Chinese Ghost Festival

In the lunar calendar of the 7th month, the Chinese celebrates the Chinese Ghost Festival for a whole month.  Why do I use the word celebrate?  It is considered a form of celebration, a sort of home coming for the spirits as they leave the nether worlds to come back to earth to ‘roam’ around, visiting places, friends and relatives.   Most people do not realise that these spirits or ‘hor hia dee’ (hokkien word for ‘good brothers’) can do good if they are blessed by their family, friends and strangers alike.

There are many rituals and events involved in the following ghost month including the burning of incense, offering of food and even presenting the Getai (sort of like an entertaining pg rated cabaret) to the dead.  If the spirits are thankful, during 7 month events and chanting, these spirits may show their gratitude and presence by turning the direction of the fire during the burning of joss paper and other paper offerings in a circular movement which sometimes looks almost like a mini tornado.  The fire would burn high up and sometimes, it would leap forward (without the presence of the wind).   Even if there were strong winds, this mini tornado-like fire would still keep its shape while burning high without littering the burnt joss paper everywhere. 

Disbelievers would of course tell you otherwise, watch out for these signs each time you see a offering ritual session.   When the spirits receive the offerings from the living and they are happy, they will usually give an indicator.  But I have noticed that they will do these amazing things usually when there are chanting or offering of prayers involved.   

Do not be afraid of the spirits, like everything else in life, there are both good and bad sides to the coin.  I would rather believe and to see the good in everything.   If you treat the spirits well, they will in return treat you well as well.   Remember your loved ones who have passed on and pray for their well being in the nether life.


Join me for our first Phantom club event happening this friday, 13th August 2010.


Do note that only 18yrs old and above are allowed to attend. If you have any heart ailment or medical problems, please do not attend.


Title of Event: "Does Spirits Receive Human Kindness?"
Venue: The Rain Forest at Eng Neo
Address: 60 Fairway Drive, Singapore
Date: 13th August to 14th August 2010
Time: from 9:00pm to 2:00am


For more information on the above event, please do join our Phantom club on Facebook by clicking this link