If you have seen bonfires around Singapore recently, there’s no need to panic (as long as it’s not at the foot of a HDB flat).
It’s a sign that the Hungry Ghost Festival is upon us, during which souls and spirits of the dead are believed to wander the earth and cause mischief if left alone.
Also known as Zhong Yuan Jie in Chinese, the festival is held on the 15th night of the seventh month of the Chinese calendar, which falls on Sep 2 this year.
Traditionally, paper offerings are burnt during this period to appease the spirits and take care of their needs even in the afterlife, be it in the form of money, watches or jewellery.
But did you know that there are other things you can burn as well?
Such as these uncommon kim zua to burn:
Food
Hotpot
PHOTO: Facebook/bankahhiang
Comes with a variety of seafood such as fish, crabs, prawns and even lobsters.
Bubble Tea
Uncommon kim zua to burn this hungry ghost festival. | PHOTO: Josspaper.sg
This milk tea collection set includes cup and packet drinks to satisfy any bubble tea lover.
Pets
PHOTO: Facebook/bankahhiang
Pets can keep you company in this world and the next, where you can choose from different breeds of cats, dogs and birds.
Houses
Good Class Bungalow
PHOTO: Facebook/bankahhiang
It’s important to ensure that the deceased can live well and unlike in reality, this good class bungalow is definitely something one can afford.
Condominium
PHOTO: Kimzua
Condominiums are a good option too, for extra security.
Private house
PHOTO: Josspaper.sg
This three-storey private house includes a koi pond, a garage and has its own gates.
Villa
PHOTO: po-pi.com.sg
The villa has its own patio, with plenty of parking spaces and bedrooms.
Electronics
Phones
PHOTO: Josspaper.sg
Why choose between Apple and Samsung phones when you can have both? It even comes with a charger.
Washing Machine
PHOTO: Facebook/bankahhiang
A washing machine is always an important necessity to keep clothes clean.
Massage chair
PHOTO: po-pi.com.sg
We’re not sure if there are spas in the afterlife, but we guess spirits need a good massage too sometimes.
Microwave
PHOTO: Kim Zua Diam
If there’s no time to cook, reheat food in the microwave.
Pool Table
PHOTO: Facebook/bankahhiang
Something to pass the time.
Toiletries
Toothbrush set
PHOTO: Kimzua
The set comes with toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash and even dentures.
Facial care
PHOTO: Joss Market
Spirits need to take care of their skin too.
Transportation
Yacht
PHOTO: Josspaper.sg
A medium-sized yacht to travel the seas.
Aeroplane
PHOTO: Kimzua
Comes with its own pilot too.
E-scooter
PHOTO: po-pi.com.sg
Easiest way to wander around.
Gas station
PHOTO: Kimzua
To pump up petrol for the car.
Mask
PHOTO: Facebook/Chris Goh
Hey, spirits still need to mask up it seems, and who knows if they may also need protection from the virus. We just wonder if they’ll be observing safe distancing measures.
Servants
PHOTO: po-pi.com.sg
You can even order a servant or two for the deceased.
Medication
PHOTO: po-pi.com.sg
A first aid kit, all in one convenient set.
This article was first published in AsiaOne and republished on theAsianparent with permission.
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