Culture
Fire Dragon Blazes Trail for Cantonese Temple in Geylang
Mun San Fook Tuck Chee Temple is the home of the Fire Dragon in Singapore.
A Plethora of Tongues: Multilingualism in 1950s Malayan Writing
From the melting pot of cultures and languages in postwar Singapore emerged the search for a Malayan identity, negotiated and presented through multilingualism in Malayan literature.
Portugal’s Linguistic Legacy in Southeast Asia
While Portugal may not have had a large presence in this region, remnants of the Portuguese language continue to linger on, in some places more than others.
Maiden Lim and Her Sisters: Taoist Folk Goddesses of Singapore
The local Taoist pantheon includes goddesses only found in Singapore, such as Lin Guniang, Lei Niangniang and Huang Guniang.
The Divine Lance: Thaipusam and Murugan Worship in Singapore
Thaipusam speaks of a migratory community that carries its deep-rooted cultural tradition wherever its people go.
Theemithi: A Look at the Full Cycle of Rituals Behind the Festival of Firewalking
Theemithi is much more than just the firewalking festival. It is a cycle of rituals that involves the re-enactment of events from the Mahabharatam over several months.
Johor at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair
The story of how Johor ended up at the Chicago World’s Fair is an unexpected twist in Malaya’s colonial past.
How Chinese Buddhist Women Shaped the Food Landscape in Singapore
Women who practised a particular form of Buddhism set up popular vegetarian restaurants in the 1940s and 50s that met the needs of local Buddhists and also helped promote vegetarianism.
We Are What We Eat: The Evolution of Chinese Food in Singapore
Chinese food in Singapore is a product of the country’s history and geography, reveals Low Sze Wee.
Unravelling the Mystery of Ubin’s German Girl Shrine
What is the truth behind the German girl shrine on Pulau Ubin? William L. Gibson investigates the history of Pulau Ubin to uncover the origin of the tale.
A Bite of History: Betel Chewing in Singapore
Fiona Lim and Geoffrey Pakiam look at a time-honoured tradition that is no longer fashionable.
The Sticky Problem of Opium Revenue
Diana S. Kim explains how the colonial government reduced its dependence on opium taxes.
The Chinese Spirit-Medium: Ancient Rituals and Practices in a Modern World
Self-mortification and the spilling of blood are hallmarks of the Chinese tangki. Margaret Chan explains the symbolism behind these practices.
Navaratri Golu: The Hindu Festival of Dolls
Celebrated by Hindus of South Indian origins, the Golu festival is a lively melange of colourful dolls, womenhood and spirituality. Anasuya Soundararajan shares with us its origins.