Roadside offerings are a familiar sight during the Hungry Ghost Month, and it has become commonplace knowledge to not disturb the joss sticks and food items meant for wandering spirits.
A woman working in Singapore, however, has caused quite a stir online after filming herself breaking that very taboo.
The video was purportedly filmed by a woman from the Chinese province of Sichuan, who is working as a bus driver here, reported Shin Min Daily News.
While it has since been deleted, the clips have been reposted onto various social media platforms by others.
The short 18-second video begins with the woman squatting beside an offering left at a curb at the foot of a HDB block.
In accented Mandarin, she says: "Working abroad is not easy. Live frugally and fruit is expensive in Singapore."
She picks up an orange from the curb and giggles as she tells the camera she has a fruit used in a prayer offering.
"Thank you, Buddha. I've told Buddha," she adds.
The video ends at that point. It is unclear if she did consume the orange.
'Accord a bow of respect'
The bold video shocked most netizens, who asked if her actions could bring bad luck based on superstitions.
"It's not for Buddha... it's for the "good brothers" (spirits and ghosts)," a Facebook user commented.
Another said she appeared to be chasing internet fame through the video.
So, can one consume food from these roadside offerings?
In 2020, local freegan Daniel Tay shared a haul of fruits collected during the seventh lunar month prayers after he consulted a Taoist priest.
Those items were left behind by devotees.
According to the priest, the food offerings can be taken after the lighted incense finishes burning.
"Say a word of thanks and accord a bow of respect," Tay explained.
"Don't take them while the incense is still burning. It's very rude to take food away from those who are still eating it."