An annual Chinese language custom for spirits of the afterlife, Hungry Ghost Competition in Singapore is filled with dos and don’ts.
Singaporeans is usually a superstitious lot. From fortunate numbers and concrete legends to sticking to the foundations for Chinese language New Yr, we love indulging within the unexplained. In the event you’re superstitious, you’ll know that in Hungry Ghost Competition in Singapore (16 August to 14 September 2023 to be precise), ghosts are stated to revisit the land of the dwelling. Significantly on the fifteenth evening of the seventh month, on 30 August, when Ghost Day hits.
It’s a customized of Chinese language tradition that occurs in the course of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Noticed by Taoists and Buddhists in Singapore, it’s one of the crucial revered occasions of the yr with celebrations and rituals. Btw, it’s nothing like Halloween. Hungry Ghost Month is quite sombre; it’s not about scares or costumes. It’s believed that the gates of hell open, and spirits return from the afterlife to feast. That’s why you’ll spot folks burning joss paper as choices to their ancestors who’ve handed on and internet hosting getai (Chinese language opera) concert events across the island to appease them.
No must get the heebie-jeebies, although. These spirits are typically innocent… so long as you don’t disturb them. Unsure what you shouldn’t do throughout Hungry Ghost Competition in Singapore? We’ve jotted ‘em all down for you. Gotta respect the custom, otherwise you may simply find yourself in our subsequent round-up of native ghost tales!
What to keep away from throughout Hungry Ghost Competition
1. Don’t plan midnight actions
The souls of the lifeless are stated to wander by way of the streets at evening, so that you’d greatest be tucked away secure at dwelling after sundown. In the event you’re actually itching to go out, at the very least get a buddy to accompany you so the ghosts gained’t contain you of their mischief.
2. Don’t be alarmed by the scent of smoke
Except it’s a constructing on hearth (that’s not made from paper), it’s typically somebody burning choices for his or her ancestors. These come within the type of paper, together with issues like cash, homes, vehicles, tech devices and even garments. So don’t be shocked to see loads of ash fluttering about, particularly on the primary, fifteenth and final day of the month.
In the event you stroll previous a small hearth or incense burning by the highway throughout Hungry Ghost Competition in Singapore, accompanied by what seems like discarded meals and drinks, depart it alone! That’s somebody’s (or one thing’s) dinner.
3. Don’t transfer into a brand new dwelling
Except you need the spirits to ask themselves into your new abode, it’s greatest to carry off these transferring vans in the intervening time. Plus, this month is taken into account to be an unfortunate one in Chinese language custom, so press pause on any huge occasions.
4. Don’t get married
Because it’s thought of an inauspicious month, celebrating a joyful event like a marriage may be seen as disrespectful. Some folks additionally assume marriages officiated throughout Hungry Ghost Competition could not final lengthy. Nonetheless, should you and your loved ones aren’t huge on superstition, you may simply save on wedding ceremony prices as packages could also be cheaper.
5. Don’t renovate your own home
Maintain off on making any modifications to your own home. That features shifting furnishings round and renovating your abode. It’s believed this may disturb any residing spirits.
6. Don’t grasp your laundry to dry in a single day
It’s believed damp clothes is an invite for wandering spirits to attempt them on and in the end ‘observe’ you into the home. However then once more, shouldn’t you be drying laundry when the solar’s nonetheless out?!
7. Don’t kill any moths (or bugs)
Have you ever ever seen a moth at a funeral? Chinese language consider spirits may be reincarnated as bugs, particularly moths. So should you see any of those winged creatures crashing your own home, nudge ‘em out gently. They’re most likely simply saying hey, or they may very well be a relative dropping by for a go to…
8. Don’t grasp round water
It’s the season for drowned spirits to return out and prey… on the dwelling. So should you’re feeling superstitious, forgo these swimming exercises throughout this time. You’ll additionally need to keep away from Bedok Reservoir at evening (simply sayin’).
9. Don’t {photograph} choices
Cameras are stated to ‘entice’ lurking spirits, so if you wish to keep away from ghostly figures or ‘additional folks’ in your images, preserve that telephone in your pocket. Don’t snap images of choices you likelihood upon, regardless of how grand or ‘Instagrammable’ they’re. Not solely is it impolite, however you may additionally convey dwelling undesirable firm. And it goes with out saying, you by no means wanna contact these choices, by chance or not.
10. Don’t place your chopsticks vertically in a rice bowl
Hungry ghosts wandering round could mistake your chopsticks for joss stick choices. So except you need to appeal to their consideration, don’t do it. To not point out, it’s impolite – grandma positively gained’t approve.
11. Don’t go snooping round the place you aren’t presupposed to
If there’s one factor horror films have taught us, it’s to not go to creepy spots by your self. Certain, Singapore is a secure nation, however why tempt the spirits throughout essentially the most ‘haunted’ season of the yr? So no matter you do, don’t go exploring haunted locations in Singapore.
12. Don’t sit within the entrance row at getai performances
Except for meals, ghosts love a very good present, or so the Chinese language consider. Spirits are entertained by way of getai, that are extravagant performances that always contain conventional track, theatre and puppetry. Don’t be shocked should you bump into a Chinese language opera popping up in your ‘hood. However whereas performances like these are free, it’s greatest should you don’t plant your self within the entrance row of seats. Who do you assume they’re reserved for?!
13. Don’t put on pink
Yeah, it’s attention-grabbing, however throughout this time, it’ll catch the attention of the incorrect goal. Hungry ghosts are believed to be interested in this color, so that you’re higher off saving it for Nationwide Day or Christmas.
14. Don’t depart your door open at evening
We’re undecided why you’ll have your doorways open at evening however should you do, keep in mind to shut them! Open doorways are seen as invites for spirits or detrimental vitality to enter your own home, and that’s not precisely a vibe we wanna welcome.
In brief, be aware of all these items to keep away from in the course of the Hungry Ghost Competition in Singapore as a result of hey, it’s higher to be secure than sorry!
kayu 
