|
Moths were captured
by chance on camera during SPI night investigation
2.4 SPI Conducts
Investigation to Test Theories
SPI experimented to imitate the effect of lights typically
found at Chinese rituals for the dead on moths. Also put to
the test are fruits and foods commonly seen in Chinese rituals
for the dead. During Qing Ming, it is common for some religious
Chinese rituals to use fruits such as pears as an offering
to their ancestors and deities on altars. The pears or fruits
would probably be left there till almost rotten over several
days. It is highly possible that fruits like pears would become
ripen or overly ripen, naturally producing ester to attract
and as a result, attract moths to feed.
An experiment table was set up and food items commonly seen
in rituals were arranged neatly on it. Food items used included
pears and Chinese rice wine. Candles were also placed around
the table and an artificial light source, a lamp emitting
UV light, was also set up. No chants or prayers were performed
at the experiment table. This is to determine that if moths
can be naturally attracted by these ordinary items, it would
mean that they are not reincarnations of souls nor possessed
by a human soul returning to feast on the offerings.
The experiment was successful as a moth was soon attracted
by the irresistible lure of light and scents at the experiment
table.
SPI used non-ritual
items as moth attractants to lure moths in experiments (ripe
fruits, candles, stale wine and lights)
2.4.1 Hiding behind the photo of the deceased
When a moth hides behind the photo of a deceased, it does
not necessary mean that it is the soul of the deceased returning
and signalling its arrival. Rather, moths have a tendency
to hide because it is their natural defence against their
enemies - bats. The earliest fossils of moths suggest that
they shared the world with dinosaurs and flying reptiles,
we probably can never know if or when moths or their ancestors
abandoned daylight for a relatively predator-free night. However,
with the extinction of the dinosaurs and the arrival of mammals,
new and deadly predators of the night skies arrived: bats.
Fast, manoeuvrable fliers equipped with sensitive sonar guidance
systems, bats are the number one threat for night-flying moths.
But moths have developed an array of sensory and behavioural
strategies that enable them to avoid becoming evening snacks.
Many night-flying moths have pairs of ears positioned on both
sides of their abdomens that are tuned to exactly the sound
frequencies emitted by hunting bats. These sensitive ears
allow the moths to eavesdrop on the hunting cries of bats
and to attempt to avoid them. Moths have two levels of escape
behaviour at their disposal when they hear a bat using sonar
to search for food. If their bat-detecting ears inform them
that a bat is on the way, but still distant, the moth turns
away from the direction that the cries are coming from and
leaves the area. However, if the bat gets very close before
it is detected, the moth suddenly executes a series of high-speed
acrobatic manoeuvres, usually ending in a dive for the ground
or the shelter of nearby bushes.
But when not in the air, moths will have to depend on an age
old method to avoid its predators; camouflage. Moths prefer
to hide behind the photo of the deceased because photo frames
used at funerals are often dark in colour and have a wooden
grain surface. With their wings spread out flat on the photo
frame, the dark patterns on its wings can make the moth blend
into the dark surface of the photo frame. This helps the moth
avoid detection. However, the moth's natural defences are
not designed to work against the human eye and therefore we
can easily see through the moth's disguise. But many prefer
the interpretation that the moth is a soul returning to visit
the family rather than the behaviour is a natural instinct
of a moth. Perhaps there's a more powerful reason to that
can explain why.
Sound production
in Cycnia tenera (Arctiidae). (A) Scanning electron micrograph
of the thoracic tymbal with microtymbalar ridges (striated
band) along the anterior edge. Scale bar, 0.5 mm.(B) One modulation
cycle of tymbal sound
Sound production in Hecatesia thyridion (Noctuidae). (A) Scanning
electron micrograph of the alar castanet of a male H. thyridion.
Scale bar, 0.5 mm. (B) Sound chirp produced during calling
behavior of male
Sound production in Rileyana (Thecophora) fovea (Noctuidae).
(A) Scanning electron micrograph of a pegcovered swelling
of the radial vein on the underside of the hindwing called
the Schalblasse. Scale bar, 0.2mm. (B) Scanning electron micrograph
of a tarsal segment
Courtesy of The Journal of Experimental Biology 202, 1999
2.4.2 Psychological influences
Confirmation bias - moths like many other flying insects,
may fly into homes at any random time. However, when a moth
or butterfly chose to fly into a home during an occasion that
has anything to do with the spiritual afterlife like Qing
Ming, Hungry Ghost festival or a funeral, one will pay more
attention to its arrival. The experience would be no doubt
influenced by the prevalent emotions and concerns at the moment.
It can lead one to draw conclusions that the arrival of a
moth or butterfly may be associated with the dead or spirits
of the dead.
In addition, one should never underestimate the power of hope.
The sudden arrival of a lone flying insect like a moth or
butterfly is enough to be a comforting sign that the spirit
of the deceased has returned for a brief moment.
And Why a Moth?
Finally, it begs the question, why would a soul return as
a butterfly or a moth? This may have to do with the creature's
short life cycle. The life cycle of a butterfly is short enough
for a soul to be reincarnated so that it could visit its family
in a short time after death. It also may have to do with the
symbolism of life and renewal of life as suggested by the
life cycle of butterfly or moth. The metamorphosis of a caterpillar
into a butterfly symbolizes the end of an old life and be
beginning of a new and completely different life form. Death
is but a pupae stage in the entire circle of life.
3.0 Conclusion
Rituals, in popular Chinese beliefs, held for the dead have
elements that are naturally attractive to insects, especially
the moth. Combined with the symbolism of moths and butterflies
in many cultures, it becomes easy to lead one to believe that
when moths interrupt a ritual during a traditional Chinese
funeral, at Qing Min or during the Hungry Ghost Festival,
they are the reincarnation or embodiment of a human soul.
In olden times, when moths are not the subject of any serious
scientific study, observing a moth rushing into the light
of candles in a funeral, hiding behind the photo frame of
a recently deceased kin may be mistaken for souls returning
to pay the family a last visit. When the belief is told and
transmitted over time, it becomes firmly embedded in popular
Chinese belief systems. And when a moth makes an appearance
during a ritual it is enough to convince even modern minds
that the soul of the recently deceased has returned.
Enterprising individuals and organizations have learned how
to capitalize on such age-old popular beliefs to provide services
like proper rituals and prayers to allay the anxiety of families
of the recently deceased. And because the popular belief is
widespread in Singapore, this remains a lucrative industry.
But once we separate the science from the superstition we
need not be anxious or wary when a moth happens to appear
during a funeral or on a tombstone during Qing Ming.
Can you spot
anything strange in the photos? Burn offering will invite
spirits? In the second photos, is it just lens flare or something
else?
Click here
to check out the alleged apparitions in the red circle. Are
these dark figures shadow of some human from a distance?
You can see the shapes somehow look very weird, especially
the first one on the left. Compare the region in the green
circle in the last photo.
The two photos were taken only one or two seconds apart. The
dark figures just disappeared in a short while?
Click here
to check out the alleged apparition that was seen in the burning
flame. Someone is caught in action while "receiving"
the offering?
Can you spot
anything strange in the photos? Burn offering will invite
spirits? Dark and eerie behind the iron bars....
Food are spilled
on the floor, to feed ghosts and spirits. Are they just attracting
moths and flies or really something supernatural?
Rotten fruits, spoiled food and candles, each has its charm
in attracting moths
Notice the paper flags in the "five positions" -
typical ritualistic arrangment for inviting the ghosts
Thousands of
children are starving to death in Africa. Precious food was
wasted for feeding the ghosts and to the moths and rats (pest).
Is this how blessings from God should be asked for!
|
