The seventh lunar month is the traditional time to celebrate the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts.It is a time of celebration and most chinese will take this opportunity to pay respect to their ancestor and also the wandering ghosts. In Spore, the festival is an important one and is a busy time for businesses,temples and singers performing at the various dinners and auctions.
MPs and people of all races and religions are also invited and it is a good opportunity for all to understand and respect the custom of all in this harmonious society.
Traditionally, the festival kicks off on the 20/08/09, that is the first day of the seventh month.
On the family front, this is a time to remember past love ones and many chinese believers will be busy preparing feasts and folding hell money and others to burn for the spirits in the after world.
This promotes interaction and harmony to the family members as they will gather around to talk and prepare the favorite dishes for the departed loved ones.
A tradition that last for centuries but in this fast changing world this custom may die off soon.
At the moment, this custom in Singapore is still very much alive but feedback from our elders have indicated the fast declining numbers.
This is a part of Singapore that may not stood the test of time.
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