Introduction
The Hungry Ghost Festival, a significant cultural event in Singapore, is steeped in tradition and mystique. In 2024, this festival continues to capture the imagination and reverence of both locals and visitors alike. Known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, this celebration honors the spirits of the deceased who are believed to roam the earth during the seventh month of the lunar calendar. For those unfamiliar with the customs and rituals, Cheeky Mom Singapore provides an insightful and engaging guide to understanding this unique festival. From offerings and performances to the dos and don’ts, join us as we delve into the fascinating world of the Hungry Ghost Festival 2024, exploring its rich traditions and the cultural significance it holds in Singapore.
The seventh month, August, is when the Hungry Ghost Festival 2024 takes place — it officially starts on Sunday 18 August 2024. If you’re seeing lots of incense candles and food offerings in your neighborhood, it’s likely because people are observing Ghost Month. Let’s take a look at what the Hungry Ghost Festival 2024 in Singapore is all about.
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, spanning from August 1st to August 29th, is a time when the Chinese community in Singapore pays homage to ancestors and spirits believed to roam the earthly realm. This annual event is marked by various rituals and offerings made to appease these spirits, ensuring goodwill and protection for the living. Traditionally, people burn incense, and paper offerings, and perform Chinese opera or other cultural performances to entertain the spirits. It’s a time of reverence and caution, as locals observe taboos to avoid attracting wandering spirits and to maintain harmony with the supernatural world Dates: 2024 Hungry Ghost Festival and Ghost Day
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 a significant occasion in Chinese culture, observed annually during the seventh month of the lunar calendar. According to Chinese beliefs, this period is when ghosts and spirits, including deceased ancestors, return to the earthly realm, akin to being on a “vacation,” in search of food and entertainment.
Throughout this month-long festival, especially on the 1st, 15th, and last day of the seventh month, elaborate rituals and offerings are made to honor and appease these spirits. Incense, paper money, and intricate paper effigies of material goods such as houses, cars, and clothing are burned as offerings intended for the spirits to use in the afterlife.
Offerings During Ghost Month/ Seventh Month
During Ghost Month, special metal cages are set up outside housing estates and temples where people burn offerings. These include paper money, incense sticks, and elaborate paper effigies. These paper creations are often intricate and can be found at markets like Tiong Bahru and Chinatown.
Food offerings are another essential part of the festival. People leave food on sidewalks and at temples to satisfy the spirits’ hunger and to receive blessings and good luck in return.
Singapore Hungry Ghost Festival Performances & e-Getai
One of the highlights of the Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore is the colorful performances of Chinese operas and live drama ‘getai’ performances. Getai used to be a stage for traditional opera and puppet performances, with a majority of songs performed in dialects such as Hokkien. In Singapore, performances for the Hungry Ghost Festival have evolved to include modern pop songs in Chinese and even Korean.
Large tents are set up near housing estates with these performances as well as e-Getai – live-streamed performances online. If you do see any physical shows, visitors are welcome but always ensure you leave the front row of seats empty – those are for the honoured ghosts themselves!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore, observed during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, is a time of deep cultural significance. It commemorates the return of spirits and deceased ancestors to the earthly realm, marked by rituals and offerings such as incense, paper money, and food. This period is also characterized by taboos to avoid bad luck, including refraining from starting new ventures and disturbing offerings. The festival serves as a time for families to come together, honor their ancestors, and uphold traditions that reflect Singapore’s rich cultural heritage. It underscores the community’s respect for the supernatural and highlights the enduring customs that continue to be observed with reverence and unity.
