Once a year many people in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia shop for elaborate paper creations that will be burned as offering for ancestors during the annual Hungry Ghost festival.
Hungry Ghost Festival —
Once a year many people in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia shop for elaborate paper creations that will be burned as offering for ancestors during the annual Hungry Ghost festival.
courtesy stella ko
The Hungry Ghost Festival is held on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month -- in 2016 that's August 17 -- to pay respect to the spirits of the dead.
Respect for the dead —
The Hungry Ghost Festival is held on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month -- in 2016 that's August 17 -- to pay respect to the spirits of the dead.
courtesy stella ko
People burn papers and incense and leave food on the street to feed the spirits.
Burning incense —
People burn papers and incense and leave food on the street to feed the spirits.
Stella Ko
Popular items to burn in recent years include paper iPhones, houses, luxury bags, and accessories.
Luxury items —
Popular items to burn in recent years include paper iPhones, houses, luxury bags, and accessories.
courtesy stella ko
From paper Lamborghinis to beer six packs, there's seemingly no limit to what people burn for the deceased.
Cars and beer —
From paper Lamborghinis to beer six packs, there's seemingly no limit to what people burn for the deceased.
Courtesy Stella Ko
All the Hungry Ghost-related products for sale in Hong Kong are made in factories in China.
Made in China —
All the Hungry Ghost-related products for sale in Hong Kong are made in factories in China.
COURTESY STELLA KO
In Hong Kong, delicious-looking sets of dim sum in bamboo baskets can also be found -- of course, they're made entirely out of paper.
Hungry Ghost Festival Items, Hong Kong —
In Hong Kong, delicious-looking sets of dim sum in bamboo baskets can also be found -- of course, they're made entirely out of paper.
COURTESY STELLA KO
Or how about a paper roasted chicken?
Hungry Ghost roasts —
Or how about a paper roasted chicken?
courtesy stella ko
Many people believe their ancestors and wandering spirits will bring their family good fortune if they burn gifts for them.
Good fortune —
Many people believe their ancestors and wandering spirits will bring their family good fortune if they burn gifts for them.
courtesy stella ko
Besides incense, people also burn candles to help the spirits find their way back to where they belong.
Incense and candles —
Besides incense, people also burn candles to help the spirits find their way back to where they belong.
COURTESY STELLA KO
People usually burn clothes for their ancestors. Colorful papers symbolize cloth.
Clothing —
People usually burn clothes for their ancestors. Colorful papers symbolize cloth.
courtesy stella ko
Many people burn fake money -- including representations of vintage notes no longer in circulation.
Old money —
Many people burn fake money -- including representations of vintage notes no longer in circulation.
Courtesy Stella Ko
Among more curious offerings are "hell" banknotes. These have no connection with Western notions of Hell, but simply represent offerings of money.
'Hell' banknotes —
Among more curious offerings are "hell" banknotes. These have no connection with Western notions of Hell, but simply represent offerings of money.
courtesy stella ko
Offerings burned in the street usually include an image of Guan Yin, the Chinese goddess of generosity.
Goddess of generosity —
Offerings burned in the street usually include an image of Guan Yin, the Chinese goddess of generosity.
courtesy stella ko
According to tradition, Guan Yin makes sure all spirits have something to eat and wear.
Fed and clothed —
According to tradition, Guan Yin makes sure all spirits have something to eat and wear.
COURTESY STELLA KO
Many traditional papers are printed with lotus leaves symbolizing purity and bamboo, representing long life.
Purity and long life —
Many traditional papers are printed with lotus leaves symbolizing purity and bamboo, representing long life.
courtesy stella ko