture, spans from Aug 4 to Sept 2 this year, with the peak of the festival occurring on Aug 18.

The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the Zhongyuan Festival in Taoism and the Yulanpen Festival in Buddhism, is based on the belief that the seventh month of the lunar calendar, also known as ‘Ghost Month’, marks the opening of the gates of the afterlife, allowing spirits to roam the world of the living.

These spirits, often referred to as ‘hungry ghosts’, are believed to be ancestors who were not given a proper send-off or have unresolved matters with the living.

Some believers hold that on Aug 18, which falls on the 15th day of the Hungry Ghost Festival, the spirits that are released are ‘fiercer’ and ‘more evil’ compared to other days of the festival.

During this time, the rituals and offerings become even more elaborate as people seek to appease these more powerful spirits.

In Sarawak, this period is marked by various rituals and practices aimed at appeasing these wandering spirits.

Families set up altars outside their homes, laden with offerings of food, incense, and ‘hell money’—a form of joss paper meant to be burnt as a way of providing for the deceased in the afterlife.

Public performances, known as ‘Getai’, are also held to entertain both the living and the spirits, with the front rows of seats left empty for the unseen guests.

According to Law, a Buddhist devotee, her family diligently prepares all the required items for the rituals during the Hungry Ghost Festival every year.

“We always buy silver and red-gold joss paper, candles, and incense for the offerings,” she explained. “It’s a tradition that cannot be neglected. For example, if you bought four packs of silver joss paper this year, you must buy at least four or more next year. You can never buy less.”

While the Hungry Ghost Festival is a time for paying respects, it is also a period filled with customs and taboos.

When asked what some common do’s and don’ts are that people observe during the Hungry Ghost Festival to avoid attracting negative spirits, Law stated that burning joss paper and incense is important because it provides the spirits with the resources they require in the afterlife. She also mentioned that incense is used to guide spirits and show respect.

She went on to say that one of the most important rituals is offering food to hungry ghosts, which involves families preparing elaborate meals and placing them on altars outside their homes, where the offerings not only nourish the spirits but also bring good fortune to the family.

On the other hand, Law suggested avoiding staying out late at night during the Ghost Month, particularly when alone.

It is believed that spirits are more active during the night, and there is a higher chance of encountering a wandering ghost if one stays out late.

“Refrain from swimming during the festival, especially in natural bodies of water such as rivers or lakes. There is a belief that water spirits may attempt to pull swimmers under.

“Also, never step on or disturb the offerings left on the roadside, as these are meant for the spirits. It is also considered bad luck to take any of the food meant for the ghosts.

“Avoid taking photos at night, especially near offerings and during Getai performances. It is believed that spirits could be inadvertently captured in the photos, bringing bad luck,” she explained.

Additionally, Law advised against whistling at night because it is thought to attract wandering spirits, who may misinterpret the sounds as an invitation to follow the person home.

Another rule that people follow during the Hungry Ghost Festival is to avoid wearing red because it is thought to attract spirits, whereas black is associated with mourning and may bring bad luck during this time. — DayakDaily