Remembering our traditions
Posted by GummyBear under Museums/Heritage Galleries
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I have visited a number of museums here in Singapore and what they have to offer is certainly impressive for visitors both local and foreign. However I notice that what we lack, is a tribute to the other lesser known aspects of our heritage …
Is it possible for us to have a gallery devoted to Singapore traditions and folklore?
Take for instance the Hungry Ghosts Festival. I wonder how many of our children would know the origins and rich symbolisms in 20 years time.
Or the sinsehs and how popular they have been for much of our history.
There should also be a place for our diverse folklore - the stories that we grew up with - of Pontianaks and tree spirits, of the many Chinese Gods in family alters. Passed down by word of mouth, these could well disappear in years to come as old traditions are forgotten.
We should celebrate all these for they define in part, the very essence that makes us Singaporeans.
I would really love to hear what the bloggers of yesterday.sg think of these humble suggestions …
can we get a little discussion going here? … any ideas and suggestions would be most welcome.
Cheers!
Gummybear
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(6) Comments
Posted by: Wei Chong
Posted on: August 4th, 2008
Sounds like a good idea! I'm sure readers will flock to such museums as the subject matter are close to people's hearts. Look at how Peranakan Museum has managed to draw so many visitors since its opening.
Posted by: sivasothi
Posted on: August 5th, 2008
Interesting idea - yes I'd visit since there is lots of interesting stories contained therein. And even practitioners are not always fully aware these days. Meanwhile,since we can still see many of these activities going on, I've been using Wikipedia and Singapore Heritage mailing list as a source for some answers!
Posted by: Ivan Chew
Posted on: August 5th, 2008
I thought Haw Par Villa was the De Facto Chinese Folklore "museum" of sorts. Although it might seem out of scope to include the Malay folklore. Still, who's to say Haw Par Villa can't reinvent itself to have a multi-racial section? :)
Posted by: Gummybear
Posted on: August 5th, 2008
Thanks Otterman for your contribution to this little discussion - appreciate you taking the time! Unfortunately we can't expect that traditions and the knowledge of our forefathers will be faithfully passed down to future generations. Wikipedia is a great source for information but isn't it sad that one has to go there to search for background info on that which should be "so very Singaporean". Wouldn't it be great if we had our very own repository of such information? A traditions/folklore gallery would be a great place to bring kids to show them another side of our heritage which hopefully would not be lost in the noise of today's fast changing world. Gummybear
Posted by: Wei Chong
Posted on: August 5th, 2008
Fascinating ideas you have there Gummybear. Would you like to join the Friends of Yesterday.sg to tell us more? I'll drop you an email. ;)
Posted by: Gummybear
Posted on: August 6th, 2008
Sure ... am not sure how much I can contribute but am game to be involved in some healthy discussion! Gummybear
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