Why Food Offerings are Important During Hungry Ghost Festival

I’m sure most of us know that during the Hungry Ghost Festival it is believed that the gates of Hell are opened, and spirits are allowed to roam around the streets of the earth to look for food and drinks. These spirits aren’t allowed to eat in Hell, so they’re surely starving by the time they’re out. However, do you know that there’s more to food offerings than just for the ghosts to satisfy their hunger?

Corporate & street offerings

Altars at office buildings will be set up and food will be offered along the streets for orphan souls who have no family that can pay their respects to them. At offices, these offerings are done hoping that the souls will protect their businesses. Some people also offer food along the streets near their homes to prevent these souls from disturbing their family and to ask for peace in their family. These offerings are not restricted to any kind of food and usually, a packet of food to some buns with coffee will suffice. Interestingly, bottles of Yakults are also sometimes offered to younger ghosts.

Offerings for loved ones

Family members will set up a table filled with their loved ones’ favourite food, taking this festival as a way of remembrance and to pray that their loved ones’ will continue to bless them and watch over them.

Menu from Hua Zai Roasted Duck

Offerings for ancestors

Typically done on the 15^th day of the festival, these offerings are grander and bigger with a table filled with roasted pork, roasted chicken, fish, traditional snacks, or anything that is grand and signifies wealth. These are done to please the ancestors of their family, hoping to receive their blessings and to thank them for watching over their family.

Leaving the spooky element of the Hungry Ghost Festival aside, these practices are actually significant as they are done as an act of respect and filial piety for their loved ones and ancestors. One cannot deny that during this Hungry Ghost Festival, food indeed brings everyone together – dead or alive.

Now that you know the importance of food offerings during this special festival, have you gotten yours yet from us? If not, check out the menu here: https://www.foodline.sg/lunar-7th-month/