During an English class, a student, about 20 years old, told me that if she goes on vacation to Hong Kong, she will not be able to take a shower by herself, she will need to have her friend with her in the bathroom. She went on to explain that it had to do with a dream that she had. In this dream she saw a ghost sitting on the toilet while she was in the shower. This really scared her. Now she is wondering if she should go to Hong Kong.
This past week a student (about 50 years old) told me that she was having a hard time adjusting her sleep. She was feeling stressed and worn down after returning from a trip to Europe. She was concerned that a spirit possessed her because she visited many old churches in Europe.
A newspaper article reported about a man who was wronged by a woman. He committed suicide. In a note he left behind, he threatened to hurt this woman as a ghost when he is dead.
In several classes I have asked my students (all adults) how many believe in ghosts and spirits. They kind of look at me like that is a silly question, because they all do. It's like asking how many people believe there is a sun and a moon.
It is comely believed that when a person dies he/she becomes a ghost. But what type of life they have as a ghost depends on how well the family treats the dead relative. For the funeral, it is common to burn miniature houses, cars, and other things, including fake paper money. It is believed that when these things are burned, the dead relative will be able to use them. After that, there are certain holidays they put food out and burn fake paper money. It is believed that their dead relatives will get them. It is also done to appease other ghosts that haven't been treated well. These mistreated ghost needs to be appeased so that they won't harm you.
August is 'ghost month'. That is the time when the spiritual world is open and ghost roam around the earth. People avoid activities like swimming because if a person drown or died at some place, that spirit could possess you. Also large purchases such as houses and cars are avoided for the same reason. A ghost might be inside and come and possess you.
These ghosts and spirits seem to be feared. People take extra efforts to avoid and appease these ghosts. It is a real part of their lives.
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1 comment:
Hi Kim,
I'm glad to see your blog updated. I find it very interesting that the culture you are in is so openly superstitious. I think we Americans are supersitious too but maybe not so blatantly. Do the Taiwanese have a word for "superstitious" and if so what does it mean to them?
I continue to pray for Sherry's salvation and your ability to effectively communicate with her.
Blessings,
John
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