• A man prays as a woman burns fake paper money during the Hungry Ghost Festival in Beijing, China. The festival, marked in China, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries, is a day to honour deceased ancestors. Getty Images
    A man prays as a woman burns fake paper money during the Hungry Ghost Festival in Beijing, China. The festival, marked in China, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries, is a day to honour deceased ancestors. Getty Images
  • Taoist priests during the Hungry Ghost Festival in Hong Kong. It is believed that on the first day of the festival month the Gates of Hell open and release the spirits of the dead. AFP
    Taoist priests during the Hungry Ghost Festival in Hong Kong. It is believed that on the first day of the festival month the Gates of Hell open and release the spirits of the dead. AFP
  • Offerings for dead ancestors during the festival in Macau. Paper money and joss sticks are burnt outside homes to keep the spirits happy and to bring good luck. AFP
    Offerings for dead ancestors during the festival in Macau. Paper money and joss sticks are burnt outside homes to keep the spirits happy and to bring good luck. AFP
  • Preparations for the festival prayers in Keelung, Taiwan. Reuters
    Preparations for the festival prayers in Keelung, Taiwan. Reuters
  • Offerings for dead ancestors at a temple in Hong Kong. AFP
    Offerings for dead ancestors at a temple in Hong Kong. AFP
  • Fake paper money being burnt in Beijing, China in memory of dead relatives. Getty Images
    Fake paper money being burnt in Beijing, China in memory of dead relatives. Getty Images
  • Ethnic Chinese burn a 'king of ghost" effigy during the festival in Medan, Indonesia. AP
    Ethnic Chinese burn a 'king of ghost" effigy during the festival in Medan, Indonesia. AP
  • Ethnic Chinese burn imitation money – known as 'hell money' – during the Hungry Ghost Festival in North Sumatra, Indonesia. AP
    Ethnic Chinese burn imitation money – known as 'hell money' – during the Hungry Ghost Festival in North Sumatra, Indonesia. AP
  • The festival is celebrated in the seventh lunar month of the lunar new year calendar among communities in southern China, Malaysia and Singapore. AFP
    The festival is celebrated in the seventh lunar month of the lunar new year calendar among communities in southern China, Malaysia and Singapore. AFP
  • An ethnic Chinese woman throws imitation money during the festival in Medan, Indonesia. AP
    An ethnic Chinese woman throws imitation money during the festival in Medan, Indonesia. AP
  • Ethnic Chinese in Indonesia throw imitation money to be burnt as offerings during the Hungry Ghost Festival. AP
    Ethnic Chinese in Indonesia throw imitation money to be burnt as offerings during the Hungry Ghost Festival. AP

World

Hungry Ghost Festival - in pictures

Chinese communities throughout East Asia make offerings to dead ancestors

The National

August 31, 2023

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Updated: August 31, 2023, 11:44 AM