This year the 7th month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar fell on 16 August through 14 September. According to Chinese belief, this is when the gates of the netherworld are opened and spirits are free to roam the world. As the occasion is only a month in the year, the spirits are expected to be ravenous when they cross the threshold into the world of the living. So much so that many refer to the month as that of the Hungry Ghosts.

In order to appease the restless and hungry spirits, special prayers are recited and offerings of food are made throughout the month. Satiated thus, spirits will be less prone to mischief-making and disrupt peace and harmony among the living.

In countries where the Chinese community still hold strongly to traditions, most certainly in Malaysia, the month takes on a festive air. Trade associations organise ceremonies offering prayers, burnt offerings, food and concerts that feature both traditional opera and the latest canto-hits. Mind you,  front row seats are left empty for the unseen presence of Very Important Persons, lest anyone forget who the events are for.  

Customarily, Chinese households make offerings on the 14th or 15th day of the month. This is on a much smaller scale and it was common to see, come dusk, Chinese households gathering in the front of their homes and making a bonfire of their offerings. In this day and age, many have let go of the practice, simplifying rituals and turning it into a family gathering, if at all.

Rather different from Halloween, but that's what make us interesting in the various way we celebrate similar themes. Is there a similar event you observe where you live?


Postscript added on 8 Oct 2023: Note: Thank you to those who have written to let me know you enjoy reading my column but daren't take a lesson because there are parts you don't really understand. I assure you we'll always speak at a level which suits you so that we can enjoy a casual conversation. Also, we can go through words and sentences that are difficult so that we learn together. Perhaps, they will be easy then and we'll always have something to talk about. No stress!