Winter Solstice Family Day 2012 at Lam Ann Association, Singapore
Post Date : 2015-04-30
The 2012 Winter Solstice Family Day at the Singapore Lam Ann Association with sponsorship from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth as well as collaborations with Tung Ann District Guild and co-sponsorship fromSgwritings Culture Association took place at 30 Mohamed Sultan Road on Dec 16, 2012 instead of the actual day on the 21st. This was done in order to take advantage of the weekend for families to attend the free event. An annual ritual session which started last year where members of the Han Cultural Society (Singapore) and leaders from other co-organizers were dressed in traditional "Jifu" (formal Hanfu) at the Hong San temple in the morning was followed by performances lined up with ensuing Chinese buffet lunch, traditional games activity stalls as well as a Tangyuan competition were also held on the historic day.
Mid-autumn Festival Celebration 2012 at Vivocity, Singapore
Post Date : 2015-04-30
Members from the Han Cultural Society (Singapore) and the Ancient China History & Culture Group met at the Harbourfront MRT station before adjourning to the rooftop of Vivocity where the shallow pond is located. It was a pleasant evening that brought together over 30 participants. We were not alone as many other families of various ethnic groups were also present at the mall across from the Sentosa resort island. As the day turned to night, visibly kids were frolicking around carrying lanterns in various materials, sizes and shapes under the watchful eyes of their parents who are probably worried about the paper lantern catching fire but these days, most modern lanterns are lit with LED lights. In addition to our own lantern and candles, the night wouldn't be complete without mooncakes and some mats to sit on. Once we formed a circle, I started by introducing myself with an exposure to the Hanfu (ethnic Chinese clothing that dates back to Ming dynasty), its origin, its demise and its revival. To better acquaint our group of Han revival enthusiast and another who are interested in Chinese histories, we divided into groups to play two types of games: a guessing game through drawing and a traditional Chinese game of "tohu" (投壺 or 投壶, for simplified Chinese) We attracted the attention of passerby who also participated in the game as they were curious to see a game of skill where players need to focus their hand-eye coordination to throw long chopsticks (replacing the arrows) into a canister. Before they played the game, a brief introduction about its history and rites associated with it were explained. As the night went by, we started to prepare for the lantern walk and for fueling our hungry stomach, we ate mooncakes and share stories before we proceeded to walk to the border of Sentosa island via the Boardwalk with lanterns in our hands. As it was a long walk, we stopped to play some sparklers. The round moon was seemingly staring at us, brightly lighting our path when we proceeded. By the time we were done at 10 PM, 4 hours had passed by and it felt much shorter probably due to the fact that we were simply enjoying the company of each other instead of being governed by the shackles of time.
Check here for images posted in Facebook.
1st Han Cultural Society (Singapore) Huaxia camp
Post Date : 2015-04-30
For the 1st time since the society's inception in 2011, the first HuaXia Cultural Camp (第一屆新加坡華夏文化生活營) organized by the Han Cultural Society (Singapore) [新加坡漢文化協會] came into fruition with the generous support of the Nanyang Confucian Association (新加坡南洋孔教会 )and the Taoist Federation (Singapore). HCS President, Dr Yeoh Kok Cheow opened the 2-day boot camp from August 25 - 26,2012. attended by 15 convivial participants from Singapore, Malaysia and China that it is our responsibilities to learn and educate those around us about morality, duty, deportment, ritual propriety, and social and family responsibility. After an introduction of the history of Hanfu, the society's treasurer, Mr Tong Wei Qiang, the president handed out 15 new sets of Hanfu to be worn during the camp to be held at two separate places: the Nanyang Confucian Association at 329A Changi Road and the San Qing Gong temple at 21 Bedok North Avenue 4, managed by the Taoist Federation (Singapore). For some participants, it was their first time to wear the traditional clothing whose ancestors had worn for 5,000 before they were wiped out of existence by Manchurians that formed the Ching Dynasty in China in 1644. This fact was reinforced by Master Sung Yuren who was invited from China mentioned that 70 million revolting Han Chinese against the Queue order were slaughtered into submission. Master Sung is an expert and a long-time proponent in the Hanfu movement both in China graced the 2-day camp with various talks and rites ranging from historical developments and the downfall to the revival of the Han culture as well as social etiquette to rites and rituals.
In order to reinforce their rule over the majority Han Chinese, the Manchurians had successfully uprooted the foundational base of the Chinese society. By replacing it with the Manchurian pigtail hairstyle and their clothes, they had successfully planted their culture in the minds of Han Chinese which explains why most Chinese consider the "qipao" (旗袍) as the de facto clothing of the Han Chinese. He stressed that in the King's way, (王道) we should protect the dragon's descendants, work harmoniously with barbarians who are amicable, expel the barbarians and to revive zhong hua (保合諸夏、諧和萬邦、 驅除韃虜、 恢復中華 Pronounced: pao he chu xia, xie he wan pang, chue chu ta lu, hui fu zhong hua). After all, we are the "hua xia" (華夏) people. Only by acknowledging and replacing the Manchrian qipao, makua and western clothes with Hanfu, connections can be made from linking clothing to rituals to festivities. He added that our ancestors were inspired by the animal kingdom whereby tigers, leopards and birds are highly decorated with the spots and furs but for us, we had to rely on clothes. This explained why the big sleeves of Hanfu and the headdress were like wings of the phoenix (鳳凰). He stressed that we should learn from the West to strengthen our own selves and not to emulate them which seems to be the case. An educated person is mild mannered because internally, he is rich in his thinking, behavior, and expressions which is afforded by his culture. The Hanfu is a basic building cultural block which is intricately linked to rituals and historical celebrations. In the words of Master Sung, the participants are nobles of our culture. He showed the participants proper ways of paying respects to the presenters as well as how one should enters a hall. Men simply place their left palm over their right and while lifting it parallel to their chest as though they are hugging an imaginary ball, bowing in various degrees depending on the person whom they are showing their respect to. Admittedly, the toughest part was to sit on the floor with the buttocks resting on the feet much like the Japanese and Koreans. This is because they have maintained the old Chinese traditions that they had adapted from their long exposures to the influences of China. Japanese intelligentsia had traditionally admired Chinese classical ideas. Due to western influences of rapid modernization, it is not cool to be Chinese. Centuries of economic slums, war and the Chinese diaspora in the 19th century has further contributed to a negative identity of the Chinese people. Chineseness is under attacked. Public perceptions must be changed and the battle to affect people's perception about Chineness starts with our own self because once we are still and stable, only then we can reach out to others. Instead of behaving globally, we should live conceptually. In a rapidly globalized world, Chinese parents are pushing their kids to learn English, adopting western values, naming their kids after English names. There is nothing wrong with upward mobility which means trying to adapt to any situation with a big-picture global (western) outlook. In the course of doing so, we lost our root identity...
On the second day, he led all participants to pay homage to the Gods at the hosting venue of the Taoist Federation. An ancient activity such as the traditional game of throwing arrows into an urn was introduced to the participants. The arrows were replaced by large chopsticks to avoid any dangerous predicament. However, it was an enticing game which required participants to aim while holding the chopstick over the shoulder before throwing. Even a simple game elicited humbleness in participants who were reminded to greet their 'opponents' with words of humility. Compared to the modern games of Olympics, ancient games in China aren't about winning but more for building camaraderie among individuals and hierarchical groups that may have opposing interest. Participants are also exposed to lectures about classical Chinese musical scores and instruments as well as hands-on experimentation with Chinese paintings on the second day of the event by the society's very own Ms Tang Wen Jun. Both the Master and the Society's president handed out certificate of completion to mark the end of the camp. If we could get people to recognize Hanfu as our ancestor's tangible cultural heritage, then we have done our jobs well. It was 5000 of Chinese cultural knowledge jam-packed into 2 days. Everyone was looking forward to next year's camp as well as the dinner awaiting us at a restaurant nearby...
Auctioning of Ming-styled Hanfu
Post Date : 2015-04-30
May 11, 2012, Singapore
The Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information has achieved significant milestones in 20 years since its inauguration in 1992. A major celebration was planned to celebrate what the school has achieved, renew existing ties as well as forging new ones.
As the President of the Han Cultural Society (Singapore) who sponsored the event (http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/sci/20thAnniversary/sponsors.html), as well as a faculty and the promotions committee member, I designed the 20th anniversary logo which is used as a thematic element in the school's promotional materials. I also consulted on various promotional materials for the event. In particular, I rolled up my sleeves to make a traditional Chinese clothing consisting of an upper garment (blouse) and a skirt styled after Ming dynasty's (1368-1644). For over five millennia, Hanfu has been the predominant costume for the Han Chinese until it was banned over 360 years ago when the Manchurians invaded and conquered China to establish the Ching dynasty (1644-1911). Under the laws of Qing (or Ching) dynasty, the Han Chinese people under the reign of Qing government must wear queue and Qing costume and those who disregarded the order faced the death penalty. Historically, Han Chinese considered cutting of their hair as an unfilial act as these are gifts from their parents. As a result, millions were slaughtered before the cultural genocide eventually took root. The initial ban was for males only but in a patriarchal Chinese society, women eventually abandoned Hanfu to conform with their husbands. Monks and Daoist were spared from the ban which explains that Chinese monks and Daoist still can be found wearing Hanfu-styled robes. When China became a republic, people resorted to Western attire as well as modernized versions of Manchurian clothing known as "Cheong Sam" or "Qi Pao."
The dominant characteristics of Hanfu are the cross collars, broad sleeves and are button-less. Whether the wearer chooses to lift or lower her hands, the things in the sleeves will be protected in the curved areas of the broad sleeves. In addition, careful attention was spent to research for fabric and the design. The smooth texture on the satin is contrasted with the dull cotton fabric. Another element of contrast is in the selection of graphics which in this case, the organic nature of the plants and stork against a man-made geometrical pattern found mainly on the rims of the sleeves and collar and the blouse. Pink is a feminine color and both blouse and skirt have similar color themes for a unifying effect when both pieces are worn together. Hanfu is currently used as a part of historical re-enactment, festivals, hobbies, sports and cultural ceremonies. They can be often seen in television series, films and other forms of entertainment media. However, currently there is a movement in China and different parts of the world to revive the clothing Hanfu in everyday life by combining rituals or celebrations with Hanfu.
Inclusive of research for fabric, design, and fabrication, the costume took over 30 hours to make which will be auctioned off to help raise money for the Professor Eddie C.Y. Kuo Study Abroad Scholarship at the Stamford Ballroom All profits from the auction and table sales will go towards the scholarship. In addition to the live auction, there was also a silent auction where some 26 items such as a Smith-Corona Galaxie DeLuxe 70's typewriter, hand-forged copper sculpture, paintings, limited edition books, trips to Korea, fine dining with the head of the school were offered.
What I hadn't anticipate was that the Hanfu was purchased by Dr Benjamin Detenber, head of the Wee Kim Wee School who bade the Hanfu for SGD$500. I was on the stage to help the MCs to explain the nuances of the Hanfu. He immediately clarified to his wife who sat next to him that it was for his niece who recently graduated from the university in the United States. 436 guests, including faculty, staff and alumni attended the event held at the Stamford Ballroom at Fairmont Hotel. Two members from the Han Cultural Society, Ms Francesca Bernice Tan and Felicia Tang, dressed in Ming-styled Hanfu were there. Not to be outdone, I was dressed in a formal black Hanfu. The feedback has been very good - from the President of the Nanyang Technological University, the Dean of the college, the alumni, the Wee family and other invited guests.
Dongzhi for a ground-up integration
Post Date : 2015-04-30
Dec 18, 2011, Singapore
A few days prior to the Winter Solstice "Dong Zhi" celebration in 2011, the Han Cultural Society (Singapore), together with three other associations: Lam Ann Association, Confucian Association (Singapore) and SG Writings Associations joined efforts to organize a celebration which included making of traditional foods and performances to usher in the New Year. It was intended to be a ground-up integration annual event whereby for the 1st time, these cultural associations and society collaborate to promote social cohesion and familial values through the Winter Solstice "Dongzhi" (冬至) celebration in Singapore.
Because of each association's different member profiles, they were able to attract some 200 attendees to the event which marked for the first time the paying of homage to the Guangze Zun Wang (廣澤尊王) at the Hong San See temple (鳳山寺) in traditional clothes. The temple which was built in 1908 is owned by the Singapore Lam Ann Association.
Kids were invited to participate in the process of making and savoring the glutinous rice as well as being exposed to symbolic meaning of family togetherness as the round shape of balls and the bowls where they are served are symbolic representations of family togetherness. For many busy Chinese families and those who recently migrated or relocated to Singapore from mainland China, the Winter Solstice Family Day is a great event that not only bonds them with many other settled mainland Chinese families in Singapore, but such an event is also an opportunity for them to find new friends and networking possibilities.
The Han Cultural Society is official!
Post Date : 2015-04-30
Sep 27, 2011, Singapore
The Han Cultural Society was officially recognized by the Ministry of Home Affairs of Singapore on September 27, 2011 via the electronic edition (Notification Number 2765). A hard copy of Gazette volume 54 No. 50 issue listed the Han Cultural Society (Singapore) in page 5154. An inaugural meeting was held at Tea Chapter at 730 PM on Neil Road in Singapore to chart the direction of the society.
Lantern walkabout in Hanfu
Post Date : 2015-04-30
Sep 10, 2011, Singapore
Together with over 100 other kids and their parents, members from the Han Cultural Society (Singapore) gathered at the forecourt of the Esplanade - Theaters on the Bay to celebrate the mid-autumn festival on September 10, 2011 at 730 pm. The invitation was initiated by Ms Hu Peiyi, a Programming Officer for Moonfest, an annual mid-autumn celebrations in which from September 9 - 11, 2011 a series of performances both indoor and outdoor all around the various venues were hosted.
This year marked the 7th annual lantern walkabout along the waterfront where they invite elderly and children from the various voluntary welfare organizations to celebrate the mid-autumn festival. Members of the public were also invited to join us in the walk and stay to watch the various performances lined up.
The Winter Solstice
Post Date : 2015-04-30
Dec 18, 2011, Singapore
The Winter Solstice organized by the the Han Cultural Society (Singapore) and supported by Lam Ann Association Youth Division, Nanyang Confucian Association Youth Division, and SGWritings Culture Association was reported in Channel 8, a local Chinese language TV program in Singapore during the 2011 Winter Solstice "Dong Zhi" celebration.
Nanyin Banquet in Hanfu
Post Date : 2015-04-30
Sep 18, 2010, Singapore
The Siong Leng Musical Association (www.siongleng.com) organized their second Multi-sensory Nanyin (南音) Banquet II at the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry located at 47, Hill Street following a warm reception last year. Nanyin is also referred to as nanyue (南樂), or nanqu (南曲). It is a style of Chinese classical music originating in the southern Chinese province of Fujian (福建). The Siong Leng group in Singapore is influenced by the Taiwanese group that wear Hanfu during their performance. While the organizers suggested that the dress code is "traditional", it was interpreted as mini skirts and T-shirts for some although a few older attendees would wear the Manchurian-influenced, modernized Chinese costume. Apart from the performers, only the three of us were in Hanfu and when people thought that we were wearing Kimonos or one of the performers, we were quick to hand them a flyer followed with a short lesson. As one of the only two surviving Nanyin musical groups in Singapore, the musical style was popular enough that Chancellor of the Eastern Han dynasty, Cao Cao (155-220) had his own ensemble that perform solely for him. The ensemble usually consists of five instruments, particularly the wooden clapper which produced gentle tones. As we reveled in sumptuous meals, intermittent performances presented a magnificent melodic scene of slow and graceful choreography although towards the end, we were presented with spirited movements of male dancers performing what seemed like Kung Fu moves. It was truly multi-sensory as we were presented with captivating rhymes of elegance and splendor that took us back thousands of years back in time on September 18 2010. It did for me and I hope it was the case too for the guest of honor, Rear Admiral Lui Tuck Yew, Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts of Singapore.
The 2010 Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanfu
Post Date : 2015-04-30
Sept 9, 2010, Singapore
With two days away from the 15th of the 8th Lunar month which officially marks the end of the Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration, the Singapore Hanfu group met at Chinatown (in Singapore) on Monday, September 20, with friends from China, India and Korea. Though some we running behind, most of us were carried away conversing with each other at the Outram Park station before we slowly made our way to a restaurant that specializes in tea ceremony. We lighted paper lanterns and the highlight of the night was when we stopped for a group photo at the entrance of the MRT station that led to the display of multiple lanterns and tourists were snapping photos of us in Hanfu. Many thanks to our willing friends from India who were seemingly "inducted" by decking on the Hanfu right at the station before we set out, which garnered more attention from the curious public. Following the tradition, we ate pamelos at the restaurant, shared stories and it was a relief for me to "unload" the two books of Hanfu that I brought along to share with everybody. The short Hanfu helped to allow some air to move freely around my body but the books felt as though they weighed more than me. The waiter and waitress at Cha Yuen started to hush us out by 1030 PM as we were constantly being reminded about their closing time and the waitress rudely stomped on the stairs to further send us the signal to get out. Understandably, it was hard to move a large crowd but everyone seemed to be happily acquainted and I can't wait for our next gathering.
More at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=212207&id=709322987&l=e3c59623c5
Taoist in Hanfu
Post Date : 2015-04-30
Aug 2010, Singapore
In celebrating Zhong Yuan Jie, which coincide with the Hungry Ghost festival in August of 2010, the Taoist Federation (Singapore), established in 1990 by a group of distinguished Taoist practitioners and believers, with its youth group organized the mobile Taoist cultural exhibition aimed to promote Taoist culture in Singapore. Artifacts such as Taoist hats, shoes, robes were on display, along with information about the faith. While the Shaolin and Taoist priests are the only two branches of Chinese cultural pillars that still hold on to the millennial old Hanfu, it is also interesting to learn that many rituals such as ancestor worship associated with Taoism is closely related to protocols of the imperial court as well as Chinese upbringing values such as filial piety, respect of the living and the deceased. While kudos go to them for putting up the exhibition, I only wish they had used a more Asian-looking mannequins.
For more visit them at www.taoistyouth.sg or www.taoistfederation.org.sg
Prowling the streets of Singapore in Hanfu
Post Date : 2015-04-30
Feb 7th, 2010, Singapore
Together with some 10 enthusiasts from the Singapore Hanfu club http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=6698862860, we celebrated the year of the Tiger in style being resplendently decked in Hanfu (or Han costume). Chinese all across the globe celebrate year 4707 according to the lunar cycle. This is because the Chinese calendar began under the reign of Huangdi, the Yellow Emperor, who ruled from 2697 to 2597 BC.*
All of us found each other from the Singapore Hanfu group in Facebook. We definitely turned a lot of heads as we gathered to meet on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Singapore's Toa Payoh MRT station on Sunday, Feb 7th 2010. From there, we took a bus to the historic Lian San Shuang Lin Monastery. The final destination was at Chinatown for dinner.
As we traveled, we educated the bewildered public by handing out flyers. Hanfu can be easily be mistaken for Japanese but as a predecessor to Kimono, the costume had been the predominant costume for the Han Chinese until it was banned when the non-Han Manchurians conquered China in 1644, ending the last Han Chinese Ming dynasty. With the enforced "queue law," Hanfu eventually was forced out of existence by persecution. Han Chinese males were forced to shave their heads which was unacceptable as hair was considered a gift from parents and such a practice was sacrilegiously unfilial. The Manchurians ruled until the last emperor, Aisin Gioro Puyi abdicated in 1911. By then, Han Chinese had resorted to Western attire as well as modernized versions of Manchurian costumes called "cheong sam" or "qi pao."
* Vision KL: The City Lifestyle Magazine, February 2010 issue.
Original posting date: 2010-02-10
Ghost Month 2011
Post Date : 2011-08-15
Spotted at Fair Price supermarket in Jurong Point mall in Singapore's west side of the island, I was thrilled to see that the diagram featuring the mixture of Manchu and Hanfu costumes, together with modern devices and daily utilitarian things printed on these card boards which are intended to be burnt for the dead during this Hungry Ghost Festival, or simply known as Ghost Festival (中元節 - zhongyuanjie).
It is one of the many traditional Chinese festivals celebrated by the Chinese communities in many countries. Sadly, in many parts China, the festival which originated from China has lost its influence. The Chinese have followed the custom since the Liang Dynasty in 502 CE. The festival usually falls on the 15th night of the seventh lunar month. The 7th month of the Chinese lunar calendar is regarded as the Ghost Month whereas the 15th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar is often called as Ghost Day. The hungry ghost festival actually originated from Buddhism's Ullambana festival, particularly the story of Maudgalyana saving his mother from hungry ghost realm. The founder of Liang dynasty, Emperor Liang Wudi was a firm believer of Buddhism. This later evolved in Chinese Buddhism as a filial piety day due to influence from Confucianism. Taoism has absorbed this practice from Buddhism and developed the concept of gate of hell (18 levels of hell- underworld) opening up during month of July, and ghost being released from hell. In order to prevent ghosts from creating havoc on earth and to appease ghost, the Taoist celebrated Zhong Yuan festival by prayer and making offerings (burning hell money and clothing) so as to help protect the family from any form of harm.
The Hungry Ghost Festival is the opposite of the Qingming Festival in which the living descendants visit their deceased ancestors but on Ghost Day however, it is the opposite: the deceased visit the living.
Inter-racial Inter-religious Harmony Nite 2010 in Hanfu
Post Date : 2013-04-10
July 10, 2010, Singapore
A few friends and I attended the 6th Inter-racial Inter-religious Harmony Nite 2010 on July 10 graced by the President of the Republic of Singapore, S.R. Nathan and his wife. Seven leaders from the inter-religious organizations pray consecutively on stage for peace and blessings while eight vegetarian dishes were served in an almost 3-hour event which ended at 930 PM. Attendees were entertained with multi-cultural show on the stage. There wasn't a moment's peace as the MC's were busy blasting into their microphones as they rally for nationalism towards Singapore's 45th year of independence on August 9. We were asked to fill up a card for suggestions to create unity and harmony for a multi-ethnic society. Someone wrote "create a Singapore identity". What is a Singapore identity, I thought to myself. Most attendees were inappropriately wearing jeans and some older aunties were decked in bling-blings and revealing chiffon garbs. As for the four of us in Hanfu, our identity is not just about the costume as it is more closely linked to the deep philosophies and rituals associated with Confucianism, Legalism, Daoism and Mohism.
Though our clothes are redolent of Japanese or Korean's, we carried ourselves in ways that befit the mannerism as displayed by our ancestors. There were two German visitors who joined us at our table and when we were introduced by our friends, they extended their right arms forward as the norm dictates but they were greeted instead with both our palms put together in front of us with a 45-degree bow. They reciprocated and people around us watched and learned. Some of them were snapping pictures of us and we didn't mind at all. I just hoped that they didn't photograph us thinking that we were from the concurrent gaming expo with sponsorship for cosplays. The key message of the event was tolerance and trust-building and both take time to develop. Instilling nationalism in a multicultural society is difficult due to its all-inclusive, neutral and secular natures but getting Hanfu back into Chinese rituals and celebrations is even harder as contemporary societies seemingly don't have time for anything. The key message of the event was tolerance and trust-building and both take time to develop. But the daily mantra in Singapore is "work hard and make more money" and when they do seek out spirituality, they look for short-cuts. It's inevitable that society changes but simplification means dilution and dilution numbs and dumbs a culture. People no longer remember how to write as computers will do and even spell check for them. In extreme cases, a race inadvertently washes away its own culture in the name of simplification. During Chinese New Years, Chinese Singaporeans wear jeans and greet each other in English while shaking hands. Confucius believes in rites and through rituals, a person, as a member of the society will befittingly function within their hierarchical place in the society.
A simple show of respect by bowing with a clasp of our hands in front of us while uttering "Gong Xi Fa Cai" during Chinese New Year may seem old-fashioned to most people but such a practice is part of a whole set of rituals that govern one's behavior for a civilized society. With the rising influence of China, Japan is very likely to resist any Sinospheric influence but at least they understand that if they do not keep what makes Japan Japanese, their future will run the risk of having a diluted national identity. As for us, all we can do is one banquet, one get-together, one-to-one education at a time.
Post Date : --
YEOH'S JOURNAL
Read about things that interest me, matters that I care about, pictures and observations from my trips and stuff that I bother to share with the world.
