Wordful/ Wordless Wednesday - Hungry Ghosts' Festival

It is the time of the year again where the Chinese community mainly Taoists and Buddhists observed the Hungry ghosts Festival. For those who have never heard of this festival, it is a popular tradition that is taken very seriously by most Chinese.

According to superstious beliefs, the gates of hell are opened during the 7th lunar chinese month allowing the hungry ghosts who then roam freely to seek food on Earth for 30 days. The main reason why most Chinese observe this festival is to pay special tribute to their dearly departed loved ones. They also feel that by offering food to the deceased appeases them and ward off bad luck and misfortune.

I've started hearing free entertainment with music blasting and dancing late into the night, courtesy of the Hungry Ghosts Society down the road from where I lived. I could not recall my mom ever telling us anything about what we could or couldn't do during hungry ghosts month because they weren't terribly superstitious about it. But then, we still fulfill this religious obligation annually to show respect and remembrance to our deceased anchestors.

I've heard numerous spooky ghost stories though but knock on wood, I've not encountered one before. I used to believe in them when I was a kid, and I could remember how thrilling yet convincing the stories were but that was a very long time ago. I don't believe in supernatural stuff in quite the same manner nowadays. I know there are some people who have encountered unexplainable phenomena and happenings in life but that doesn't mean to say that 'ghosts' are the cause. I'm sure all of these things had logical explanations behind them.

The festival is widely celebrated by the Chinese community in Penang. Temporary canopies and tents are widely set up on the streets. However, what really creeps me out is how the monks will sing spooky songs dedicated to the wandering spirits or ghosts during the prayer sessions.


Striking coloured flags were put up along the roads leading to the tents several days before the festival begins which normally serve two purposes. The ghosts can follow the flags to reach the festival and at the same time, the flags are also a landmark for devotees to visit the tents.


Food offerings to the hungry ghosts

These are giant sized dragon joss sticks burnt as offerings for the hungry ghosts.

These are 'hell money notes' and other items such as clothes, gold and other fine goods to be burnt so that the departed souls can enjoy these comforts in their afterlife. Some families also burn paper houses, televisions, cars to please their deceased anchestors.


After an offering has been burnt to the spirits, it is a taboo to step on the burnt area as it is believed to be an opening to the world of spirit and touching it might cause the person to be possessed.

Don't be surprised if you don't see many Chinese out at night for the next week or two.

First Commenter - Carver

PhotoHunt - Entertainment

While hunting through my photo folders for something appropriate for this week's theme, I found a few pictures during my visit to Taipei Traditional Arts Festival in Taiwan last year. Pictured here is the Red Ribbon Dance which is one of the most popular of China's folk dances. Incase you are wondering, it is originated from Chinese opera and has been preserved for centuries. Each performer holds the ribbon stick in her hands and create a visual collage of circles, swirls, corkscrews to the music of the Chinese chant. It is a great form of entertainment for cultural events and parades.

For opera lovers, you'll be thrilled to witness the Taiwanese opera in artistic form. These days, it's one of the most popular form of theatrical entertainment in Taiwan which combines local opera and music into one performing art.


Belly dance is a dance form originated from the Middle east and it has gained popularity all around the world these days. While I was on vacation in Turkey a few years ago, I managed to catch the exotic belly dance entertainment. The dancers are young yet voluptuous and their flamboyant costumes and flowing movements elicit oohs and aahs from the audience. I was amazed on how the dancers moved seamlessly with the fast tempo of music. I noticed how difficult the techniques were and how much artistry there was in it.

We enjoyed it and it brought fun entertainment. Needless to say, the men just couldn't take their eyes off them and the cameras just couldn't stop clicking. :)

The dancers commonly used finger cymbals and some of the exotic dance movements are carried out at floor level.



First Commenter - Annie

Music Monday - A Tribute to Michael Jackson : King of Pop

Like the rest of the world, I was in a state of utter shock and devastated to hear the news of the untimely death of pop icon Michael Jackson. When my boss broke the tragic news to me, I was in a state of disbelief. Although he has no reason to lie to me, I refuse to believe the news. But curiosity got the better of me. So when I finally switched on my laptop, the news of his death spread like wildfire through news sites, social networks and Twitter non-stop. It was simply shocking.

I spend my childhood listening to Michael’s timeless music and words cannot describe how much the legendary King will be missed. Although I've never been a huge fan of Michael Jackson, it made me sad that the legendary King of Pop was gone despite all the controversies surrounding him in the past decades. So keeping his personal life aside, it’s the music and amazing talent of Michael Jackson, that we should all remember him.

Having said that, he was an undoubtedly amazing moon walker I've ever seen and I don't think we will ever have another magnificent King like him for the rest of the decade because he’s irreplaceable in every sense of the word. Almost instantly, a musical tribute filled the airwaves with his greatest hits. As sad as it may sound, his legacy will never die and forever be cherished in the heart of millions who treasured his undeniable talent.

May his soul rest in peace. I sincerely hope he has finally found some form of peace and happiness in his life he was never able to find in this world. My heart goes out to his three kids and other members of his family.

Until then, I'm featuring a couple of Michael's inspirational songs this week for your listening pleasure. Happy listening!

From LYRICSMODE.COM lyrics archive

Lyrics | Michael Jackson lyrics - You Are Not Alone lyrics

From LYRICSMODE.COM lyrics archive

Lyrics | Michael Jackson lyrics - Heal The World lyrics

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First Commenter

Favourite CARTOONS

It's quite the norm for kids to indulge in their favourite cartoons these days. Mine are no exception as they literally tune in to watch their favourite characters on specific days and time.

With many colourful and interesting characters, even hubby and I get carried away. Ha ha, I guess it's a wonderful experience to get a feel of being a kiddo again. Somehow, it will literally belt out the tension and frustration of the day as cartoons can be ironically funny and entertaining at times.

With tons of homework and projects daily, it's good for kids to unwind with their favourite cartoons to gather themselves and destress. While watching cartoons can be fun and relaxing, it's all about moderation as I don't want my kids to neglect their studies at the same time. As long as they know how to control themselves, that's all that matters.

Some of my kids' favourite cartoons, manga or anime include Detective Conan, Fullmetal Alchemist, Crayon Shin-chan, Initial-D, Danny Phantom, Naruto, Spiderman, to name a few. For my all-time favorite cartoon, nothing beats Jem and the Holograms. This cartoon used to be very popular which ran in the 80's . It is generally about music company owner Jerrica Benton, her singer alter-ego, Jem, her band the Holograms, and their adventures.

So, what's your favourite cartoon?