Right now Singapore is celebrating a tradition, where money is offered to help feed hungry ghosts. Sounds a bit like Bali, but its for real. The other day on Waterloo St. home of the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho temple & Sri Krishnan temple people were lighting incense sticks. In the Chinese market area nearby food offerings were being laid out and on the main streets, large bins of flaming paper were set out. The whole thing was part of the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts.
According to WhatsOnWhen, “The festival of the Hungry Ghosts is an ancient Chinese tradition which is celebrated in Chinese diaspora communities around the world, including Singapore. During the festival, people honour the restless spirits that they believe roam around the world for one month, when they are temporarily let out of hell to stretch their legs.
To appease these poor souls, the Singaporeans prepare sumptuous banquets and hold Chinese street operas, or wayangs, as well as lighting rows of candles and incense sticks in front of their homes. Look out for public auctions of “auspicious items” that often take place during the street banquets.”
Interesting how cultural similarities with the Balinese crop up, with wayang street operas, food offerings and honoring spirits that return to Earth. The burning paper was wads of large white sheets printed with red ink, which is known as ‘hell currency’. This annual festival runs from 13 Aug – 10 Sept 2007. Here is a look at some of the other cultural celebrations occurring during the year in Singapore.
