By Catherine Lim and Ang Yik Han
Date line Sunday 22 April 201
A week after the traditional fortnight period of observances for family Qing Ming, a group of tomb keepers observed a collective Qing Ming for the tombs under their care. The group of 5 take care of some 200 graves in blocks 5 and 2 at Bukit Brown. A core group of 3 has been observing this practice for some 20 years. They were joined this year by a mother and daughter team. The tomb keepers Qing Ming practices follow closely those observed by families with one exception. It has has three objectives: first, to honour the dead; second, to thank the “Gods” for their livelihood and pray for their continued support; third – the exception – to ask for forgiveness for any unintentional offence caused in going about their duties in the past year and pray for continued protection,
The tomb keepers of blocks 5 and 2 have commandeered a staked tomb which will have to make way for the highway. The family don’t mind. It is a cool corner to rest up, a strategic meeting point for their clients who are descendents of those buried and this was where operation Tomb Keepers Qing Ming gathered.
As they went about their preparations, there was no set order of who does what or who should pray first. But there was a great sense of duty and mission from people who knew just what to do intuitively, honed by years of practice and mutual respect.
Ah Chua at 80 years old, is the eldest tomb keeper and stops to pose for the camera. The younger tomb keeper (in blue) is responsible for getting supplies and general organisation. The lady tomb keeper in pink is part of a daughter and mother team who for this Qing Ming joined this group. They help in cleaning and sweeping because of the additional work load at the blocks which are heavily staked. Mother and daughter have their own “turf” at another block which was first looked after by husband and father who has passed away.
The tomb keepers pray to 3 deities for Qing Ming:
1)The Earth Deity Tu Di Gong (土地公) 2) Another earth deity Tua Pek Kong (大伯公) for wealth and fortune 3) Mountain Deity( (山神) so tomb keepers won’t get lost in the hills and undergrowth . 山神 is important especially to the tombkeepers
Each tomb keeper lights up 11 joss sticks – 5 to represent the 5 directions which the earth deity encompasses, 3 for the wealth deity and 3 for the mountain deity
Preparations for the burning of the paper offerings
At the earth deity’s alter, the stack is also being built.
a.t.bukitbrown would like to welcome Cheng-Kiang (CK) Ng to our photographers gallery. CK visited Bukit Brown for the first time recently, overcame his life long apprehension for cemeteries and finally submitted to the beauty of Bukit Brown, capturing some stunning panoramas for his own blog
CK picked up photography at the age of 14 when he joined the school’s photography club. And has not looked back since. He started with B &W photography and B&W film and print development but today CK has joined the digital age. On his blog, he shares tips on what he has learned in the digital world.
Some members of the Love Cycling Sg Face book Group rode through Bukit Brown on January 2 for a post New Year Nature Tour organised by the Nature Society of Singapore. They enjoyed it so much there organized one on Feb 12.
They came, they saw, and they blogged! Here is one of their reports.
And here’s a demonstration of how we share personal histories, not necessarily found in the archives or newspapers of the day. This tomb below (Tan Yong Thian) is a relative of one of our friends, Rosalind Tan, who has beautifully restored the site. In part, she cleaned up the front courtyard in anticipation of lessons like this to be shared. It makes history come alive, and helps visitors be more connected to what happens at Bukit Brown. Here, Peter guides. The cyclists were very impressed by the renovation. Rosalind, thank you.
The cyclists moved on to the highlight, the biggest tomb at Bukit Brown.
We love Love Cycling SG! They demonstrate the meaning and spirit of passion. They were considerate to pedestrians and motorists, cycled safely, were caring of each other, attentive to the guides and so patient in the heat as we stopped and trekked often. Yet they never complained and were really keen. We would love to have them back!
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And here are some photos of their visit on 2 January…….
Margie Hall was leading the nature tour but felt compelled to detour into cultural heritage when confronted by the Bukit Brown iconic sikh guards.
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