Singapore’s Chinese culture and history

Singapore is a multicultural country with a majority population of Chinese (74.2% of the residents), with substantial Malay and Indian minorities. So today I headed to Chinatown to embrace Chinese lifestyle and learn more about its history.  And I wasn`t disappointed; it fact I was truly amazed by the colourful mix of old and new, and fascinated by the stories that the locals shared with me.

The lady pictured here told me that these paper bags – some with LV logo prominently displayed – are for female ancestors and they are burnt as offerings to honour the dead. The offerings (made out of paper) range from daily necessities (such as shoes, watches or toothbrushes) to items of more significant importance such as cars or houses. The most common offering however is paper money, but these days even paper credit cards or cheques are offered for burning. Majority of customers come to this shop during Quing Ming when many Chinese pray to their ancestors and the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts when some Buddhists and Taoists burn paper offerings for the wandering ghosts that are let out of Hell. Joss sticks and candles are lit as a symbol of communicating with the gods and the dead.

Interesting architecture can be seen at every corner and Chinatown hosts several prominent religious landmarks, including the Sri Mariamman Temple (Hindu temple) and Jamae Mosque; the Mosque was built by the Chulia community who came from southern India. It is built to face Mecca and therefor is slightly out of alignment with street greed. I was given a long, green coloured robe to wear while at this place of worship and was asked to remove my shoes. I made a group of men sitting by the entrance door laugh when I said; `These are Chanel, please make sure they don`t go missing`, before realising how silly my remark was.

The front gate is typically South Indian.....

.....while the prayer hall contains some neoclassical elements; by the way, you can`t walk on the carpets!

I met two antique dealers, in two separate shops - one Singaporean and one Chinese - and both showed me exquisite examples of artefacts, for example parts of a large 4-poster beds that were dismantled and sold separately as objects of art, and a compass that was used to determine the position of the door of a new house, to ensure the good energy flows in easily. The Chinese antique dealer offered to de-stress me by using a traditional Chinese method of sound – I loved it!

I have my eye on these two 1920s Chinese lions; the one on the left is a female and is holding a baby-cub under her paw; her male equivalent is `bringing home the bacon`.

The rain pounded the streets when I was inside the stunning Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which reputedly contains a tooth of the Buddha. Most Chinese are Buddhists, with a smaller number Taoists and Christians.

The focus of worship in the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is Maitreya, the Future Buddha, also affectionately known as the `Prosperity Buddha`; he holds a precious vase in his left hand and displays a `fear –dispelling ` gesture on his right.

The practice of selecting a personal Guardian Deity is based on one`s Zodiac sign, and every Animal Sign has a corresponding Buddha or Bodhisattva who has a special link with people born under that particular sign, offering spiritual guidance and protection.  

Manjushri Bodhisattva – Guardian Deity for those born in the Year of the Rabbit.

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva is guarding people born in the Year of the Horse.

Bodhisattva Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara is portrayed here in a royal posture on a lotus throne, with six arms, and I noticed several worshipers saying prayers here for wisdom, as well as for ending sufferings in their present or future lives.

I am aware today I just uncovered a very few facets of this fascinating culture and can`t wait to go back and experience, and learn more.