A woman in Singapore recorded herself collecting roadside food offerings made during the seventh lunar month, according to a report by AsiaOne published on Friday, 21 August 2026. In the video, she explains her actions by noting that fruit is expensive in Singapore.
The seventh lunar month, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is a period when many Chinese communities make offerings of food, joss paper, and other items to appease wandering spirits. These offerings are commonly placed along roadsides, at void decks, and near public spaces. The woman’s decision to take the fruit appears to be driven by the high cost of produce in the city-state, as she stated in the clip, per AsiaOne.
The report does not specify where or when the video was filmed, nor does it detail the woman’s identity. It is also unclear whether she took all the offerings or only the fruit, and whether any other items were left untouched. AsiaOne’s coverage focuses on the woman’s stated motivation rather than on any legal or social implications of her actions.
Taking offerings meant for spirits is generally considered taboo in many Chinese cultural traditions, as the items are believed to be intended for the deceased. However, the woman’s reasoning highlights a practical concern about living costs in Singapore, where fresh fruit can be relatively pricey.
What to watch next: Whether the video sparks wider discussion in Singapore about the etiquette of roadside offerings during the festival period, and if any authorities respond to the incident.
