Paper king crab offered to ghosts

A paper Alaskan king crab is among trendy paper offerings being offered as Hongkongers burned offerings to appease wandering spirits during the ongoing “Ghost Month.”

In Chinese tradition, spirits are believed to be able to leave the underworld to visit the living in the seventh month of the lunar calendar. The Hungry Ghost Festival last Sunday, which fell on the 15th day of the seventh month under the lunar calendar, is considered the peak of the festival period.

On Sunday night, people could be seen performing various rituals, such as leaving food offerings and burning incense for ancestors, as well as other spirits.

Among the paper offerings available in shops were delicacies such as Alaskan king crab and luxuries such as smart phones, yachts and expensive watches.

These unorthodox offerings have been wildly popular, as they revitalize an age-old tradition in a trendy manner.

In traditional Chinese culture, it is believed that the deceased will receive the offerings after they are burnt, ensuring their comfort in the afterlife.