the people are in the darkened area
During the Ghost Month
(Aug 7 and will last until Sept 4.) the gates of Hell are opened, releasing ghosts, and spirits including those of the dead with permits to roam the living world.
For the local Chinese who believe in this, the festival has always been held to pay respects to the dead, and to seek protection and good luck from the ‘Tai Su Yah‘ (King of Hades)- the ruler of the underworld.
Long hours of prayers beginning early each day through late at night for almost a month are conducted in an intense manner with massive offerings of food offered up to Tai Su Yeah.
Huge quantities of joss papers are also offered to Tai Su Yeah, as well as roasted pigs, goats, chicken, ducks and traditional Chinese cakes miku, moho, gem biscuits, fruits and flowers.
The intensity of the practice stunned me. Never have I seen so many people offering up prayers to any deity as this before..and this being the King of Hades.
Protection and favour seems to be the main purpose in all I witnessed.
More surprising was the presence of the young - I'd expected to see the seniors as the majority, but no; it was mostly attended by those below 30; teens and kids included...
the people are in the darkened area
During the Ghost Month
(Aug 7 and will last until Sept 4.) the gates of Hell are opened, releasing ghosts, and spirits including those of the dead with permits to roam the living world.
For the local Chinese who believe in this, the festival has always been held to pay respects to the dead, and to seek protection and good luck from the ‘Tai Su Yah‘ (King of Hades)- the ruler of the underworld.
Long hours of prayers beginning early each day through late at night for almost a month are conducted in an intense manner with massive offerings of food offered up to Tai Su Yeah.
Huge quantities of joss papers are also offered to Tai Su Yeah, as well as roasted pigs, goats, chicken, ducks and traditional Chinese cakes miku, moho, gem biscuits, fruits and flowers.
The intensity of the practice stunned me. Never have I seen so many people offering up prayers to any deity as this before..and this being the King of Hades.
Protection and favour seems to be the main purpose in all I witnessed.
More surprising was the presence of the young - I'd expected to see the seniors as the majority, but no; it was mostly attended by those below 30; teens and kids included...