2 days ago, 15th July is the date that marked the opening of the hell gate in the chinese calendar. That's the chinese believe that all ghosts are having some sort of "holiday". They are let out to roam around and enjoy themselves.
So what does people do to entertain them and respect them? I believe they pay respect to them by ...
Burning of paper incense &
Offer those ghosts with alot of sumptuous food. Wait a minute. Should i use spirits instead of ghost? And some people it's better to refrain from using words that maybe offensive as well.
How about entertainment? Getai! 歌台!
It is a usually boisterous life stage performance held during the Ghost Festival commonly held in Singapore, in contrast to the generally solemn mood of the festival. The stage setup is usually composed of temporary structures and situated in the suburbs of the city in any empty field or even in carparking spaces.
The event is usually meant to be performed to the spirits and also the people alike during the seventh month. The backdrop of the stage is usually made of cardboard and clothes painted in bright colours. Also, spotlights, usually consisting of brighter colours, like, red, blue, pink and yellow. The performers would normally wear loud and glittery clothing.
The younger folks in Singapore would normally relate to a Getai as kitsch, as the performers would sing and talk in Hokkien, which is a dialect they label as crude and passe. The older people would normally enjoy watching a Getai, dance and sing along to the staple songs.
Enough of talking and here is a clip from our local director who filmed this.
Yes! That's the image about how it should be like. It is from this movie 881 that is just out not long ago. It is a pretty nice show but it is somehow very draggy that I've to hold my bladder when it come to the end of the movie :P But I believe those ageing citizen will like it because it will bring them their memories :D
Just before I forget, don't you know it's quite weird why people don't sit on the first row of seats in the getai? Because it is meant for those spirits to sit :D Wait! Human don't sit on the first row because their neck will most probably be aching after the movie.
So people! Just avoid the first row always.
Anyway, OLD CHANGI HOSPITAL visit this friday! Are you game for it? Text me :D
People, suggest me with topics or anything you all are interested to see in my entries.
