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KUCHING, Aug 19: In a blazing inferno, a towering 16-foot paper effigy of ‘Da Shi Ye’ was burnt alongside a 21-foot long paper ship to send off the Ghost King to guide wandering souls and spirits back to the depths of the underworld.
This ritual is part of the biggest and most elaborate Yu Lan Hungry Ghost Festival, or Feast of the Hungry Ghosts, in Kuching, organised by the Kuching Zong Ho Friendship Association and took place amidst the shadows of the night at Pending commercial centre next to Isthmus Bridge here tonight.
According to online sources, the presence of Da Shi Ye is rooted in the belief that he oversees the festival’s proceedings and ensures the fair distribution of offerings for the spirits.
These offerings are initially dedicated to Da Shi Ye before being bestowed upon the ghosts. The portrayal of Da Shi Ye features a vibrant Chinese General’s attire, a commanding expression complete with fiery red or blue eyebrows, and an extended tongue.
In tonight’s festivities, an array of tributes emerged, including towering six-foot horses effigies as well as expansive 13-foot by five-foot gold and silver mountains.
These offerings, along with fragrant incense, sacred joss paper, and an assortment of sacrificial tokens, were ceremoniously offered to the flames to nourish and appease the wandering souls as they navigated the realm beyond.
Earlier, the spectacle also witnessed devotees and worshippers launching lantern boats, vessels crafted of paper and adorned with flickering candles, into the flowing currents of the Sarawak River adjacent to the Isthmus bridge.
These vessels illuminated the path, guiding departed spirits on returning to the afterlife.
The Association’s Culture Unit chief Ronny Chin said this special ceremony pays homage to ancestors and those who have passed on and seek their blessings.
“It also serves to promote and preserve the Chinese culture for future generations,” he added while expressing gratitude to all members and participants who contributed to making the ceremony successful.
The Hungry Ghost Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month every year, is landing on Aug 30 this year.
During this period, it is believed that the gates of hell swing open, allowing spirits to enter the living world and roam freely until the portal seals shut once again.
After two weeks of wandering around, it is believed that the ghosts begin to experience a sense of unquenched yearning. Hence on the 15th day of the month, the Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated through various rituals and rites. Food, of course, also plays a big part in the festival.
During this window, many people would worship and honour their ancestors at home, displaying filial piety while seeking ancestral blessings.
Some rites will also take place on the roadsides, where incense, joss paper, and other sacrificial offerings are burnt to satiate the longings of the wandering souls. This act also seeks to pacify the grievances of those who met an untimely demise, granting them tranquillity in their eternal repose. — DayakDaily
