Most Chinese merchant, business people and staffs believe in gathering some funds to burn incense and joss paper (representing gold, silver, clothing, cars etc) for the visiting spirits. They would gather together to have a meal together. On that dinner, it is usually accommodate with an open-air ‘live’ performance. It is a free for anyone to view the show. However, one interesting fact is that the first rows, in front of the stage, are empty seats reserved for the ‘ghosts’ to sit.
The most common type of performance seen these days is something called ‘Getai’. Typically, temporary wooden stage are setup on empty field in housing estates where many part-time singers will appear on stage to perform for a few songs before proceeding to the next similar stage somewhere else. The volume of such performance is usually quite loud (to attach more people to visit). The outfit of the performers and the theme of the stage are usually bright colors.
Photo above is a ‘Getai’ which was situated just below my house last night.
I will be sharing about Moon cake festival next few days.... stay tune.
