A tradition to appease the ghosts

Not just rice is offered during the annual Hungry Ghost Festival. Vegetables, suckling pigs, chicken, fish and a thirst-easing melon drink are presented to the spirits, who it is believed are not fed enough in the underworld. The tradition was introduced to Hong Kong 60 years ago by immigrants from Chiu Chow in eastern Guangdong. Rice offered to ghosts would later be distributed to poor people. The practice continues, with community groups handing out not just rice but other gifts.