How to Survive the Hungry Ghost Festival!
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The Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore. It's the time of the year when the boundaries between the living and the supernatural get as thin as a sheet of rice paper, and the streets come alive with more than just the living. This year, the festival runs from August 4th to September 2nd. So, to help keep you out of the supernatural doghouse, here are my top 10 tips for surviving the festival. You've been warned.

Tip 1: Avoid midnight strolls. Thinking about a romantic midnight walk, think again. During the Hungry Ghost Festival, wandering spirits roam the streets and you want to avoid bumping into one. It's like a ghostly game of hide-and-seek but with fewer laughs and far more chills. So limit your walking to daylight hours unless you fancy a spectral serenade. Tip 2: Front row seats to nowhere.

If you see empty seats in the front rows of a stage performance, resist the urge to plop down. Those seats are reserved for the spirits. Sitting there is like crashing a VIP party uninvited, except the VIPs are invisible and possibly vengeful. You'd better stand in the back and enjoy the show from a safe distance. Tip 3: Avoid patting shoulders. Don't freak out if you feel a sudden chill and someone pats you on the shoulder. It might just be a friend.

But during the Hungry Ghost Festival, people avoid patting shoulders. It's believed that it can dislodge the protective flames on your shoulders, making you more vulnerable to ghostly shenanigans. So, save those friendly pats for another time, unless you want to star in your very own ghost story. Tip 4: No whistling at night. Remember that catchy tune stuck in your head? Keep it there.

Whistling at night is an open invitation for spirits to join you. Unless you want an ethereal audience or a ghostly duet partner, hum quietly or save your whistling for the shower. Tip 5: Food Offerings Galore People leave out food offerings everywhere you look to appease the hungry ghosts. From roast chicken to fruits, these offerings are meant to keep the spirits satisfied and non-mischievous.

Don't mistake these for free samples. Snacking on spirit food might earn you more than a stomach ache. Tip 6: Burn, baby, burn. You'll see people burning Joss paper, representing money, clothes and even luxury items for their ghostly relatives. It's like a supernatural Amazon Prime delivery. The only downside? The smoke. So maybe invest in a good air purifier or enjoy the outdoors with a mask. Don't mistake the burning offerings for a bonfire party.

Tip 7: Keep the front door light on. Leaving your front door light on is a friendly beacon for the lost souls, guiding them away from your home. It's like an eerie "welcome but don't come inside". Forgetting to do so might invite some uninvited spectral guests more interested in haunting than hanging out. Tip 8: Avoid water activities.

If going for a walk at night is a no-no, then a night swim is an even worse idea. It's believed that the spirits of those who drowned might pull you under. If you want an unplanned spooky scuba session, stick to dry land until the festival ends. Tip 9. Red string and amulets. You'll see people wearing red strings or protective amulets. It's like ghost repellent fashion. If someone offers you one, take it.

It is better to be fashionably safe than spectrally sorry. And finally, Tip 10: Tell ghost stories. Surprisingly, telling ghost stories is a popular activity. It's a way to entertain both the living and the dead. Ensure your stories are more Casper-friendly than poltergeist scary, unless you want to be outspooked by a listening ghost. So, gear up for the Hungry Ghost Festival with a blend of caution, curiosity, and humor.

Avoid the ghostly faux pas, enjoy the vibrant cultural performances, and pick up a few ghost stories. Just remember, in Singapore during the Hungry Ghost Festival, the spirits are the real VIPs. Very invisible phantoms. You've been hearing about the Hungry Ghost Festival. Here is a designated area with metal bins for burning offerings and a dry powder fire extinguisher on hand.

Check out this episode's show notes for more information about the Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore or visit our website herehere.show. Catch you on the next app.