Singapore is known for its multicultural society, where various religious and cultural practices coexist harmoniously.
Exploring Shared Beliefs: Spirits Festival Celebrates Cultural Diversity in Singapore
Dive into the interconnected rituals of Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism as Haw Par Villa’s Spirits Festival explores the shared karmic beliefs that transcend religious boundaries, by an exploration and immersion in the cultural underworld.
From eerie rituals and haunting exhibitions to mystical interfaith blessings that unite different beliefs, whether you’re braving the 10 Courts of Hell or embracing a rebirth experience, this festival at Haw Par Villa is a wild ride through the world of spirits, karma, and unforgettable adventures.
This focus on interfaith unity resonates deeply with Singapore’s identity as a melting pot of cultures. particularly during this period where you may encounter the age-old ritual of joss paper burning, as contrasted with a less superstitious modern belief that it ought to be relegated to eco-friendly burning zones. The other way to experience and immerse yourself in a cultural melting pot would be to visit the Spirts Festival where such threads are unravelled.
Popspoken: What inspired the creation of the Spirits Festival, and how has it evolved since its inception in 2022?
Haw Par Villa: Spirits Festival was first launched in Haw Par Villa in 2022 to commemorate both the Buddhist Ullambana Festival and the Taoist Hungry Ghost Festival. Our focus was on uncovering the common thread between these two different religions and the festivals they celebrate and there’s actually more in common than you think!
This year, we dug deeper and found that another Karmic Faith – Hinduism, actually celebrates the 7th Lunar Month too! Hindus call it Aadi Amavasya and the rituals practiced during this festival bear uncanny similarities to the ones Buddhists and Taoists also practice. For example, not getting married or moving house this period, offering food to the deities and ancestors.
Popspoken: Could you share with us some common misconceptions about ‘interfaith’ and / or this Spirits Festival that you are hoping to debunk?
Haw Par Villa: The most important misconception we aim to debunk is the idea that the practices we see all around us during the 7th Lunar Month are merely superstitions – for example, the burning of paper money, or the offerings made for ancestors.
Through the Exhibition titled “Tracing the Karmic Connection: Syncretic Origins of the 7th Lunar Month and the 10 Courts of Hell”, and the Talk – “Hello from the Other Side: Ancestral Worship Across Karmic Religions”, participants will be able to learn about the deep philosophy and meanings behind the rituals and beliefs practiced by Hindus, Buddhist and Taoists.
In addition, the interfaith nature of our event highlights the misconception that there are fundamental differences between various religions, when in fact, there are many fundamental commonalities that can be found between the major religions.
Popspoken: Can you share more about the significance of Da Shi Ye and his unique role during the 7th Lunar Month?
Haw Par Villa: Da Shi Ye, also known as the King of Hell comes from Taoist beliefs and you will only see him during the 7th Lunar Month. His primary role is to make sure that spirits behave themselves and don’t run amok when they are on Earth and that’s why he is dressed as a general and dons an intimidating look on his face. But if you notice on the top of his head, there’s a small paper effigy of Guan Yin, the Boddhisatva of Compassion. What’s interesting is that Guan Yin comes from Buddhist beliefs and yet Da Shi Ye is seen as an incarnation of Guan Yin. This goes to show the interconnectedness of the Karmic Faiths in Singapore.
We don’t want to spoil much more as you can find out more via an exhibition, which we are running at Haw Par Villa till end November 2024- talking all about Da Shi Ye!
Popspoken: How did the idea for the Rebirthing Experience come about, and what are its intended outcomes for participants?
Haw Par Villa: We came across this traditional ceremony practiced by Thai monks in monasteries and we were intrigued to better understand what this ceremony entails and how we could recreate it in Singapore. You can find one video about this Thai ritual. In Thai practices, the Rebirthing Ceremony calls for participants to lie in a coffin to ‘kill’ their bad fortune and karma and be reborn to a better life ahead of them.
Coffin lying or mock funerals are also very popular in South Korea, and organisers aim to help people rethink how to live in the present by experiencing “death”.
Popspoken: Why was a contemplative approach chosen over the traditional Thai practice?
Haw Par Villa: We deliberately chose a broader approach, as the Thai ritual may only have appealed to Buddhists. The Rebirthing Experience has been designed to emphasise the universality of death and the afterlife, regardless of religious affiliation.
We want participants to focus on the contemplation of death and the afterlife, so that they can ponder what it takes to live a more purposeful and meaningful life.
Relive Singapore’s Past: Iconic Playgrounds and Lanterns Illuminate Gardens by the Bay
To add to the festivities, Gardens by the Bay will come alive with a range of exciting activities that capture the essence of the Mid-Autumn season. Visitors can immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere filled with traditional music performances, cultural showcases, and hands-on workshops where families can create their own lanterns and mooncake-shaped crafts. The Mass Lantern Walk, led by a dazzling dragon dance troupe, will wind its way through the gardens, illuminating the night with a sea of colorful lanterns.
Food stalls offering classic local treats, like tutu kueh and kachang puteh, will add to the celebration, providing a delicious way to experience the festival’s flavors. Also, Gardens by the Bay x The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore Mini Mooncakes are available for sale at the Gardens by the Bay eShop and Gift Shop. For those seeking a deeper connection with the culture, there are sessions revolving around Craft Making, Paper Dragon Garland creation, Bamboo Weaving Craft, and a Chinese Tea Art Appreciation Experience.
Whether you’re marveling at the giant Flower Carpet recreation of the Dragon Playground or strolling down the lantern-lit paths, this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival promises an unforgettable experience that blends tradition with creativity, making it a must-visit event for all ages.
For more information, please visit Gardens by the Bay’s website.
