WhEn The GaTEs ArE oPeNeD

Hungry Ghost Festival...

Yesterday was the start of the seventh month, and as always the living are burning incense papers, joss sticks and assorted offerings as the gates of hell is opened at mid-night sharp and spirits are released into the mortal world for a whole month.

Mum has been reminding me to not stay out too late during the seventh month and to keep my eyes WIDE OPEN when I walk the streets to avoid stepping on burnt incense papers or offerings.

In fact, I have even took to avoid hanging dangling stuff on my bag or anywhere else on me as rumours once warned that tinkling noises tend to attract spirits. Was on the way back from my student's place a couple of blocks away from mine, and boy was there a crowd at every void deck burning offerings for the hungry spirits. The smoke stench was thick and my student was commenting (she lives on the ninth floor) and wrinkling her nose at the burnt smell.

Downstairs, piles of burnt incense papers, lighted joss sticks were everywhere. It was quite a feat trying to avoid the stray burnt papers flying on the pavements.

I do believe in all things supernatural but I try not to keep it on my mind too much. Just have the basic respect for the unseen and keep outta their way :)