Hungry Ghosts. Episode 1

Given my inability to write anything short and pithy, and a general lack of enthusiasm for the self-referential aspects of blogging, I had pretty much resolved not to blog from Singapore.

That is, until today.

The seventh lunar month is the "Festival of the Hungry Ghosts," a Buddhist tradition that involves several rituals, including setting (fake) money and other (replica) worldly goods on fire to appease greedy angry souls. I've seen little shrines (not sure that's the right terminology) of joss sticks, flags, and plates of food all over the HDB public housing estate where I live, for that matter, all over the city. So I resolved to explore the Festival this weekend.

The "Spooky Walk" on the Singapore tourism website sounded interesting. I opted for Sunday morning (cooler, and daylight so I could get a real feel for what I'd be seeing). Sadly, there weren't enough takers, but there was still the Saturday night walk. Despite fierce mosquitos, 90 degree heat, I was in. The kicker might have been the indemnity form. An excerpt:

"In seeking to participate on a night walk event conducted by Singapore Paranormal Investigators... I (full name) _______, NRIC / Passport number __________ do hereby warrant and acknowledge:
1. that my general health is good and there is nothing which renders me unfit to undertake the overnight walk and experiments done during the activity that may require mountain climbing and trekking forest at night.
2. that I understand and appreciate fully the fact that there may well be risks, hazards and dangers involved to which I would be subjected during the overnight walk and investigation. I voluntarily assume the risk inherent in taking part in overnight walk and investigation and I, together with my heirs, executors and administrators hereby release SPI from any duty or care towards me, in connection with my participation in the overnight walk and investigation."

Hmmm. My general health IS good, but I'm not sure I'm fit enough for paranormal experiments conducted while mountain climbing and trekking forests overnight. Then the the organizer called on my mobile...said the walk lasted four hours. I decided the sensible thing was to put a nail in that coffin and pass on the "Spooky Walk."

But I noticed in my own housing estate festivities that seemed friendly ghost-like when I came home Friday night. I'd check it out instead.

Coming home at mid-afternoon today, I walked between the two apartment buildings that face mine. People were already setting up for the evening. The public area under the building on my left was already decorated with gold tarps and beautifully intricate hangings, tables and chairs were set up, there was an alter with blinking lights, food offerings, and lots of beautiful flowers.

Beneath the building on the right, table settings (elaborate and attractive) were being prepared and decorations hung, and there were already piles of fake money out for sale on a table. I asked a woman setting tables whether this was in honor of hungry ghosts--she said it was. Could I come back tonight when they got underway? "Sure," she said, "You are most welcome to join us, we'll start around 7." "Would it be okay if I took pictures?" "Of course, no problem."

The earlier disappointment about the impracticality of the "Spooky Walk," had evaporated with the convenience of a hungry ghost festival event right in my housing estate! I'd cool off for a couple of hours, then head downstairs with my camera. I could pop home if I needed respite from mosquitos, or to cool off for a few minutes, it was PERFECT. In anticipation, I snapped a couple of test photos of the public areas under the two buildings where preparations were underway, from the walkway in front of my flat. I'd get closeups later.

At least that's what I thought.