Three groups of beings are going to have their parties this August-September period.
During the 7th month of the Chinese lunar calendar the gates of hell are opened for the hungry ghosts to roam the human world freely and a chance to renew relationship with friends and relatives. These underworld beings are given a month to enjoy the freedom that only comes once a year. These visitors from the underworld will be partying all night long with the food and giant joss sticks offered to them. The Festival of the Hungry Ghosts this year is from August 1st to 30th.
The Mid-Autumn or Moon Festival which is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month which is on September 14. This is an occasion where the moon is admired for being roundest and brightest in all months. This celebration originates during the Tang Dynasty ( 618-906 AD) and has been celebrated widely amongst the Chinese worldwide. We will be looking at the moon with resident fairy Chang Er who is still there due to her consumption of the Elixir of Life. Usually fairy tales are childrens great companion but sometimes politicians too need some fairy tales ending.
The third group of being who are also partying are of course the politicians. With the campaigning in the by-election for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat being held around these occasion, politicians will be enjoying the freedom of speech to the fullest. They will be campaigning in one of the most watch by-election ever to be held in Malaysia. The freedom to decide and vote will be in the hands of the Permatang Pauh voters and their decision on who they vote will provide a significant impact on certain politicians and development in this country.
What's the connection of all these festive occasions with the by-election?
It surely does. The politicians not only have to worry of bumping on those "lost" beings after their late night ceramahs but also having "ghost" voters taking part in the election. Furthermore, those who still have skeletons in their closet will be very worry that ghosts from their past will rise freely to haunt them in these by-election. The politicians will be campaigning very hard, even using the "ko tai" (stage shows) which are very popular in Penang as their platform during the Phor Tor (Hungry Ghosts) Festival. Will they be speaking to the voters and the hungry ghosts too?
During the Moon Festival cakes in round shapes filled a variety of pastes known as moon cakes are specially baked for this occasion. These moon cakes which are sold in bakeries, restaurants and supermarkets are popular delicacies. In one of the legend related to moon cakes, it was said that secret message was inserted into the mooncakes to convey the message to the people. Will the politicians adopt this strategy too since PKR and PAS's logos are related to the moon. Adding the rocket, it will be interesting if DAP will reach-out to the "moon" permanently.
For those who adheres strongly to cultural beliefs and practices, if they want to win this election with the help of the ghost voters they better pray that the voting day will be held within the Hungry Ghosts Festival i.e. before Merdeka Day.
If those who always seek divine help in their endeavours, it will help them significantly if voting is held on Sept 15 where fairies will be around to help them in full force or at least the moons shines on them brightly for the voters to see their true colours. - Loka
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