The hungry ghost festival is believed to have started during the
Tang Dynasty. Probably it is influence by the Ullambana. There
various similar practices in other societies too!
The Hungry Ghost
month and its festival is very Chinese in origin though it would
have some element of influence from other beliefs. However,
in essence, it stems from the belief that the spirit of the
departed ones are released from Hell and given one month's
leave!
Chinese, being
concerned about the stomach, will spare no effort to make offerings
for their departed ones and to feed them believing that there is no
BBQ feast in hell. Also, for their 'vacation' (temporarily
vacating hell), the ghosts are not only hungry for food but also
hungry for pleasure. Since people love peace (with
exception), it is better to appease the ghosts and not offend them
in anyway like urinating on the offerings.
Fear and ignorance characterised human
existence and griped our behaviours.
For as long as this belief in ‘beings’ existing in different realms
remained whether propagated by religious doctrine or some other,
the wayang show will go on, now in Orchard Rd, and next in Marina
Bay.