Every year during the seventh lunar month, Singapore comes alive with the time-honoured observance of the Hungry Ghost Festival—a rich cultural tradition rooted in filial piety, community spirit, and reverence for the unseen. Believed to be the period when restless spirits roam the earth, this festival blends rituals, offerings, and performances that link Singapore’s multicultural fabric to ancient Chinese heritage.
Whether you’re new to the festival or looking to deepen your understanding, this comprehensive guide will walk you through what the festival is about, what to do and avoid, community wisdom, and practical shopping advice for a meaningful celebration.
What Is the Hungry Ghost Festival?
The Hungry Ghost Festival, also called Zhong Yuan Jie or Yulanpen Festival, commemorates the time when the gates of the underworld open and spirits are released to wander among the living. Families offer food, incense, and paper effigies to appease these spirits, honor ancestors, and prevent misfortune. Singapore’s unique urban setting hosts vibrant getai shows, temple rituals, and neighbourhood altars that reflect these ancient beliefs infused with modern communal life.
Dos and Don’ts: Respecting Tradition
What to Do
Make offerings of food, incense, and joss paper in safe, designated spaces.
Attend temple ceremonies or getai shows to support community bonding.
Use protective symbols like red lanterns and talismans to ward off negative energy.
What Not to Do
Avoid moving homes, starting businesses, or holding weddings during this month.
Don’t stay out late or travel at night; avoid water activities or disturbing offerings.
Refrain from whistling, hanging clothes overnight, or picking up lost items.
Traditional mothers and elders often remind the younger generation to stay cautious, reinforcing respect for the spiritual realm and cultural continuity.
What to Buy: Shopping Guide for a Purposeful Festival
1. For Ancestors & Wandering Spirits (Offerings)
Fruits, vegetarian food, sweets
Candles and oil lamps
2. For Home & Family Protection
Red lanterns
Taoist protective talismans (Fu charms)
Protective crystal bracelets
Dragon & phoenix incense coils
3. For Community & Ritual Participation
Portable incense holders
Food packs for sharing
Disposable gloves & tongs
Metal containers for safe burning
4. For People Sensitive to Incense Smell
Incense alternatives: Essential oil diffusers with calming scents like lavender or sandalwood
Scented candles with natural fragrances instead of incense sticks
Herbal sachets or dried flowers (e.g., chrysanthemum, jasmine) placed near altars
Air purifiers or fans to circulate air during rituals
Face masks with mild fragrance for personal comfort in crowded ritual spaces
The Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore is much more than superstition; it is a living tradition that nurtures respect for ancestors, strengthens community bonds, and connects present generations to their cultural roots. Understanding what to do and what to avoid, along with thoughtful preparation—whether through offerings or personal protection—ensures a respectful, safe, and enriching festival experience for all.
By embracing these customs mindfully, Singaporeans continue to keep this ancient festival alive, adapting it to modern life while honouring the spirits that linger among us.
(Credits: Pexels, Galen Crout)
