Do Real Ghost Stories Exist? A Haunting Incident from Primary School
Introduction to the 7th Month Festival
The 7th month of the lunar calendar, known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is a hauntingly eerie event. During this month, it is believed that spirits and ghosts roam the earth, seeking the offerings and prayers of the living to satisfy their hungers. It is an intriguing mix of superstition and cultural heritage, and for many young children like me, it was a time filled with both excitement and fear.
During this festival, performances of traditional opera are held to honor the spirits, and tents are set up for religious activities such as prayer and offerings. It is a time when families and friends come together to share stories of past experiences and to honor their ancestors. It is within this atmospheric backdrop that one of my most memorable stories unfolded.
A Recollection from Primary School
Back then, I was a student in primary 4 or 5, exactly where the tales of haunted children would typically come to life. During the 7th month period, we ALL our schoolmates would gather game below the block where these performances were held. However, our preference lay in the dark and narrow alleys behind our block, where we would play catch or soccer. It was our hideout, a place where we were free from adult supervision and safety norms.
On this particular evening, all of us decided to play catch in the dark alleys. Rules were not strictly enforced, and we agreed that the hidden spots would be off-limits. My friend served as the catcher, while I preferred to hide in areas where I thought I could elude capture. After a while, as no one came to find me, I decided to return. Yet, upon reaching the gathering points, I found my friends waiting for me.
As we returned home tired, a series of peculiar events took place. Halfway through, I awoke from my nap, my eyes wide open in surprise. I found myself tucked in the bed, in a perfectly straight position. Raising my head, I was horrified to see a woman with long, white hair sitting at my father's computer table. I quickly tightened my blanket over my eyes, trying not to move, to keep my fear at bay.
This encounter continued into the night. My father, or so I thought, had sat at my computer table, but it wasn't until the morning that I realized he was not alone. My father, believing me, came back early, and after a long explanation, we discovered it wasn't his work that caused the incident. Instead, a nearby temple provided guidance. The man at the table, alongside two others, informed us that I had offended a spirit by stepping on something unintentionally, provoking their anger.
To deal with the situation, my father and mother brought me to a nearby temple. There, the third party advised me to drink water with a talisman burned within. After that night, I have never experienced such an event again within my room.
Lessons Learned
Do not underestimate the power of superstitions. The Hungry Ghost Festival can be a haunting yet fascinating time. It serves as a reminder to be extra careful during this month, respecting the spirits and honoring their legends. The story of playing hide and seek in the alleys of my childhood, a place where ghosts might be lurking, is a testament to this.
It is always wise to maintain mindful behavior and better, to show respect to our cultural heritage, no matter how amusing or scary it might seem.
Remember, during the 7th month, be cautious and mindful. Better to err on the side of safety than risk facing what lies in the shadows.