Last week.....

The title says it all, I always post outdated stuff but I really don't have the time to post an entry. So here goes my entry on what happened last week.

Last Saturday around this time, I had pizza at home because it was raining cats and dogs and it's very troublesome to dine out. Plus, my family did not want to miss the Earth Hour (so proud of them to be so supportive of this event). Anyway, at 8.30pm sharp, my house black-out. We not only switched-off our lights, televisions and computers as well as fans and air-conditioners were all switched-off. My family hung out at the balcony for fresh air and some lighting from the street lights. We did not lit any candles because carbon-monoxide from the candles are bad for the environment too (that's what we think). We played poker cards under the moonlight and street lights while sipping chinese tea. Even though it's dark and hot but time flies when you are with your loved ones. Before we knew it, it was already 9.30pm and we switched-on our lights again. My family suggest that we do it every month and I think it's a great idea.

View of a 'black-out' Penang from my balcony

On the morning of the same day, my family and I took a drive down south to Taiping, Perak for the Tomb Sweeping Festival. It is a practice by the Taoist / Buddhist in memory of their ancestors on the 4th or 5th of April annually. The 'tomb sweeping' can be done ten days before or ten days after the actual date. My family decided to do it a week earlier to avoid 'traffic congestion' at the graveyard. Offerings made from papers like hell money, clothes, shoes etc were burnt for the departed. The departed will also get to 'savour' an assortment of their favourite food during this festival.

Want a cigarette?
You don't smoke? What about a can of beer?

From far, the cigarette boxes and beer cans look so real but actually the are made of papers! Lets check out what else my family bought for my departed ancestors :-

Shoes....
Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and soap....
Watch, spectacles and a pen.....
Plus some clothes, a pair of slipper and a wallet all kept inside this box.

I had fun burning the box and hell money because I love playing with fire. But it was really ironic because I am so supportive of Earth Hour (which took place on the night of the same day) and there I was, contributing to air pollution. Some people might find this whole practice supersitious and a waste of money but it is a tradition in the chinese family.