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FLIGHT INFORMATION CURRENCY CONVERTER
Monday with the Editor continued
Continued from FrontPage
Hungry Ghosts Festival
In addition, it is not advisable for them to stay outside during the wee hours of the morning. Although the spirits are let loose into our world, most try to keep away from contact with human beings because they are afraid of the human aura. So, the best time for these spirits to congregate is night-time, when most human beings are asleep. People who hang around after dark are exposing themselves to risk of accidents or other unfortunate incidents which may befall them.
All through the 7th Month, local Chinese groups will hold prayers to the Gods to protect the area. Dinners will also be held to celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival. WAYANGs (Street Operas), as well as KETAIs (Makeshift Stage Entertainment), will be staged to entertain the spirits and ghosts which are roaming the streets. Rows upon rows of food will be laid out on long tables for these ghosts to feed on. It is believed that the food will keep the ghosts from straying into people's homes in search of food. It is the custom for the people participating in such celebrations to consume such food after the ghosts have had their fill.
Chinese who belong to such groups contribute a small sum each, say S$70, to help defray the expenses incurred in the event. But, in reality, each participant is likely to get back his share of the money in kind - every member gets a pail full of canned food, beer, rice, fruit and roast meats for his own family's consumption. Each participant also gets to enjoy a traditional nine-course Chinese dinner hosted in tents in the car park or open areas beside their residences.
Just how do the organisers manage to pull off such an expensive event and at the same time reward the members of the group? It's actually quite simple - during the dinner, an auction is held. Items, such as figurines, bicycles, tv sets, and liquor (all new), donated by certain members of the group are placed on auction for bidding. The highest bidder gets to keep the item being auctioned. An ordinary bottle of VSOP Brandy can fetch a bid as high as a few thousand dollars, depending on the generosity of the bidder.
The money collected during the auction goes goes to the paying of the expenses for the event. Any remainder is kept for use in the next year's celebration. What does the successful bidder get? It is believed that he gets lucky at the lottery. In fact, if he strikes lottery, he will place an even higher bid the next time round to thank the Gods for their generosity towards him.
With so many things happening in the 7th Month, you can be sure this month won't be boring. A word of advice, though. During the 7th Month, don't stay out late and try to turn in early. If you hear any dogs howling or other unusual, eerie sounds, don't be a busybody and look out of your window. Stay in bed if you know what's good for you.
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