Getai 歌台

Singapore

新加坡

There are many sayings about the origin of the culture of getai, but most of them agree that it should be derived from the Zhongyuan Festival.

歌台文化起源有多种说法，但其中多数人赞同的应该源自于中元节。

The seventh month of the lunar calendar is commonly known as the ghost month because the Chinese believe that the door of the netherworld is open for the whole month and the ghosts can wander freely in the mortal world.

农历七月俗称鬼月，因为华人相信这整个月阴间鬼门开，孤魂野鬼得以在人间游荡。

In order to appease these "good brothers", the business owners will organise the Zhongyuan Association to seek smooth business benefits.

为了安抚这些“好兄弟”，经商的老板们会组织中元会以求生意顺顺利利。

These Zhongyuan Association will organise getai to entertain these "good brothers".

这些中元会就会筹办歌台来酬神祭“好兄弟”。

The first row of seats at the getai is not reserved for the living but for the "good brothers".

歌台的第一排座位不是留给活人而是专留给“好兄弟”的。

So do not sit on these seats just because they are vacant, or else good luck to you!

所以不要因为空置而坐在这些座位上，否则祝你好自为之了！

Getai veteran: Liu Lingling

歌台大姐大：刘玲玲

The getai host is versatile

歌台主持人都八面玲珑

Getai entertainers are all talented

歌台艺人都才华横溢

Getai literally means 'song stage', it is a very grass-roots culture, a product during the era where entertainment was lack.

歌台顾名思义就是载歌载舞的舞台，是一种非常草根的文化，是娱乐缺乏时代的产物。

In 2007, the movie "881" which featured the Getai culture as background, let the once dying culture to be reintroduced into the young audience once again.

2007年一部以歌台为背景的电影《881》使一度没落的歌台文化，再次让年轻观众认识。