Singapore, 23 Aug 2022 – The 7th Lunar Month has always been riddled with a sense of mystery, superstition, and misunderstanding. During the course of the month, from 16 August to 14 September this year, Taoists commemorate it as the Hungry Ghost Festival (Zhong Yuan Jie), while Buddhists commemorate it as the Ullambana Festival (Yu Lan Jie) – events filled with rituals, traditions, and practices going back thousands of years.
Unfortunately, the scale and incidence of these festivals have been declining. More of the younger generation are hesitant to participate in the traditions and COVID-19 and surging inflation have hastened the process. It is therefore a race against time to capture the true meaning and essence of these festivals before they are lost forever.
This year, for the second year running, Journeys Pte Ltd, the management of Haw Par Villa, is commemorating the 7th Lunar Month as the Spirits Festival. To see last year’s event check out https://www.hawparvilla.sg/fat-event/spirits-festival-2022.
There will be two events in Haw Par Villa:
(1) 7th Lunar Month Taoist-Buddhist Unity Blessings
(2) RoAM Talk Series: Evolution of the 7th Lunar Month from Imperial China to Modern Singapore
1. 7th Lunar Month Taoist-Buddhist Unity Blessings
Despite significant similarities in 7th Lunar Month rituals across Taoism and Buddhism, joint prayers for the two faiths are almost unheard of.
This interfaith event at Haw Par Villa will bring together Taoist priests and Buddhist monks from the various major traditions practised by most Singaporeans, to conduct salvation prayers for the dearly departed.
To deepen understanding and appreciation of the significance of the 7th Lunar Month, the meanings of the prayers will be shared.
Several Buddhist, Taoist and interfaith groups have been invited to participate in the event. People of all faiths and ages are welcome to observe this event, and learn how 7th Lunar Month traditions in both Taoist and Buddhism are built on shared values such as compassion, generosity, remembrance, and repentance.
The Unity Blessings will take place on the morning of Saturday, 9 September 2023, from 9.30am to 11am, at the Culture Courtyard, Haw Par Villa.
The event will include the following:
Blessings by Buddhist monks
Blessings by Taoist priests
A procession with Buddhist monks and Taoist priests past Buddhist and Taoist figures in Haw Par Villa.
The Blessings ceremony will include explanations of the prayers offered by religious leaders of both faiths, while the procession within Haw Par Villa will make stops at various iconic Taoist and Buddhist sculptures and dioramas found in the park. It will provide participants an appreciation of the rich Buddhist and Taoist heritage expressed in the park.
From 11.30am to 1pm, lunch will be provided to all registered participants, and vegetarian options are available.
2. Free Museum Access
Hell’s Museum
Participants will also have complimentary access to Hell’s Museum. The world’s only museum focused on death and the afterlife is one of Singapore’s highest ranked museums. This offer is applicable only to registered attendees of the Unity Blessings. Tour slots for Hell’s Museum are on a limited, first-come first served basis.
“End of an Era: Legacy of a Vanishing Trade – Yeo Swee Huat Paper Agency”
Participants can also visit this exhibition (located next to RoAM) for further insights into the fascinating world of paper offerings and effigies.
Register here to attend: https://forms.gle/AXhrqkRxbhCUEBkd8
Directions to the Culture Courtyard: https://www.hawparvilla.sg/plan-your-visit/#park_map
It is Item B under “Key Locations”.
3. Rise of Asia Museum (RoAM) Talk Series: Evolution of the 7th Lunar Month from Imperial China to Modern Singapore
Journeys Pte Ltd has invited two academics to share their research and provide a deeper understanding of the origins and evolution of religious practices and rituals during the 7th Lunar Month.
Members of the public will get an exclusive opportunity to have their burning questions about the 7th Lunar Month answered, and clear common misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding this important local tradition.
The talk will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, 9 September 2023, from 2pm to 4pm, at the Rise of Asia Museum Entry Hall (next to the Culture Courtyard).
Register here to attend:
https://roamtalk-spirits23.peatix.com
https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/VLite46817_0923