Hungry Ghost Festival and I

August 17th is the mark to the beginning of the Hungry Ghost Festival, which is also equivalent to the 7th month on the Chinese lunar calendar. Just as Halloween is for Americans, as the Hungry Ghost festival is to the Chinese. For those of you who has yet to be acknowledged of this occasion, It is believed that the gates of hell are opened to free the hungry ghosts who then wander to seek food on Earth.

The reason why the Chinese celebrate this festival is to honor the deceased ones and to pay tribute, done through offering food to appease them, hence warding off bad luck. Offerings are also made by burning replica money notes, also known as "hell money". This festival lasts for a whole month, after which the dead will then return to where they belong.

My mom comes to visit me annually and always during the hungry ghost fest period as it coincides with my lil sister's 5 weeks break. one nite while we were having dinner and no one was talking much as usual, since the silence was too overpowering for me, i decided to break the ice by saying "hey, i think today is the beginning of hungry ghost fest right mom?" she replied, "Ohh yea! thanks for reminding me, i nearly forgot what i was going to tell you! gurl, can you try not to go out this month-ah as u know, it is the time of the year again *stern look*" .... me and my freakin big mouth .... you couldnt imagine how hard i wanted to hit myself that very moment!

It is a thursday nite now while i'm blogging, considerable to us as the beginning of our weekend in australia. this is because it is the day when we have our late nite shopping and also when everyone, yes even the nerds/geeks/foureyes/u name it, goes out for coffees or movies, hit the clubs, go down the coast and so on.

...now tell me whyyyyy, am i still at home...?