Introduction

The Hungry Ghost Festival, observed during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, is a deeply rooted tradition in Chinese culture, celebrated annually with reverence and ritual. In 2024, this significant event continues to captivate and intrigue, especially among Singapore’s multicultural society. Known for its colorful ceremonies and custom t shirts, the festival honors ancestors and spirits believed to roam the earthly realm during this time. We present an insightful guide to understanding the Hungry Ghost Festival 2024, exploring its rituals, offerings, and taboos, and providing families with a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage that shapes this unique observance.

When is the Hungry Ghost Festival 2024?

Hungry Ghost Festival 2024 officially starts on Sunday 18 August 2024 however the ‘festivities’ of Hungry Ghost Festival are a month-long affair during the 7th month/Ghost month 4 August 2024 to 2 September 2024.

The Hungry Ghost Festival in 2024 will span from August 1st to August 29th. During this period, the Chinese community in Singapore and other parts of Asia will observe various rituals and practices to honor ancestors and appease spirits believed to wander the earthly realm. It is a time of both reverence and caution, marked by offerings of food, incense, and paper items, as well as traditional performances to entertain the spirits. This annual festival reflects the rich cultural traditions and beliefs that continue to play a significant role in Singapore’s multicultural society.

Hungry Ghost Festival 2024 Start and End Date

The first lunar day of the 7th month is on Sunday 4 August 2024. Hungry Ghost Festival takes place traditionally on the 15th night of the 7th month which is sometimes called Chinese Ghost Month. Sunday 18 August 2024, is the 15th lunar day, which is the Chinese Ghost Festival. The first lunar day of the 8th lunar month is on 3 September 2024. Therefore, Ghost Month is from Sunday 4 August to Wednesday 2 September 2024.

Traditionally Chinese people believed that the 7th lunar month was plagued with disasters so naturally they feared this month. The general belief is that it is unwise to make major decisions during this time. So ideally you don’t initiate a new business or move into a new house during the 7th month.

Key Dates: 2024 Hungry Ghost Festival and Ghost Day

4 August 2024: the first day of the 7th lunar month: The Hungry Ghost Festival officially starts. It is said that on this day, the gates of hell open, allowing the deceased spirits to pass back into our world.
18 August 2024, is the 15th lunar day: This is Zhong Yuan Jie, also known as “Ghost Day,” when it’s believed that ghosts are most active. It is usual to burn joss paper and feed the ravenous spirits on this day.
2 September 2024: The Hungry Ghost Festival ends on the 29th day of the seventh month. The Gate of Hell is closed and ghosts go back. People offer sacrifices on this day to pray for safety for the rest of the year.

How is the Hungry Ghost Festival Celebrated?

The Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated with various rituals and customs aimed at honoring ancestors and appeasing wandering spirits. Here’s how the festival is typically celebrated:

1. Offerings: Throughout the month, especially on significant days like the 1st, 15th, and last day of the seventh lunar month, people offer food, incense, and paper items. Paper money and paper effigies of material goods such as houses, cars, and clothes are burned to ensure that the spirits have everything they need in the afterlife.
2. Food Offerings: Food is left out on sidewalks and at temples to satisfy the hunger of the roaming spirits. This practice is believed to bring blessings and good luck to the living.
3. Performances: Traditional Chinese opera and other performances are held to entertain the spirits and provide them with enjoyment during their temporary return to the earthly realm.
4. Taboos: To avoid attracting negative energy or bad luck, people observe various taboos during Ghost Month, such as not swimming, not staying out late at night, and not disturbing offerings placed for the spirits.
5. Community Gatherings: Families come together to pay respects to their ancestors, participate in rituals, and strengthen family bonds through shared meals and experiences.
6. Cultural Practices: In addition to the religious and spiritual aspects, the festival also serves as a time to pass down cultural traditions and stories to the younger generation, ensuring that the customs are preserved and cherished.

Overall, the Hungry Ghost Festival is a time of reverence, community, and cultural heritage, where people come together to honor their ancestors and show respect to the spirits believed to wander the earth during this special time.

Offerings During Ghost Month/ Seventh Month

During Ghost Month, also known as the Seventh Month in the lunar calendar, people make various offerings to appease the spirits and honor their ancestors. Here are the types of offerings commonly made:

1. Incense and Joss Sticks: Burning incense and joss sticks is a common practice to create a pleasant aroma and to guide the spirits to the offerings.
2. Paper Money: Paper replicas of money are burned to provide the spirits with wealth and resources in the afterlife.
3. Paper Offerings: Elaborate paper effigies representing material goods such as houses, cars, phones, and clothing are burned. These items are believed to be transferred to the spirits for their use in the afterworld.
4. Food Offerings: Various types of food are offered to the spirits to satisfy their hunger. These offerings are placed on altars or in designated areas, such as sidewalks and temples.
5. Fruit and Drinks: Fruits like oranges and peaches, along with drinks like tea and alcohol, are also commonly offered.
6. Other Items: Some people also offer items that were favorites of their deceased loved ones, such as cigarettes, snacks, or personal belongings.

These offerings are typically made throughout the month, with more elaborate rituals and ceremonies occurring on specific days, such as the 1st, 15th, and last day of the seventh lunar month. The act of offering these items is a way to show respect, ensure the well-being of the spirits, and seek blessings and protection for the living.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hungry Ghost Festival celebrated during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, is a deeply meaningful and culturally significant event in Chinese communities, including in Singapore. This annual festival honors ancestors and appeases wandering spirits through a series of rituals and offerings, including incense, paper money, and elaborate paper effigies. Food offerings are also crucial, placed out to satisfy the spirits’ hunger and to receive blessings in return.