Ghost Town

The Specials were a reggae ska band formed in 1977 from Coventry, England. They had a #1 hit with this song "Ghost Town" in 1981.

England came under Margaret Thatcher's rule in 1979 at a time of civil unrest as a result of massive unemployment. This escalates to uprising and street riots across many parts of England. Amid these tensions, "Ghost Town" was released and catapulted to the number one spot on the charts. This was widely recognized as the perfect song which captured the mood of an entire nation and conveyed a most significant political statement within. A very interesting song that alternates back and forth with an eerie and happy tone. Hear the eerie child-like wailing between verse and chorus and the ghostly siren noise towards the end of the song. Watch the MTV here.

In the country where i came from, or where there is a significant chinese community, this month is known as the Hungry Ghost Month when it is believed that the gates of hell is open for all ghosts and spirits into our mortal world to wander for a month. During these times, the chinese would make offerings, in the form of food, prayers, the burning of 'hell money' to their loved ones who had passed on or just to appease any wandering spirits around. As such, food offerings, burning of 'hell notes' and joss sticks (equivalent of candle sticks) could be found on the roadsides in many parts of the country.

Big elaborate open air concerts known as 'Getai' are also organized throughout the island featuring song and dance. Besides entertaining the living, these were also meant to entertain the dead on their yearly one month 'vacation' to the land of the living. The first row seats are always left vacant, these are meant for the 'guests' from the other side. It is pretty much a ghost town during this period. Even in highly modernized nations, this tradition is still widely observed among all the chinese.

During this month, the young are advised not to stay out too late and road accidents have a significant higher occurrence than usual, not to mention many ghostly encounters and 'sightings' by people.

I myself have never encountered or seen anything eerie during this period though i strongly believed in the presence of spirits and ghosts. I sometimes do wish i can befriend someone from the other side or able to communicate with them rather than being in the company of humans.

Ghosts are not scary, human beings are far worse (at times).









Chinese character for ghost pronounced as 'GUI'