Culture practised with consideration

As pandemic regulations ease and religious obs ervances resume, some in the Chinese community are looking forward to celebrating the Hungry Ghost Festival after a two-year break.

One particular practice, which has come under increased public scrutiny in recent years, is the burning of joss paper and the placing of food offerings at public areas. Both Taoists and Buddhists burn joss paper on various occasions, to mark ancestors' birthdays, at funerals and during the Qing Ming Festival.

In recent years, however, some practitioners have developed inconsiderate habits. As a result, unsightly messes are now a common blight during the Hungry Ghost month. During the period, public pathways are littered with unburned joss paper, half-melted candles and food offerings.

Singaporeans, as part of a multi-ethnic society, are generally tolerant of religious practices in communal spaces. But people of all faiths need to be mindful of how their practices impact others in the community. That communal spaces remain secular is sacrosanct in this multi-religious society.

The indiscriminate littering during the festival affects everyone in the community. It not only dirties the environment but also presents an added burden for cleaners. Food offerings are unhygienic and attract pests.

Hopefully, the recently announced Alliance for Action on Norms for Joss Paper Burning, with representatives drawn from more than 10 Chinese religious, cultural and industry associations, will succeed in its campaign to educate practitioners in the proper practices. The alliance expects that it will take three to five years for the campaign to yield the desired results.

Paying respect to the dead is a common ritual in cultures around the world. But the needs of the living for a clean, healthy environment should be respected too.