Presenting: Dentures for the dead

Kuala Lumpur, March 30: The dead need to eat too. Or so the ethnic Chinese believe. Paper dentures have become a popular offering among Malaysia`s ethnic Chinese minority during a traditional Chinese festival that honors ancestors by providing them with replicas of earthly luxuries, The Star newspaper reported Monday.

During the celebration, also known as Grave Sweeping Day, families burn fake money and other items such as furniture made of paper. The Chinese believe their ancestors will receive these items for use in the afterlife. It quoted prayer items shopkeeper Leong Yoke Ping as saying false teeth replicas and handbags for paper money and paper gold are selling quickly ahead of Saturday`s festival. ``My father wore dentures. This is just my way to remember him,`` a secretary named only as Caroline was quoted as saying. ``Hopefully the false teeth will be of help if he wants to eat.`` Other popular items include nightgowns, rocking chairs and even treadmills- all made from paper. Last year, mock lingerie reportedly was a big hit. The report could not immediately be verified. About a quarter of all Malaysians are ethnic Chinese. Bureau Report