China Town

Went to Chinatown for a self-guided tour! I first went to Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore. Sri Mariamman is known for her powers to cure epidemic diseases. The temple is famous for the annual Thimithi festival where followers walk on coals for their piety, deep respect.

Hinduism is known more as a way of life than as a religion. It was originally called Santana Dharma or Righteousness Forever. Hinduism governs the evolution of the individual from birth to death to rebirth until he finds final salvation. Unlike other major religions of the world, there is no single divine prophet responsible for its origin and development. The religious beliefs of the Dravidians combined with the philosophy and rituals of the Aryans form the basis of modern-day Hinduism. The Dravidian practice was based on the worship of guardian sprits such as elements of fertility and the mother goddess. The Aryans deified abstract concepts and natural phenomena such as the sun and fire. The basis of Hindu worship and practice is set out in hymns known as Vedas, which were originally transmitted orally. The Vedas are considered the foundation of the Hindu way of life. Hindus do believe in a trinity- made up of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, Siva the absorber- together with Amman, who is also known as Devi, have gained prominence in the Hindu pantheon. There are several other deities who have substantial followers. Temple priests must have full knowledge of the Vedas and be able to perform offerings from followers to the deity.

I visited the Eu Yan Sang Chinese Medicine Pharmacy and Clinic where Chinese and others purchased herbal medicines. Birds nest is sold here and used as a high protein cure. The birds saliva that holds the nest together is believed to have a curing affect on the body.

Coolies where Chinese immigrants who where sold upon arrival at port in Singapore. Kwong Hup Yuen is the largest remaing coolie house left in the condition. The rooms where the slaves where kept didn’t proved proper sanitation, air, or treatment. The strong where sold first and weak where left to fend for themselves.

Many of the shops around Chinatown were used as entertainment social clubs formed. The clubs where based on social status and by invitation only. Along club street there are only a few of these social clubs still intact.

Wak Hi Cheng Bio Temple was built after the safe passage by Chinese immigrants.

Thein Hock Keng Temple is devoted to the Heavenly Happiness God. It is the oldest and most interesting of all the temples in Singapore. When this temple was first built it was near the harbor. Singapore has reclaimed lots of land from the South China Sea.

After walking around the area and exploring I met Kirsten Kwa, a friend I met at A&M before coming to Singapore, for Lunch. Kirsten’s father will be teaching the Environment of Asian Business Class I am taking in the fall. Kirsten and I went to the People’s Place Shopping Center. She is working at the Deloit Consulting firm working for the DHL client. She is working on automating employee-training programs. We had an awesome lunch and hung out until it started pouring. We weaved through many shops and stores trying to stay dry but we were not successful!!