The Role of Music in the Phor Thor (Hungry Ghost) Festival in Bukit Mertajam, Penang

Abstract

This study explores the role of music in religious ceremonies and ritual practices during the Phor Tor (Hungry Ghost) Festival in Penang. It focuses on two main objectives: first, to analyse the role of music in the festival’s religious ceremonies, and second, to explore the cultural and spiritual functions of music in the rituals. Using an ethnomusicological approach, the research involves participatory-observations, interviews, and audio-visual recordings. Data was also collected from the interviews with the Taoist priest and the Teo Chew opera troupe members who perform the rituals during the religious ceremonies. The findings reveal that music plays a vital role in facilitating communication between the human world and the spirit world. Taoist priests use chants during the rituals, while the Teo Chew opera serves both as entertainment and an offering to the spirits. Music not only supports the rituals but also strengthens the cultural traditions and promotes a sense of community. This study highlights the importance of conserving cultural heritage, especially in modern times. It also offers insights that can be incorporated into educational programmes to promote local cultural understanding and appreciation.