KUCHING: An air of mystique envelops the city as the Hungry Ghost Festival, a time-honoured tradition deeply rooted in Chinese culture, takes centre stage.
Beyond the surface of what may appear as “darkness, ghosts, and death,” the Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as Zhongyuan Festival, carries a profound significance for those who observe its customs.
While this festival might evoke notions of the supernatural, for Buddhists, the seventh month of the lunar calendar is a celebration for Buddhism marked by reverence, reflection and a deep connection to their beliefs.
Folk beliefs intertwine with this tradition, deeming the seventh lunar month as the Earthly Palace’s birthday.
The commencement of the festival occurs on the first day of the seventh lunar month when the gates of hell are believed to open, which signifies a time when ghosts and spirits from the netherworld are free to traverse the human realm.
While the entire month is observed with various rituals and customs, the 15th day holds particular importance, marking the peak of the festivities.
During this time, deceased ancestors will have the opportunity to ‘return home’ and reunite with their living descendants, who honour their memory through prayers and offerings.
However, for those spirits without living kin, they wander the earthly realm seeking sustenance – depicted through the sight of offerings placed at roadsides.
In conjunction with the 15th day of the festival, New Sarawak Tribune spoke with individuals to delve into their connection with these age-old traditions and the impact on their lives.
Discussing taboos and customs, Daphne Chong said adhering to the numerous taboos associated with this festival is something she takes seriously.
“My family always advises us to return home early and avoid lingering outside too late, as it is said that spirits may roam around late night.
“I make it a point to be home before midnight. We’re also cautious not to speak recklessly or disturb the offerings placed by the roadside, among other rules,” she said.
For Daphne, respecting these taboos is a way of showing reverence and respect for the tradition.
“There must be reasons behind these customs, which is why I follow them rather than challenge them,” she explained.
She emphasised that the Chinese saying “It’s better to believe in it than to deny it” holds true. While some people might not believe in the existence of spirits and ghosts, showing basic respect is crucial.
According to the 25-year-old multimedia designer, the festival also carries deep meaning for her, as it allows spirits and ghosts the opportunity to return to the human realm.
“Each year during the Hungry Ghost Festival, we prepare offerings and paper money to burn as offerings for our “good brothers,” acknowledging their presence and honouring their memory.
“This tradition is an essential part of the festival’s customs,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kong Moi Lin said observing the taboo brings peace of mind and it shows respect to the ancestors. By not offending them, it is believed it would bring blessings from the spirits.
Among the taboos she adheres to are avoiding picking up random things you see, not hanging clothes outside at night, and avoid whistling and speaking recklessly especially at night.
However, Kong also recognises the changing landscape of tradition, as modernisation and shifting lifestyles among younger generations have slowly phased out the customs and traditions.
To this end, she encouraged youths to understand the underlying meaning of the festival and involve themselves in some of the festival’s activities, saying it could foster appreciation for these traditional events and their role in preserving cultural heritage.
“It’s important for parents to pass down the values of these traditional festivals and encourage participation, even if they have adopted different faiths.
“Just like how grandparents used to bring their grandchildren to temple fairs, sharing these customs and values is essential.
“Online platforms, like Facebook, often share information about these festivals. This can help young people learn and understand these traditions better, which is a positive development,” said the 51-year-old businesswoman.
For Lee Jing Teng, a 24-year-old student, the Hungry Ghost Festival is a time to remember the deceased.
“We will make time for grave sweeping and pray at temples, as such activities are customary during this period,” she said.
Likewise, she also observes some taboos associated with the festival such as avoiding the beach and avoiding discussions of horror themes.
During the Hungry Ghost Festival, the prevailing belief is that the atmosphere is saturated with “Yin” energy, which can cast a sombre aura.
“Some people are more vulnerable to the gloominess of the atmosphere. By observing these taboos, it contributes to a sense of inner peace and prevents unnecessary issues or disturbances,” she explained.
Elaborating, Lee encouraged youths to pay heed to the wisdom of their elders to understand the festival’s essence.
“Young people should learn more about the Hungry Ghost Festival from their elders. Participating in related activities like the Ullambana Festival might help them appreciate the significance of traditional Chinese culture,” she said.
