Photos explain why Hungry Ghost offerings disappear from our streets

The lunar seventh month just passed and apart from some scorch marks on the ground, there's no trace of evidence that suggests the Hungry Ghost month even took place.

Did the ghosts actually take everything with them?

A recent post by Facebook page Rilek1Corner explains it — unsung heroes clear the offerings and clean the streets.

In the post, town council cleaners can be seen squatting on the floor with a bucket, presumably to remove candles and their wax, among other things.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/rilek1corner/photos/a.703888399644293/2610285545671226/?type=3&theater[/embed]

Smoke from burning hell money is part and parcel of Hungry Ghost Festival. Yet, more often than not, when the fires have gone out, the offerings remained on the floor. 

While hell money and other offerings are relatively easy to clean, the wax poses a unique challenge. It requires one to meticulously scrape at in order to remove, possibly squatting under the hot sun for hours.

Some commenters pointed out that devotees should clear up after themselves, rather than leave it to the town council. One of them even pointed out that the workers start before dawn.

One netizen suggested placing aluminium foil at the base of the candles to catch the dripping wax in order to make cleaning up easier.

Hopefully, everyone can do their part.

After all, whatever your beliefs, the offerings are not going to clear themselves.

rainercheung@asiaone.com