In the Chinese tradition, the seventh month in the Chinese calendar is called the Ghost Month, in which ghosts and spirits come out from the lower world to visit earth. This month, which usually falls around August or September, is considered as complicated and even dangerous, and it involves many superstitious ... Many people tend not to close deals on this month, not to purchase a house and not to get married. Long journeys are postponed and kids are advised not to walk on their own in a dark street... Believers also burn paper money and other offerings to appease the restless spirits.
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A small insight from 'Metropolasia-Man':
Despite of today's modern way of life, ghosts and ancestral spirits still play a fairly important role among Chinese - no matter whether they are computer engineers or carpenters...
The Hungry Ghost Festival is your chance to better understand this aspect of Chinese culture.
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The climax of the haunted month's events is on the 14th night (the full moon night) and on the following day, known as the Hungry Ghost Festival.
Activities at the festival include preparing ritualistic offering food, and burning 'hell money' to please the visiting ghosts and spirits, as well as deities and ancestors. Other activities include releasing miniature paper boats and lanterns on water, which signifies "giving directions to the lost ghosts". Family diners, where special seats are kept for the ancestors, are also very common.
Special Chinese opera street-shows are held in different parts of the city and visitors might find interest in watching them.
Some of the best places to participate in the Hungry Ghost Festival celebrations include; Moreton Terrace Playground in Causeway Bay (near MTR-Tin Hau) and King George Memorial Park in Kowloon (near MTR-Jordan).
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Next in line: The Mid-Autumn Festival: Colorful lantern parade and mooncakes
