On Sunday we caught up with some colleagues from Tasmania.What a great group of people!
We had them down for drinks and we caught up with them again on Friday at the Rasa for drinks and then we all went to the Living a Room for dinner .We endeavoured to walk home and a huge thunder storm erupted,we experienced a few drops of rain but the thunder and lightning was fierce.We made it home safe and sound and were able to view the opening spectacle from our balcony,whilst enjoying a night cap!
We are heading off to the Hungry Ghost Festival this evening with some fellow Australians who have an apartment on the 22 nd floor.They spend time here and time at home in Brisbane.They own the apartment and we had coffee with them the other day.
The Hungry Ghost Festival starts on the first day of the seventh lunar month when the Chinese community believes that hell's gate will open to allow spirits to roam freely in the human world for a month.
Many households and temples will hold prayer ceremonies throughout the month long Hungry Ghost Festival (Phor Thor) to appease the spirits.
During the festival,believers will also worship the Tai Su Yeah ( King of Hades) in the form of paper effigies which will be "sent back" to hell after the effigies are burnt.
Devotees present swine,goats,chickens and ducks to the deity along with a giant steamed turtle bun popularly known as Mee Koo which is designed with some "turtle hatchlings "riding on its back.These are usually "hot Pink" in colour.
Other essential offerings include,rice,grains,and small sour,thin skinned Malaysian fruit.
Gem biscuits with hard coloured icing are strewn on the floor for the "hungry ghosts" to pick up and eat.
After the offerings are placed on the communal altar in front of the deity,they will be distributed amongst the devotees from various groups.
This is a Taoist custom and stage shows including,Chinese Opera,dance performances are held nightly to entertain the spirits.
Tonight I think the effigy will be burnt and a feast and entertainment will follow.
Stay tuned!