Photos by Alexander Fernandez
THE HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL, which takes place annually throughout the seventh month of the lunar calendar (which falls around August this year), is when many from the Chinese community would give offerings to wandering ghosts.
Different legends expound these ritual practices, the most common one being that the gates of hell are thrust open annually on the seventh month of the lunar calendar. For the entirety of the month, hungry ghosts are released to roam in the human realm. Another well-known story is an edifying one about filial piety – Mu Lian attempted to save his sinful mother from torture in hell through special prayers and offerings on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.
