Today is the 15th day of the seventh moon in the lunar calendar and many Chinese Toaists, Buddhists and Confucianists observe this special day. It is commonly believed that the gates of hell are thrown open and the hungry ghosts and spirits are let out to wander around seeking food and entertainment.
There are several versions of the origin this festival. Some people celebrate any time during the seventh moon, others keep to this 15th day.
In my younger days when we did not have television or radio, we kids used to watch the 'wayangs' - Chinese opera put on especially for special occasions like the Hungry Ghost Festival or the birthday of some gods. Traditional Chinese instruments such as the erhu, drums, cymbals are used in these wayangs. The actors and actresses with colourful costumes would act out the Chinese dramas. We would always find some place near some elderly lady who would be making commentary as the drama progressed. We could not understand the archaic language used by the performers.
Today the 'getai' (literally song stage) have replaced the wayangs and puppet shows. Even the gods, ghosts and spirits have gone modern. Change is inevitable.
I recall as a child one seventh moon when my younger brother was very sick with high fever. My mother who was not a Christian was advised by neighbours that my mischievous little brother of four must have offended some spirits. So she got a Malay bomoh who diagnosed that my brother was possessed by one of the hungry ghosts. He needed deliverance. The bomoh wrapped a black sarong round him, and using a broomstick kept beating him while the rest of the family watched helplessly.I recall I was really scared out of my wits. We were not Christians then.
When my brother remained critically ill, she went to the Chinese 'sinseh' who prescribed Chinese medicine. Good thing he got better. I believe it was Divine intervention. There was no polyclinic or doctor nearby in the kampong where we lived. Those were the days. Thank God we came to know the Lord later and things change. O for the light that Christ brings.
We believe Jehovah the God we love and serve is the divine Healer and we can go to Him at any time. We know too we can get the support of the excellent medical facilities in Singapore.
"Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will make the sick person well. the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." James 5: 14-15
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