CQ-explorers in Haw Par Villa and Peranakan Museum
Hejhej!
For once, I am going to share something related to my studies! Shocking, right? I'm taking a total of 6 courses in NTU this semester, which is actually quite a lot. It's alright however, when one of the courses is Cultural Intelligence! We learn about adapting to "culturally diverse settings" and to understand and analyse our own, and other cultures. It is definitely interesting and has given me the opportunity to reflect on my experiences in Singapore in relation to my upbringing and life in Sweden.
In the Cultural Intelligence course (CQ for short), we have formed groups with members from different cultural backgrounds. My team is a great mix of Chinese, Singaporean, Swedish, Korean and Italian culture! One of our assignments was to go on a group outing (preferably dinner too) and explore something in Singapore. "Our" Singaporean, Shu Kai, planned for us to go to Haw Par Villa and the Peranakan Museum, and I thought I would share that experience here!
Haw Par Villa was established in 1937 by the same brothers who invented the Tiger Balm, with the purpose to educate on Chinese tradition and folklore.
When Hampus and Therese were visiting a few weeks ago, we went on a very short visit to Haw Par Villa, but it was just before closing time so we only saw a small small fraction of the park. I was very excited to go there again, this time with people who could give more insight and background on the stories and sculptures. I asked a lot of questions but my group members were patient and kind!
This is the entrance to the "10 Courts of Hell" part of the park. There will be a nasty image below so please scroll past it if you're sensitive. I took a lot more strange, morbid photos in there but I don't really see the point in posting them here. Let's just say they are very creative down there in hell! Heart picked out, body thrown at a mountain of knives, being split in two, chained to a hot chimney... the vile punishments were many. Although, when you have suffered the consequences of your actions here on earth, you are forgiven and get a new chance in the next life. So the suffering is not eternal, which is comforting. I guess...
Apparently parents take their children here to make sure they behave. I would have been scared into blind obedience I think, had my parents done that.
Tiger balm poster child cub.
After Haw Par Villa, we went ot the Peranakan museum. In Malay, Peranakan means "child of" or "born of" and it refers to people of mixed ethnic origins. Southeast Asia has been a crossroads and trade hub for ages, so it's no surprise that the distant travellers sometimes stayed, married local women and started families with them. Their descendants are called Peranakans, and while Chinese Peranakan are the majority, there are also Peranakan communities with other ethnicities including Arab, Indian and Eurasian. I found it very interesting! Especially since we barely speak about ethnicity in Sweden, and it's almost considered a bit rude to point out. I've found though, that it is very different here. Ethnicity, religion and race is often talked about, discussed and emphasized, not quieted down. At first I found it unsettling but I've realised that the comments aren't mean-spirited, and rarely interpreted as such, as is sometimes the fact back home.
The Peranakan Museum guided us through the origin, wedding traditions, languages and fashion, as well as the role of religion and food in the Peranakan community. They also had a special exhibition on the traditional crafts and needlework.
LOOK AT THIS. This isn't fabric or threads, it's made out of BEADS. You know, the microscopic and elusive kind of beads that end up in your drawers, socks, between your floor tiles and in your underwear if you so much as look at them? I just love the colour and the detail so so much.
Just one part of the amazing Hawker Center dinner that we enjoyed after a full day of exploring!
Til next time! / Julia