The annual Hungry Ghost Festival started on August 4, 2024, and is expected to last until September 2. Throughout this time, there are certain practices to observe, one of which includes burning joss paper for the departed.
In a viral Reddit post, a user shared a clip that shows a large group of Malaysians pouring out a boatload of joss papers onto the ground, which they would later burn for prayer purposes.
Many netizens were SHOCKED by the amount of joss papers that were being unpacked as they covered a large part of the road and the piles were almost as tall as an adult. Large incenses were also arranged in two lines, waiting to be lit for the prayers.
“Hungry Ghost Festival right in front of the restaurant in Sekama (Kuching, Sarawak). The burning of offerings is about to begin!” the caption remarked.
The Reddit user, however, was wondering if specific regulations should be put in place for burning joss papers.
But first, what is joss paper (a.k.a incense paper)?
Before we share how Malaysians reacted to the scale of the burning, here’s why the Taoists burn joss papers during the festival, in case you’re not aware.
In Taoism, joss papers (also known as “hell money”) are a symbolic offering to honour and appease the spirits of deceased ancestors.
For illustration purposes only
Ultimately, joss papers are burned as a means to provide the spirits with material wealth and comfort in the afterlife. This ensures that the departed are well-provided for and will not cause harm or mischief to the living.
Joss papers are often made out of bamboo papers and are decorated with various designs.
“I hope they cleaned up”
In the Reddit post, many netizens were concerned to see the large group of people casually preparing to burn the mountains of joss papers while occupying a large part of the road. Many of them voiced out against burning such large amounts of joss papers out in the open, while others were hoping that the leftovers were cleaned up by the same group of people.
Meanwhile, other users pointed out how this would cause air pollution
WORLD OF BUZZ spoke to a few readers, including one who participates in the prayers every year, and here’s what they think of this.
- “I am personally against this, especially when they don’t clean the leftovers and expect others to clean up after them. As a Muslim, I do understand it’s a cultural practice but I am certain there are ways to do it without troubling others.” -HY (65 years old)
- “As a Buddhist, I join the prayers every year with my family but we always do it outside our house, and not in public spaces, or occupy the road. We place the offerings inside the red joss paper burner that you always see in Chinese houses, so the air pollution is minimal. We do our best not to burden those with health issues.” -Cheryl (27 years old)
- “This is too much. It’s not just about the air pollution but also how the cleaners have to clean up after them. My mum has respiratory-related health issues and she definitely cannot take this. Fortunately, we’ve never dealt with this issue, so far. -Vivian (29 years old)
To our readers, what do you think of this?
