APPEASING THE WANDERING SPIRITS:

Chinese communities around the world are celebrating the annual Hungry Ghost Festival, which is observed in the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The reference to ghosts is due to the belief that the gates of the underworld are thrown open during the seventh month - which this year runs from August 10 until September 7. Offerings of food are left for the wandering ghosts and elaborate paper statues are burnt to appease the spirits. Paper lanterns are also sometimes set adrift to help guide lost souls. Many see the Hungry Ghost Festival as an inauspicious time to engage in certain activities, including moving house and getting married, however this report from channelnewsasia.com reveals an increasing number of people are happy to ignore the taboo and tie the knot regardless.