A PEACEFUL NATION MAKES BLISSFUL PEOPLE TEOCHEW TRADITIONS TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS AND CUSTOMS

TRADITIONAL TEOCHEW VALUES LOYALTY AND FILIAL PIETY DILIGENCE AND THRIFT BENEVOLENCE INTEGRITY

ALL THINGS FLOURISH FOR FAMILIES IN HARMONY TEOCHEW TRADITIONS

PREFACE

About Teochew Federation (Singapore) Customs and traditions are the cornerstones The Ngee Ann Kongsi was founded in 1845. At the behest of Teochew Federation Teochew Federation (Singapore) aims of cultural heritage. In late 2018, Teochew Back then, a group of 12 prominent Teochew (Singapore), the Editorial Committee carried to provide a network and a common Federation (Singapore) led a delegation businessmen led by Seah Eu Chin established out extensive research on the customs and platform for exchange among the comprising more than a hundred members The Ngee Ann Kongsi to look after the welfare traditions of the Chaoshan (潮汕) region in Teochew community and businesses in to the Chaoshan (潮汕) region in China on a and religious needs of Teochew immigrants China, and drew on the collective wisdom and Singapore; facilitate cooperation and cultural exchange visit. In 2019, we published in Singapore. As times changed and society knowledge of local Teochew clan associations, collaboration in good faith; work together this handbook on Teochew traditions in progressed, The Ngee Ann Kongsi has kept community organisations, charities, experts for the common interest of all members; partnership with the Singapore Press Holdings pace by focusing on educational development, and scholars. Their support and assistance and strive to preserve our culture and Chinese Media Group, in the hope of enabling setting up a primary school, a secondary gave us the confidence to harness our team traditions, as well as to expand business future generations to keep our treasured school, and a polytechnic. In 1998, the Ngee spirit and complete this pictorial and textual opportunities both at home and abroad. cultural traditions and customs alive, ensuring Ann Cultural Centre was established to compilation of fine Teochew traditions, At present, around 90% of all cultural continuity and succession. promote Singaporean arts and culture, as well customs, beliefs and values quite quickly. The Teochew organisations in Singapore are Teochew Federation (Singapore) sees the as Teochew culture. resulting handbook serves as a reference for members of our Federation. They include a total of 40 clan associations, charities, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage Our sponsorship of the publication of future generations in their efforts to uphold Teochew opera and music ensembles, as its obligation and duty, and still has a long Teochew Traditions by Teochew Federation the same values, practise the same traditions, educational and welfare organisations. way to go in boosting unity among the Teochew (Singapore) is in line with our commitment and keep our cultural heritage alive. Collectively, these organisations have community and Teochew organisations. As the to preserving and propagating our cultural We would like to express our gratitude a total of 16,000 individual members, saying goes, unity is strength. With the support heritage. It is the hope of the Kongsi and Ngee to all members of Teochew Federation business members, and representatives. and cooperation of many members of the Ann Cultural Centre to build upon the work of (Singapore) for their unwavering support and 2 This makes Teochew Federation community, we will continue to draw upon their our forebears and work together in earnest to the team from Singapore Press Holdings 3 (Singapore) the biggest and most wide-ranging expertise and wisdom and work to continue to foster unity in the Teochew for this fruitful collaboration. Let’s continue influential Teochew association in closely together so as to make an even greater community and drive progress for all, in order to work together on our important mission to Singapore. contribution to the Teochew community and to do more for the Teochew community. sustain and build upon our cultural heritage. our nation.

Chia Chor Meng JP, BBM Jamie Teo Teochew Traditions President, 4th Council President Editorial Committee Teochew Federation (Singapore) The Ngee Ann Kongsi

READ MORE ABOUT FOLLOW THESE FAMILIES TEOCHEW FEDERATION AS THEY JOURNEY TO CHAOSHAN (SINGAPORE) HERE. IN SEARCH OF THEIR ROOTS. TEOCHEW TRADITIONS

WHERE ARE TEOCHEWS FROM? CONTENTS

THE QUARTET OF LIFE FESTIVALS AND HERITAGE Marriage 37 Gathering Around the Stove 09 Matchmaking on Chinese New Year’s Eve 09 Proposal 37 Giving Lucky Money Three Chaoshan cities in Guangdong Province, China 10 Compatibility Check 38 Chinese New Year’s Eve Shantou, Chaozhou, Jieyang 10 Betrothal Vigil CHAOZHOU 13 Engagement 38 Ancestor Worship Raoping 13 Selection of Wedding Day 41 Chinese New Year Jiedong Xiangqiao 14 Threading • Dowry Greetings 14 Fetching the Bride 41 Away with Poverty Rongcheng 17 Bridal Chamber Decoration 42 The Seventh Day of the Chaoan Chenghai Jiexi 17 Wedding Banquet First Lunar Month JIEYANG Jinping 18 Eating Sweet Dumplings 42 Spring Lantern Festival Longhu Nanao My name is Jiahe • Playing Pranks on the 44 Tomb Sweeping Festival SHANTOU (家和). Papa says, Newlyweds 45 Dragon Boat Festival Puning Chaoyang “All things flourish for 18 Visits to the Maternal Home 46 Hungry Ghost Festival Chaonan families in harmony”, and tells me we 20 Wedding FAQ 47 Mid-Autumn Festival must uphold our 48 Winter Solstice Huilai traditional Teochew Birth 49 Festivals FAQ values close to heart. 23 Pregnancy He also wants me to 23 Birth Announcement SOCIAL MORES learn about Teochew 24 Confinement 53 Order of seating 4 5 traditions. So, let’s go 24 Three Day Rites • Full 53 Meal service Chaozhou (潮州) is a fengshui treasure trove speaking Fengshun (丰顺) and Dabu (大埔). back in time together Month Rites 54 Traditional Tea Ceremony in the eastern part of Guangdong province Later on, the Teochews decided to exclude to find out more. in China, known for its abundance of fish these areas and Chaozhou became a region 55 Forms of Address for and rice, produce and resources, as well as with eight districts. Coming of Age and Family Members talented and bright people. Even as the geographical demarcations Birthday Celebration 56 Forms of Address for Archaeologists have identified traces of evolved with the change of regimes in China, 26 Coming of Age Paternal Relatives human habitation in the region that dates the Teochews in Singapore continued to use back 5,000 years. More than 1,500 years ago, the original names of the eight districts, 27 Birthdays 57 Forms of Address for the emperor of the Eastern Jin dynasty had which are Raoping (饶平), Chaoan (潮安), Maternal Relatives named the region the Prefecture of Yi’An Chaoyang (潮阳), Jieyang (揭阳), Chenghai Death and Funeral Rites (義安). During the Sui dynasty, it was renamed (澄海), Puning (普宁), Huilai (惠来) and 28 Death 58 Advisory Committee Chaozhou. It was called Chaozhoufu (潮州 Nanao (南澳). 28 Funeral 59 Editorial Committee 府) through the Ming and Qing dynasties, and At present, the Chaoshan (潮汕) region in 31 Mourning Observances 60 Members of Teochew was divided into nine administrative districts. China consists of three cities: Shantou (汕头), 31 Memorial Ritual Federation (Singapore) These nine districts included the Hakka- Chaozhou (潮州) and Jieyang (揭阳). 32 Death Rites FAQ TEOCHEW TRADITIONS Marriage, birth, birthday celebrations and funerals – whether other people’s or one’s own – are inevitable in a lifetime, so let’s start our Teochew traditions journey with marriage customs, and take a look at the difference between modern-day practices and those in the past, as well as their significance. The six rites (六礼) are the six traditional Chinese wedding rites covering the entire process from marriage proposal to the completion of wedding ceremony. They include matchmaking and proposal, THE compatibility check, betrothal, engagement, selection of wedding date and fetching the bride (wedding). Parents rarely get to decide who their children should marry these days, and the traditional matchmaker has now been replaced by dating agencies, reality TV shows and dating apps on mobile phones, but some fine traditions still have their place and are worth upholding QUARTET and passing on. OF LIFE TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE MARRIAGE

Past Present The matchmaking phase was also a chance to Matchmaking used to be common in gather information on a family. Matchmaking Singapore after WWII. The man’s family could be open or covert, and it happened would usually set a time and venue to meet between the parents of both sides as well with the woman’s family. In addition to the as the prospective couple. Of interest were potential couple, other family members who family background, upbringing, personality would tag along for the meeting included the traits – such as conscientiousness, moral parents and siblings of both candidates. The uprightness and other aspects that might Teochews who lived downtown usually chose

MATCHMAKING provide a clearer impression of a candidate. to meet at People’s Park Market or Great Matchmaking used to take place between World Amusement Park. After sitting down the proposal and compatibility check, but together for tea, young couples might take a in keeping with the norms of the day, its walk or catch a movie together. Today, many introduction was brought forward. dating agencies also arrange meetings over a meal or activity for those seeking spouses. Pre-marital counselling has also become more popular, facilitating mutual understanding on marriage expectations, and easing the transition to married life.

Past Present The proposal was also known as ‘engagement’ Most people get to pick who to marry and (纳采), where an appointed matchmaker is walk the red carpet with these days. But when 8 entrusted with telling the man’s family about it comes to the formal proposal of marriage 9 the prospective bride’s background. If the between the families, some people like to stick man’s family was agreeable, the matchmaker with tradition, inviting aunts (either paternal would then head over to the woman’s family to or maternal) along to play the role of the PROPOSAL propose marriage. Before the formal proposal, matchmaker when they visit their prospective the ritual of Three Go-Betweens and Six bride’s family to propose marriage. The visit Proofs (三媒六证) would take place. Three is also where they take the opportunity to go-betweens refer to first, the matchmaker’s understand what the bride’s family requires of word; second, the parents’ order; and third, a the groom for the wedding. gift exchange – where both parties would swap gifts as a token of intent. The six proofs are six everyday items that had been agreed upon which would be brought along by the bride to her husband’s home as part of her dowry. They might include a pair of scissors, a mirror, an abacus and other items. The list of items SINCERELY SEEKING MARRIAGE, REGARDLESS OF SOCIAL STATUS, ONLY HOPING FOR ETERNAL LOVE! later evolved to include sewing machines and bicycles.

TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE MARRIAGE

Past Present After the prospective groom’s proposal had When a couple decides to marry these days, been accepted, the matchmaker would have what most parents can probably do is try the potential bride-to-be’s vital information to get to know the prospective spouse’s – her name, date and hour of birth, ethnicity character, personality, and occupation. Even and ancestry, the names of ancestors going if their parents do share the prospective back three generations – recorded on a spouses’ dates and times of birth with fortune document known as geng tie (庚帖) to the tellers, it is likely for the sole purpose of prospective groom. His family would then take selecting an auspicious day for the wedding the document, along with another containing to avoid any horoscope clashes and to give similar information on the prospective the couple some reassurance. groom, to a fortune teller who would determine whether the two were compatible. I saw that my aunt had a Wedding preparations would only go ahead bright sparkly diamond ring when she got engaged!

COMPATIBILITY CHECK COMPATIBILITY if compatibility was established. In the past, Teochews were of the belief that a husband should always be older than the wife, but an age gap of three or six years was considered taboo. Another common belief was that one’s horoscope influenced one’s character.

Past Present The betrothal was also known as a promise Engagements in today’s world usually feature of marriage, where the prospective groom’s engagement rings. Some young people go 10 family prepared gifts for the prospective a step further to mark the occasion, for 11 bride’s family during their visit to kick off instance, organising a public proposal on the wedding preparations. The set of gifts usually streets, in restaurants, or even hiring wedding consisted of a pair of gold earrings or a gold planners to put an event together to create ring – some families opted for a gold necklace, romantic memories. Some may also arrange BETROTHAL white sugar, noodles, Chinese peanut candy, for both families to be present at a restaurant biscuits, candied winter melon and others. or hotel to witness the proposal and then The prospective bride’s family would give throw a party afterwards to celebrate the out the sweets and pastries to their relatives engagement. and friends. The prospective spouses also exchanged tokens which were usually rings or handkerchiefs. The gifting of handkerchiefs was a very serious affair, as the couple had to personally pick out a hanky for each other.

RICH OR POOR, TREAT EACH OTHER WITH COURTESY; LET DESTINY TAKE ITS COURSE! TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE MARRIAGE

Past tangerines. The bride price is usually put into In the past, wealthy families prepared gold 24 red packets of $24 or $14. The prospective and silver, bolts of satin, pigs and goats, fruit bride’s family will then choose to accept them and liquor to send to the prospective bride’s in even numbers: perhaps accepting two or family, while less well-to-do families would 10 of the red packets. Proceedings have been send betel nut, chicken and wine. In the greatly simplified, and there is usually just a Chaoshan region, betel nuts symbolise good single red packet with a lucky amount of cash, luck and the gifting of betel nuts was a unique such as $2,888 or other sums. tradition. As time went on, engagement gifts The si dian jin consists of a bracelet, ENGAGEMENT might include money, gold and silver jewellery, earrings, pendant and ring (or bracelet, fabric, and pastries and sweets, all in even earrings, pendant and necklace). Some bridal numbers, as a symbol of pairing up. families may request a gift of a few banquet tables at the wedding dinner. After the gifts Present have been accepted, a portion will be returned. Today, engagement gifting is also known This returning of gifts is also symbolic and as guo da li (过大礼). The family of the must comprise an even number of items. More prospective groom prepares a three-tier details can be found on page 20. bamboo gift basket, which will hold the si dian jin (四点金 or si diem gim in Teochew) and bride price, red satin banner, 12-panel fold out, pig trotters, liquor, dragon candle, and

Past with misfortune halfway (such as losing their After the engagement gifts have been spouse in mid-life). The seventh month too received, the groom’s family would send a note was also inauspicious for weddings. 12 informing the bride’s family of the selected 13 wedding date. The note also included details Present such as when to get a wedding dress tailored, Wedding date selection often happens at when to get a facial epilation or threading, the same time as engagement gifting, with when to take a bath, and when to be fetched. wedding ceremonies usually held before If the bride’s family agreed with the appointed daybreak. The Teochew custom of fetching WEDDING DAY SELECTION OF SELECTION dates, they would send a response known the bride in the dark is a relic from the past, as wan pin (完聘). The bride’s family would and a common explanation for the practice is then receive four 12-panel foldouts, each that the bridal party had to avoid running into addressed to different family members: the funeral processions at all cost, and fetching bride, parents-in-law, the bride’s brother, and the bride before daybreak would prevent family elders. running into mourners. Marriage was considered taboo in those years In the past, the newlyweds had to prepare without a spring solstice; likewise in years their own declaration of marriage, but today with two spring solstices, as it was seen as marriage certificates are issued at the happiness clashing with happiness. The sixth Registry of Marriage or other venues after the A BRIDE PRICE TO SHOW GRATITUDE, BETROTHAL GIFTS TO SHOW RESPECT! month of the lunar calendar was also taboo, official solemnisation. as it was thought that the couple would meet TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE MARRIAGE

Past Present Before the big day, brides would undergo a Facial epilation can be done in advance at a beauty treatment known as facial threading, to beauty salon or by a beautician. The dowry remove any fine facial hair. This was performed set includes various items for the newlyweds’ by an experienced woman using a long thread room and their living room, bed linen, and that was passed up and down and from left to jewellery. As for the bridal bed, wardrobe, and right for epilation and exfoliation, brightening vanity table, most couples today would just and giving a glow to the bride’s skin. Considered pick out what they like and buy these items an important ceremony, an elder female directly from their furniture brand of choice. relative who was deemed fortunate would be asked to undertake the task. On the day before the wedding, the bride’s family would send over a traditional vanity case as her dowry to be set up in the THREADING • DOWRY newlyweds’ chamber, along with a leather trunk and a set of five buckets: rice bucket, mug, a footbath, a washbasin and a chamber pot. The inclusion of a pair of pomegranate flowers or a pomegranate stalk was vital regardless of how much or how little dowry there was, as a symbol of joy.

Past Present It was common for the groom to fetch his own When the bridal car pulls up, the bride’s bride, send a lucky person to do it in his stead, younger brother opens the car door for the 14 or send the matchmaker to do it. The ‘lucky groom, who would give him a red packet for 15 person’ was usually someone from a good his effort. At the bride’s family home, the background, with parents who have lived to a couple is greeted with longan tea and sweet ripe old age, and had many siblings. In some boiled eggs. They need not finish eating the areas, a piece of fatty pork would be hung on eggs; it’s enough just to break them open with the front of the bridal sedan for good luck. a spoon. The bride’s family then lights a pair Before leaving for her new home, the of candles decorated with dragons while the bride gives out coins mixed with grains of groom’s family lights candles with phoenixes. rice to her siblings, to symbolise the sharing As the bride steps out the door, her father of wealth among the family. The bride’s family holds an umbrella over her to shield her from would prepare a meal of four or nine dishes to the elements. When getting into the car, she FETCHING THE BRIDE FETCHING be eaten before the bride leaves. The dishes should not touch the door frame or her life will included pig offals, and stir-fry vegetable be a busy one. On arriving at her new husband’s dish comprising ingredients that represent home, the bride heads straight for the room, harmony and bliss. The bride could only eat emerging later to pay her respects to in-laws half portions, to symbolise that there would and elder relatives. This is to avoid anyone always be leftover wealth for her family. whose horoscope might clash with hers. FETCHING THE BRIDE, BECOMING ESTABLISHED! TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE MARRIAGE

Past Present Before fetching the bride, the groom’s family Today, bedroom décor is all about atmosphere would have to install the matrimonial bed, and vibes, and newlyweds can have their then the bed canopy, make the bed, and install pick of colour theme and lightings. But lamps. These rituals were overseen by an some customs that have remained include elder with good looks, good fortune, and many picking an auspicious date for installing the children. A pair of wooden lacquer headrests bed, and setting up a pair of lamps by the would be placed on the bed to symbolise headboard, to add a touch of celebratory joy DECORATION blissful and close marital relations. Newlyweds to the matrimonial chamber. Black beans who might be allergic to the lacquer could opt are no longer scattered on the bed, but there for bamboo headrests, which symbolised ‘one might still be a washbasin holding 12 dried

BRIDAL CHAMBER heart, one mind’. In some places, black beans longans, 12 dates, 12 lotus seeds and a pair of would also be scattered on the matrimonial tangerines. Each newlywed has to eat one of bed, to be picked up later by a male child to each of the first three food items per day, in symbolise a fruitful marriage blessed with the hope of conceiving soon. children and a harmonious and prosperous family.

It’s time for the newlyweds to pour the champagne!

Past On the wedding day, relatives and friends would arrive bearing gifts. The groom’s family 16 would hold a banquet for their friends and 17 family at noon, where the newlyweds would dine with guests and have a drink together from cups they held while intertwining their arms. This was known as he jin jiu (合卺酒), so named for the old wedding ritual of having the bride and groom drink liquor from two Present halves of a gourd. Wedding banquets are more commonly held At the banquet, wedding guests had to be in hotels or restaurants these days, but a extra careful not to break any vessels while tea ceremony where the newlyweds show WEDDING BANQUET eating and drinking, and plates and bowls their respect for their elders still takes could not be stacked. The bride, led by the place. Common tea ceremony gifts from bridesmaid, would offer tea to relatives and the elders include bangles, bracelets and in-laws as a show of respect. When offering other gold jewellery. Other relatives would drinks to her elders, the bride had to kneel. give the newlyweds red packets. Younger The recipient would drink two cups of tea, family members who are single are to offer THE TEA CEREMONY, AN EXPRESSION OF RESPECT. offer words of blessing and proffer a cash gift the newlyweds tea, which the couple will known as shang mian qian (赏面钱). reciprocate with red packets. TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE MARRIAGE

Past chamber to seek out the bride and tease her. He fang yuan (合房圆) are glutinous rice Before nao dong fang, the wedding chamber dumplings which the bridesmaid brought had to be well-lit, and generous servings of to the newlyweds when they arrive in their candy, peanuts, and sweet tea would be placed chamber and are seated on the edge of the on the table for the guests. Nao dong fang matrimonial bed. While eating the dumplings, would last deep into the night, and ended the couple had to recite four phrases, a with a boy lighting a pair of red candles and practice known as zuo si ju (做四句), along handing them over to the bride, in a ritual

NEWLYWEDS the lines of: “Husband and wife both sitting on known as receiving light or jie deng (接灯). the bed, celebrating our first time together in a room eating sweet dumplings, a man of talent Present well matched with a woman of beauty, may we The ritual of consuming sweet dumplings is live together to a hundred.” After both bride still in practice, but the bridesmaid no longer and groom had eaten two dumplings, they has to offer four phrases of blessing. Nao dong would exchange bowls and eat the remaining fang is rarely done now because weddings are two. At this time, the bridesmaid would recite usually organised by the couple themselves. her four phrases of blessing. Some couples might also be busy preparing

• PLAYING PRANKS ON THE • PLAYING Pranking the newlyweds, known as nao for their honeymoon the following day. Even EATING SWEET DUMPLINGS EATING dong fang (闹洞房), happens in the evening of if pranking the newlyweds happens, it would the wedding day, when friends, relatives and be limited to some teasing and ragging by the neighbours would descend upon the marital friends of the newlyweds.

Past sweet and harmonious life for the couple filled The bride’s visits to her maternal home with children, and a joyful, flourishing family. is known as fan cuo (返厝 or hueng cu in 18 Teochew), and was made up of three separate Present 19 visits – the first was three days after the The three visits have been combined into wedding; the second 12 days after the wedding; just one, which takes place three days after and the third a full month after the wedding. the wedding. The bride’s brother would go The first fan cuo has to be after lunch and the and fetch his sister home with two bottles of visitors would have to leave before dinner. sesame oil in a small flower basket. When the VISITS TO THE TO VISITS On the second visit, the bride could stay brother-in-law’s car arrives at the newlyweds’ a couple of days, and for the third, she could home, the groom opens the door for him. Some

MATERNAL HOME MATERNAL stay up to 10 days or two weeks. The bride’s families now take bottles of perfume as gifts brother would go and fetch her home for the instead of sesame oil. first two visits, but the bride would go on her own or be accompanied by her husband on the third visit. The first time the groom met his parents- in-law, he had to bring them a gift of three different livestock, while his in-laws would offer him sweet boiled eggs and hold a NEVER FORGET YOUR FAMILY AFTER MARRIAGE! banquet in his honour. The eggs symbolise a TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE WEDDING FAQ

with children and good fortune; a sewing kit invitation to the prospective bride’s family at a Teochew wedding: opening the car door represents able hands that can take care of and her elders to the wedding. The bride’s for the groom, and bringing a flower basket the family; a ruler represents land ownership, copy was given to her before she boarded holding bottles of sesame oil or perfume to and plenty of descendants; a pair of matching the bridal sedan in the past, to show that the the marital home of his sister when he goes to shoes for husband and wife represents wedding was formal and respectable, and it fetch her home to see her maternal family. If growing old together in a marriage lasting was a formal invitation for the bride to board the bride does not have a younger brother, a a lifetime; bed linen and a pair of headrests the sedan and join the groom officially in young male relative can play the role. represent a match made in heaven and a close marriage. relationship. 1 0 Must the wedding dress be red? 6 Why is there a gift of pork in guo da li? In the past, brides had to don traditional 4 What does each tier of the gift basket In the past, the gift of pork was a show of wedding costumes which were always in WEDDING FAQ hold? gratitude to the bride’s family for bringing her bright red or purple. But today’s trends favour The bride price and betrothal gifts are all up; it expressed the hope that her husband’s wedding dresses in white or other colours. put into a three-tier gift basket of about one family would treasure her in days to come; 1 Why do Teochews have to fetch their metre in height. A stalk of Chinese mesona and conveyed the bride’s appreciation of her 1 1 Why do some mothers-in-law press brides before the break of dawn? (used to make grass jelly), a bolt of red satin, a parents’ effort in raising her. In modern times, lightly on the bride’s head as they sip from In the past, it was a big taboo for the wedding lucky round candle bao pin (包聘), which also raw pork has been replaced by canned pig the cup offered to them by the bride at the party to run into a funeral procession, but serves as a pin cushion, the bride price put in trotters. tea ceremony? there’s no longer such a need in Singapore a special red envelope, the gold jewellery that In the past, some mothers-in-law did this to today as most funeral processions happen in makes up si dian jin, and four 12-panel foldouts 7 On receiving the bride price and assert their standing within the family. It was the afternoon. Some people will still consult a all go into the top tier. The middle tier holds betrothal gift, what should be included in a warning of sorts, telling the bride she should fortune teller or fengshui master to pick the pork or canned pig trotters. The bottom tier the return gift? “never try to climb over her mother-in-law’s most auspicious hour of the day for fetching holds two bottles of liquor. A pair of tangerines The bride price sum is set by consensus, head”. Mothers-in-law have certainly changed the bride. also goes into each of the three tiers and a and is usually a lucky figure. Obligatory gift with the times and if the gesture is still paper cutting of the Chinese character for items include pomegranate flowers, soft practised, it is seen as a form of blessing. 2 Why must a Teochew wedding ‘double happiness’ (囍) is stuck onto each of drinks, a pair of phoenix candles, and pairs of ceremony be completed before nine in the the tiers. The groom’s family also has to send tangerines. Half of the bean puff and sesame 1 2 How have Teochew wedding rites 20 morning? the bride’s family a pair of candles decorated puff pastries can be returned and the other evolved in Singapore? 21 Nine to eleven in the morning is known as the with dragons. In addition, there are pastries half retained and used as offerings to gods In the past, matches were dictated by parents si period (巳时) in the 12 divisions of a day and biscuits, bean puffs and sesame puffs in and ancestors. through matchmakers, and the couple might according to Chinese astronomy. In olden days, a quantity that has been agreed beforehand. If never have met before their wedding. The tea it was believed that marrying off a daughter the prospective bride’s grandparents are still 8 Can the jewellery for si dian jin be ceremony was a way for the bride to meet during this time of the day would rid the alive, the prospective groom will also need to borrowed? her husband’s family and familiarise herself maternal family of all luck and fortune. include glutinous rice cakes known as lao gong Si dian jin (四点金) usually includes a bracelet, with how to address them, so as to avoid gao (老公糕) and lao ma gao (老嫲糕) as a a pair of earrings, a necklace, and a ring. Even any faux pas in the future. Today, people are 3 What values does the traditional token of respect for the elders. if the groom’s family is not well-off, the gift of free to choose their own spouses, and the Teochew wedding embody? jewellery is still necessary because the items younger generation address all their elder Legacy values include establishing oneself 5 What are the requirements for the have to be worn by the bride and shown off to relatives as Uncle or Aunty, with scant idea by forming a family, respect for the elders, 12-panel foldout in guo da li? family and friends at the wedding. For those of how to address them properly in Teochew. and filial piety. At the betrothal gift ceremony The four 12-panel foldouts are given to the in financial difficulties, the jewellery can be The tea ceremony has thus become a way for guo da li (过大礼), bowls and chopsticks bride, father-in-law, brother-in-law and other borrowed and returned after the wedding. the newlyweds to learn the proper forms of are included in the gift basket to symbolise elders of the family. Each piece is folded into address for their elders such as da yi (大姨, an abundance of clothes and food, and the 12 panels and there should be a zheng (正) 9 What role does the bride’s younger mother’s older sister), jiu mu (舅母, uncle’s couple staying together forever; the lamps character on the upward face. The foldout brother play at the wedding? wife), and shu bo (叔伯, father’s brother). represent continuity, and being blessed invitation conveys respect, and is a formal The bride’s younger brother has two key tasks TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE BIRTH

Past were some commonly held beliefs about the Welcoming a baby brings great joy to a family, gender of the unborn child: if someone craved which is why being pregnant is popularly sour-tasting food, they must be pregnant with known as being “with joy” or you xi (有喜) boys; and if they craved sweetness, it must be in Teochew. Back in the days when medical a girl; if the belly had a pointed shape, it must care and sanitation were less advanced, fears be a boy, and a rounded bump indicated a girl; that pregnancies might not result in a healthy and if a pregnant woman was still active and birth were common. This was probably why hardworking, it must be a boy, whereas those PREGNANCY people tapped into their experience, coupled who were less inclined to hard work must be with superstition, to come up with a plethora having a girl. of pregnancy taboos. A few examples: there should be no hammering of nails in the room Present of the pregnant woman, as this might cause Pregnant women go for regular medical physical handicap to the baby; any breaking check-ups, and whenever any issue arises, of ground, digging, renovation and repairs are they receive timely treatment. On top of also prohibited, as it was thought they might this, expectant mothers usually get a lot of result in premature birth; expectant mothers care from their own mothers as well as their were not to use needle and thread, or their mothers-in-law, who would provide a frequent infant may get a harelip. They were not to supply of herbal nourishment or other health watch shows with monkeys either, lest they supplements. As for the taboos of the past, have a hyperactive child. On top of this, there some are still observed today.

Past festooned with a festive paper cutting and A birth is a source of great joy for the family take it to the new parents’ home to offer his and sometimes the whole clan. So when congratulations. In some places, roosters are 22 a newborn arrived, the new father had to offered for the birth of boys and hens for the 23 deliver the good news to family, friends, and birth of girls. After the new mother’s family neighbours. The birth of a boy was announced sends over gifts, the new father would have to with gifts of noodles in sweet soup to family reciprocate with a gift of sweets and biscuits. and friends, while there would be sweet dumplings if it’s a girl. When the new father Present brings news of the birth to his in-laws, gifts When a new grandchild arrives, the families of of pomegranate flowers, sweets, biscuits the couple would congratulate each other, at and pastries would be brought if it’s a boy, to the same time giving the new mother advice express his gratitude to his father-in-law for on post-partum care. The new mother’s own having raised a daughter able to provide a mother will send her a gift of pig stomach for male heir. If it’s a daughter, however, no gift nourishment while the new father’s family will

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT BIRTH was required. send ginger, pepper and sesame oil which are On hearing of the birth and receiving believed to help their daughter-in-law recover gifts, relatives and friends would in return better by getting rid of ‘chills’. offer eggs as a congratulatory gift. The AVOIDING TABOOS FOR A SAFE PREGNANCY. father-in-law would prepare meat, eggs, glutinous rice, brown sugar and other items, TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE BIRTH

Past would be able to sleep in peace. If mother and Seven or 12 days or a month after the birth, child passed a whole month safe and sound a series of measures are taken to safeguard after the month-long confinement, they are the health of the new mother. Teochews said to have guo la (过腊). call this confinement period la 腊( ), and the entire process is known as qiang la (腔腊) Present or shang la (上腊). There were a number of Mother and child usually spend the first observances for the convalescence of the new few days after birth resting in the hospital mother during confinement, not just for short before they are discharged, with confinement

CONFINEMENT term recovery, but also for long term health. arrangements already made in advance. Many For this reason, the new mother was expected families still arrange for a confinement lady to to wear a head wrap, put on more layers of prepare special meals for the new mother. This clothing to keep warm, stay at home all the caretaker was also responsible for taking care time, do as little as possible, avoid bathing, etc. of the newborn. Some new mothers choose to She also had to drink ginger-infused alcohol spend the confinement period in a dedicated and eat chicken and fish to nourish her body facility staffed with caregivers trained to take and boost lactation. care of them and their babies. Infants too received special care: the interiors of the home had to be kept quiet; no nails were to be hammered into walls; no furniture should be moved, so that the baby

Past used for the hair shaving ritual, after which the In the Chaoshan region, the midwife and family spring onion would be planted in the vegetable elders would be invited to a meal three days patch, representing hopes for the child to be 24 after a birth. In some places, water infused clever and quick. 25 with mugwort herb, pomelo leaf and old ginger root is used to wash the baby to dispel ‘wind’ Present – known as the three-day bath. Before the The three-day ritual is rarely practised today, full month celebrations, the baby would be as the main celebration is held when the child officially named, given a haircut, and brought reaches a full month, to wish the child good to meet his grandparents, amongst other health. On top of bringing gifts of new clothes rituals. The baby might be named according to and shoes, a bangle or an anklet, the maternal family custom or a fortune teller might have grandmother would also be the one to shave THREE DAY RITES • THREE DAY

FULL MONTH RITES been consulted for an auspicious name. the baby’s infant hair, in celebration of the Well-to-do families threw banquets to birth of new life. Family and friends celebrate the baby’s first month, and the at the celebration guests would attend with gifts of chicken and bring gifts of liquor. The mother’s family would prepare a children’s I want to help shave the baby’s head too! set of clothes, shoes, and hat, and proffer jewellery or congratulatory gifts of eggs, liquor and meat, clothes, or cash known as zuo chu yue (做出月). A shaving gifts in red packets. YOU ONLY KNOW GRATITUDE TO YOUR PARENTS WHEN YOU HAVE A CHILD OF YOUR OWN. razor paired with a stalk of spring onion was TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE COMING OF AGE AND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

FROM TODAY, YOU’VE COME OF AGE! Why did children wear red clogs and eat chicken heads? According to legend, Lin Daqin, a scholar in the Ming dynasty only had a pair of red wooden clogs to wear to school when he was a child because his family was so poor. One day, he came across an elder who was offering the rooster in his arms as a reward to anyone who could come up with a matching couplet. The first half of the couplet roughly translated to, “The rooster’s comb atop its head”; and Lin Daqin matched it with “A doe’s (female goat) upon its chin”, thus winning him the rooster. After his father had cooked the rooster, he gave its head to Lin as a prize, a symbol that he was the top scholar. Lin did grow up to become the top scholar and the Teochews saw it as a lucky omen. Thus began the custom of buying red clogs for their children when they reached school-going age and giving them a BE FILIAL TO rooster to carry. They also gave the child a chicken YOUR PARENTS, head to gnaw on when they came of age. REPAY THEM WITH GRATITUDE.

) Past and diligence. Boys would also chew on a Past family and friends would attend with gifts of In the Chaoshan region, people believed that rooster head while girls would chew on the Birthdays were only celebrated after a liquor or other presents that would include children before the age of 15 live in a garden head of a hen. significant age. In some places in Chaoshan, longevity noodles and eggs, to wish the 26 watched over by a caretaker couple (花公花 celebrating one’s full 60-year cycle was birthday celebrant a long and healthy life. 27

出花园 嫲). And when they turn 15 (according to the Present considered taboo, and 50th birthdays Lunar calendar), a coming of age ceremony Some families continue to hold coming of weren’t celebrated either, as 50 is half of a Present would be held for them on the seventh day of age celebrations, reminding their teenagers hundred and thus considered unlucky. The There are no longer age restrictions on

the seventh month, signifying their emergence to uphold good morals, and be filial to their BIRTHDAYS 60th birthday was usually celebrated when birthday celebrations. Some people invite from the garden and entry into adulthood. parents and elders. The ceremonies feature one turned 61 by Chinese tradition, and then family and friends to a birthday meal, some The celebrant’s family would place three rituals such as washing up with flower infused a birthday celebration would be held once may just have dinner with their family. Birthday types of livestock meat and fruit in a set of water, putting on a new shirt, wearing red every decade, at 71, 81 and 91. Because of presents are still brought along by guests, and either four, eight or 12 items in a bamboo clogs, offering prayers to the garden caretaker the belief that “when something is full, it will noodles, longevity peaches or cake would be threshing basket, and the new adult would use couple, a tea ceremony where tea is offered by overflow”, and “with profit comes losses”, some included, as well as singing the birthday song this to make an offering at the altar as they the teenagers to their elders, and a sumptuous people might underreport their age during and making a birthday wish. pray to the caretaker couple. They also had to meal with chicken head on the menu. celebrations, claiming at the celebrations to be CHU HUA YUAN CHU HUA jump over the offerings in the bamboo basket 59, 69, 79 or 89 years old. while wearing red clogs. The family also hosted On the day of the elder’s birthday a grand 12-course lunch, representing year- celebration, eggs, noodles and chives are

COMING OF AGE (KNOWN AS round bliss, with dishes including garlic plant, obligatory, as they symbolise longevity. onion, and celery, which symbolise working Relatives, friends, and neighbours would well with others, financial acumen, intelligence receive sweet noodles. For the celebration, TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE DEATH AND FUNERAL RITES

Past body’s placement in the coffin, a persimmon After the elderly passed on, their family would flower would be placed on the forehead, clean and change them. The funeral director belly and feet, before the coffin was covered would then transfer the body into a coffin, in and six nails secured at an appointed time,

DEATH a process known as ru lian (入殓). Before this, symbolising a life complete, with no regrets. all the deceased’s children, grandchildren and siblings would take a last look at the body. Present The surviving children would have to report Cremations are the norm today, and coffin the death (bao di tou, 报地头), get water for sizes are standard – as a result, many cleaning the corpse (mai shui, 买水), feed practices of yore have been left behind. An (si sheng, 饲生) and fan (yao feng, 摇风) the altar is usually erected after the body is deceased, and sweep the coffin with ficus transferred into the coffin, and offerings of leaves (sao shou, 扫寿). An oil lamp was then three types of livestock, fruit and other items lit and placed at the heel of the body. Another including rice, meat and fish, are placed oil lamp would be placed on the ground before on the altar. Candles and joss paper are lit, the funeral altar, with a bowl of rice next to it. symbolising legacy and continuity. When the The coffin would then be filled with joss paper coffin cover is nailed in place, the funeral and papyrus before a headrest was placed. director will chant four phrases of blessing for During ru lian, family members would the good fortune of surviving members of the crawl around the coffin (pa guan,爬棺 ) family and future generations. More details on to bid farewell to the deceased. Upon the page 32.

Past infused with pomegranate flowers before A funeral procession to send off the deceased returning home. usually took place after three or seven 28 days of grieving. Brocade embroidered with Present 29 dragon and phoenix is draped over the coffin, The memorial altar is set up right after the carried by eight young men in two shifts. The death by the bereaved family. The sons, with FUNERAL procession would be led by the village head relatives and friends, take turns keeping vigil and clan head, setting off firecrackers and by the altar. On the final night of the funeral, scattering joss paper as they walked. prayers will be chanted. The funeral lasts The traditional Chinese character wan (輓) which Following behind them were mourners three, five or seven days. After the funeral appears in the Teochew term for grief couplets, bearing grief couplets, brocade flags and procession departs, the altar is dismantled. funeral flags and mourning banners, means ‘tow’. In banners, and Buddhist or Taoist flags, Those with the means might hire a Teochew olden times, ox carts, horse carts, or coffin bearers transported the coffin to the grave, and a piece followed by the coffin bearers and the band for the send-off while some families of white cloth was tied to the hearse and ‘towed’ bereaved family members. The deceased’s might opt for a western marching band to lead by family members, conveying their feelings of sons, grandsons, and son-in-law would walk in the way during the procession. For burials, the missing the deceased. Today, some sticklers for single file on the left while daughters-in-law, coffin will be conveyed to the cemetery, and tradition would still insist on using the character in daughters and granddaughters would walk after a monk or Taoist priest has completed its traditional form as it combines the radicals that on the right. A funeral band and mourning the prayer chant, the coffin is lowered into symbolise ‘cart’ and ‘tow’ in Chinese. relatives and friends made up the rest of the grave. Surviving sons and grandsons each the procession. After the burial, all mourners toss a handful of soil on the coffin before A SON HAS LOST THE PARENTS HE DESIRES TO SUPPORT; BE FILIAL WHILE IT’S STILL POSSIBLE. washed their faces and hands with water workers complete the burial. TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE DEATH AND FUNERAL RITES

Past 灵), which may last three, five, seven, 49 or After the burial, the bereaved shed their 100 days. Some families may keep up the mourning outfit, and the oldest son would observance for three years. light a candle offering before the tomb, as an invitation to the spirit of the deceased to Present return home, a ritual known as hui ling (回 After the cremation, the ashes are usually 灵). The oldest son would set off firecrackers kept in an urn which is then placed within before arriving home, and family members a niche over which a memorial tablet is would welcome the spirit of the deceased at installed. As for the period of mourning, this the door. Afterwards, the bereaved children is at the discretion of each family. The main wore a piece of linen or black fabric band purpose of mourning is to provide consolation on their right arm, while their wives wore and reassurance to the family, and help them white flowers in their hair to indicate they to come to terms with their grief; so there are were in mourning. For the duration of this no hard and fast rules. period, mourners were not to wear bright coloured clothes, get married, meet with friends and relatives, nor participate in festive MOURNING OBSERVANCES celebrations. All mourning family members were to offer incense and pray at the altar of the ancestral tablet every morning and evening, a ritual known as Shou Ling (守

Past might also include reciting Teochew folksongs The memorial ritual zuo gong de (做功德) is ge wen (歌文) and performances of Teochew also commonly known as zuo qi (做七). The music. 30 ritual to release the earthbound soul of the 31 deceased could take one and a half days in Present its simplest form, or last a hundred days at Mourning children and grandchildren hold its most elaborate. The ritual involved prayer memorial rituals to release the soul of the chanting at the memorial altar, and a tent deceased and keep legacies alive. Teochew might be set up outside the house for the Singaporeans today would usually ask ceremony, or it might take place in a temple. religious organisations to conduct the ritual, At the ceremony site, an incense table is set or get a monk or Taoist priest to do it. up with an incense burner, a picture of the Objects such as houses, cars, wardrobes MEMORIAL RITUAL deceased, and offerings of three livestock. and other essential possessions made of There would also be horses, cranes, clothes paper would also be burnt as offerings for the trunk, bridge, cupboards – all made of paper – deceased, in the hope that they would want and other paper items, that would be burnt as for nothing in their afterlife, and perhaps even offering to the departed. be better off than when they were alive. In the Chaoshan region, monks or Taoist priests would be hired to conduct the ritual. UNFORGOTTEN GRATITUDE, EXPRESSED THROUGH MOURNING. Both followers of Buddhism and Taoism would chant prayers or scriptures. Other ceremonies TEOCHEW TRADITIONS THE QUARTET OF LIFE DEATH RITES FAQ

4 What is yao feng (摇风) and sao shou 8 When should the memorial ritual zuo 1 1 Are there any taboos on funeral (扫寿)? gong de (做功德) be conducted? processions? Yao feng is where the children fan the In the past, the memorial ritual was observed Pregnant women and babies usually do not deceased, as the departed parent had done for after the burial, but in modern times, it is often take part in the funeral procession. their children in their childhood, an expression conducted on the final night of the official of gratitude and filial piety. It is done in the mourning period. Some families may choose 1 2 When relatives and friends join the hope that the departed had left this world to hold the ritual over two or three nights. funeral procession, what is required of the without regrets. Sao shou is sweeping and Families with the means might also choose to bereaved family? cleaning the coffin with ficus leaves. hold ceremonies 49 days after the death, and A pair of mandarin oranges, a red packet then two or three years after the passing. The and a piece of red string are to be given 5 How did the saying ‘three years in ritual normally begins at 9.30am and goes on to those who drove their cars behind the DEATH RITES FAQ mourning’ come about? till 10.30pm, or from 3pm to 10.30pm. procession. Other mourners would be given The Chinese believe a person is completely a handkerchief, a piece of red string and two dependent on their parents in the first three 9 What should funeral attendees be coins wrapped in red paper. years of life. So when parents die, children aware of? 1 What is si sheng (饲生)? should mourn for three years in reciprocity, Attending a wake to offer condolences is a way to 13 Can weddings be held during the period Many Teochew families have continued with as a sign of respect and gratitude. In today’s express sympathy and concern for the bereaved, of mourning? the practice of feeding, which is performed world, however, the three-year mourning and to console them. Dress simply in muted In the past, three years of mourning had to by the bereaved children and oldest grandson. period is no longer observed, and more often colours for the funeral. A mourner would usually pass before the bereaved can wed. These days, Rice and dried tofu dipped in brown sugar pared down to a year, during which those in offer a stick of incense at the memorial altar or a wedding can be held within a hundred days is put to the mouth of the corpse, and the mourning will wear only muted colours, and bow deeply three times to pay their respects to of mourning, failing which it would have to bereaved would address the deceased aloud, steer clear of meat and alcohol consumption. the departed. The bereaved family will stand next wait for a year. following it up by reciting a phrase which to the altar and bow to thank the mourner, who means, “Just as you have raised me, I will feed 6 Are linen mourning garb and mourning would give a slight bow in acknowledgement. 1 4 What are some taboos for the mourning you in your old age”. This is an expression of tags still required? Mourners usually offer condolence money or a period? gratitude to the departed elder. Today, mourners rarely don the mourning wreath. If the deceased had been a member of Bereaved family members wearing mourning 32 garb or wear mourning armbands and tags, a community group, the group will send along tags should avoid visiting the homes of others. 33 2 What is mai shui (买水)? choosing to dress in low-key black and white a memorial banner. The bereaved family needs They should also stay away from weddings, In the past, male descendants of the deceased instead, and usually changing out of the to prepare pieces of red string and sweets for babies’ full month celebrations, funerals or had to go to the riverside with a water scoop mourning clothes after the deceased has been mourners, as well as some snacks and food. temple thanksgiving festivals. But they can and kneel in prayer to the river god before buried. The practice is an expression of grief Some bereaved families also place an obituary in ask others to deliver condolence money on taking a scoop of water home. This water is and signifying missing someone; what’s more the newspapers to inform relatives and friends their behalf. During the mourning period, then used by the surviving children and oldest important is taking care of those who are still of the death. Relatives and friends may also bereaved family members should not visit the grandson to clean the deceased’s face. Most living. Mourning tags are worn on the right arm place a memoriam in the newspapers. homes of friends and family at Chinese New Teochew families still practise this, but instead of surviving descendants if the deceased was Year. And they should remove all Chinese New of heading riverside, they use tap water. a woman, and on the left if the deceased was 1 0 Why does the bereaved family prepare Year decorations such as couplets during the a man. red string and sweets for mourners? funeral and mourning period, and should not 3 What is bao di tou (报地头)? Red string is for luck and the sweets represent put up such items for three years. In the past, after male family members have 7 Can those in mourning get haircuts? the removal of bitterness in the heart. After changed into their mourning clothes, they had On the day of the passing of an elder, the attending a funeral, water infused with to go to the village shrine to report the death bereaved family can get quick haircuts. If pomegranate flowers is used to wash the that had occurred. These days, the death is they are in mourning, they have to wait until hands to get rid of any ill fortune. Other * What we have described are folk customs and reported to the Tua Pek Kong deity, akin to the first or the 15th of the month (on the lunar types of flowers can also be used in place of practices; families from different religions might submitting an entry to the registry of deaths. calendar) before going for haircuts. pomegranate flowers. do things differently.

The Eight Festivals of the Year are the eight most important occasions on the Lunar calendar for Teochews. They are: Chinese New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, Spring Lantern Festival, Tomb Sweeping Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Hungry Ghost Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival and Winter Solstice. Chinese New Year has its own set of customs including FESTIVALS spring cleaning, ancestor worship, the gift of lucky money from the elders, Chinese New Year’s Eve vigil, visiting relatives and the birthday of all mankind. The significance of Chinese New Year is not just about indulging in food and drink and collecting red packets; TEOCHEW neither is Mid-Autumn Festival just about consuming TRADITIONS mooncakes; and the true meaning of Tomb Sweeping Day is to set aside a day when people can observe rituals together. The importance that Teochews place AND on these festivals demonstrates their respect for traditional virtues and the value they place on filial piety and relationships. It also shows how family- oriented they are, how they carry gratitude in their hearts and remember to give thanks for the blessings in their lives. HERITAGE TEOCHEW TRADITIONS FESTIVALS AND HERITAGE CHINESE NEW YEAR

Past also feature pig intestines stir fried with In Chaoshan, families gathered around a stove garlic, signifying acumen and prosperity. for dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve, enjoying the warmth of both flame and family, in a Present practice known as wei lu (围炉). The meal In Singapore, gathering around the stove is featured ingredients thought to bring luck, but one of many ways to mark the reunion such as cockles, which symbolise making dinner. Some families may choose to dine

YEAR’S EVE and saving more money. Their two half out or order in to avoid the hassle for their shells that come together when closed, when mothers. For steamboat, fish, prawn, meat described in Teochew, sounds auspicious. are all essential, as well as fish maw and sea Black seaweed is a homonym of ‘prosper’ ( cucumber, with everyone trying to make the 发财), and having a fish dish you yu(有鱼 ) meal as plentiful as possible. There would sounds similar to the phrase, ‘having more also be rice left over intentionally to be eaten than enough’. At dinner, lucky phrases also the next day, symbolising there would always have to be uttered aloud, to wish elders a long be more than enough. Aside from reunion and healthy life, for children to be smart and dinner, spring cleaning is also a key activity, STOVE ON CHINESE NEW STOVE

GATHERING AROUND THE GATHERING courteous, and young people diligent and with along with putting up New Year decorations a bright future ahead. If children accidentally that include spring couplets with matching broke bowls or dishes, adults would quickly auspicious phrases, and red squares of recite a lucky phrase after the breakage. paper with the character fu (福), symbolising Reunion dinner in the Chaoshan region would happiness.

Past Present According to folklore, lucky money known as When adults are handing over the red packets ya sui qian (压岁钱) served to ward off evil stuffed with lucky money to children, they also 36 and keep the recipient safe. This stemmed offer words of blessing and encouragement. 37 from the belief that children were more At night, this gift would be placed under the vulnerable to evil spirits, and so required an pillow of the child, to ensure that the child amulet of sorts to keep them out of harm’s enjoys a happy and safe Chinese New Year’s way – ya sui qian is a homophone of ‘money Eve. Younger adults who are already employed for suppressing evil spirits’. Giving lucky and earning money would also give lucky money to children became a popular practice money to their elders. Lucky money is always by the late Ming dynasty. Teochews had a sealed in a red packet. habit of wearing waist pouches in the past, so the practice was also known as ya du yao (压肚腰), which signified having a full waist

GIVING LUCKY MONEY GIVING LUCKY pouch throughout the year.

CELEBRATING REUNION AND TOGETHERNESS, ALL THINGS FLOURISH FOR FAMILIES IN HARMONY! TEOCHEW TRADITIONS FESTIVALS AND HERITAGE CHINESE NEW YEAR

Past Present Mythology has it that there was a beast, during After having reunion dinner, some people the early days of Earth’s existence, that would head to the night markets to shop for New emerge from the mountains to terrorise people Year goods while others may attend other and their livestock on the eve of Chinese New Spring Festival activities. Some people may Year. The beast most feared loud noises and go and pray at temples, and yet others might the colour red, so people would hang bright red be watching New Year specials on TV in the decorations at their door and stay awake all company of friends and family while enjoying night – a practice known as shou sui (守岁). good food and wine, or enjoying a chat over Staying up all night on Chinese New tea, late into the night. Year’s Eve is also known as ao nian (熬年). In ancient times, shou sui was significant for two reasons: the elderly kept vigils as a sign that they treasured time; while the young did it in the hope of ensuring longevity for their parents. Since the Han dynasty, the transition to the New Year had been set at midnight.

So much to watch on TV on Chinese New Year’s Eve! CHINESE NEW YEAR’S EVE VIGIL

Past taking place on the second day of the New In Chaoshan, ancestor worship is separated Year, non-vegetarian ingredients such as fish, into the worship of family ancestors and pork, chicken, duck and goose would be used. 38 clan ancestors. Family worship took place 39 at home while clan ancestor worship was Present a bigger affair that would feature shadow Local Teochews often conduct worship rituals puppet shows and opera performances. in the day on New Year’s Eve, with offerings In a book written by Shen Min at a time including chicken, duck, pork, fish, vegetable when China was becoming a republic, only and fruit, rice and noodles, etc. These vegetarian food items were used for ancestor offerings will then be consumed at reunion worship at Chinese New Year, including dinner. On the morning of the first day of the tofu, black fungus, gourd, beancurd sticks, New Year, some families opt to have fully sweets, persimmon pastries and other items, vegetarian meals, eschewing all meat.

ANCESTOR WORSHIP ANCESTOR alongside vegetarian dishes made at home on Chinese New Year’s Eve. On the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, the traditional square wooden table would be set up, with an incense burner and offerings. According to lore, this was the day the Laughing Buddha ascended, which was why the offerings had to be vegetarian STAYING UP ALL NIGHT FOR OUR PARENTS’ LONGEVITY. items. At the second ceremony of worship TEOCHEW TRADITIONS FESTIVALS AND HERITAGE CHINESE NEW YEAR

Past Present After ancestor worship in the morning, Younger family members no longer get on younger family members would offer Chinese their knees to offer New Year greetings. New Year greetings to their elders, wishing Besides greetings and well wishes, they them a Happy Chinese New Year, good health would offer a pair of mandarin oranges, with and longevity. In more traditional families, the some giving their elders red packets. Those younger members would have to be in new who are married will give out red packets to

Wow, with a kowtow! year clothes as they knelt at the feet of their children. When paying visits to relatives and elders and offered their greetings; the elders friends, mandarin oranges are obligatory. Why then offered reciprocal phrases of greetings. mandarin oranges? Find out more on page 49. When guests arrived to visit, greetings were exchanged before they would be invited Taboos to partake of some olives and sweets with • Avoid inauspicious utterances. tea. Before leaving, guests would exchange • If any plate or bowl is accidentally broken, mandarin oranges with their host and give out say something lucky. red packets to children. New Year visits should • On this day, rice bins cannot be left empty. be done before the fifth day of the year. Any • No sweeping of floors or taking out the time after the fifth day and before the 15th trash, in case prosperity gets removed too. was considered a late visit. But as the saying goes, it’s the thought that counts and better late than never. CHINESE NEW YEAR GREETINGS

Past Present In ancient times, a boy born in the imperial Society has progressed and this particular court bawled whenever new clothes were put custom has been left behind. Now Chinese 40 on him; if he was being made to wear them, New Year visitation is still observed and 41 he would tear them off. Everyone called him greetings exchanged on this day. Poor Kid. He later died on the 30th day of the first month in the Lunar calendar, and at his funeral, people said, “Today we send off the Poor Kid!” With time, this day was commemorated on the fifth day of the month while in large swathes of Guangdong, it was the third day of the month. To mark the occasion, unwanted items in the house were cleared out and burnt in the fields. Incense AWAY WITH POVERTY AWAY would also be lit as offering and the phrase, “Go away poverty, come to us lucky star” would be uttered. On this day, it was taboo to visit friends and relatives.

GETTING ON OUR KNEES TO WISH OUR ELDERS A HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR AS A SIGN OF RESPECT. TEOCHEW TRADITIONS FESTIVALS AND HERITAGE CHINESE NEW YEAR

Past 羹) is consumed. A Chaoshan saying goes, The seventh day of the first lunar month “Qi Yang Geng, drink it to get younger”. The Other than qi yang geng, there’s is known as the day of humans, ren ri (人 dish usually contains celery, scallion, garlic, also the Teochew-style yu sheng! 日). According to Chinese mythology, after mustard green, leaf mustard, coriander and creating chickens, pigs, goats, cows, horses chard. The names of these vegetables sound and other animals, the goddess Nüwa created similar to diligence, intelligence, financial mankind on the seventh day. So the seventh acumen, prosperity, wealth, luck, and good day is considered the birthday of all mankind. fortune. Chive, which sounds like ‘everlasting’ There existed an ancient custom from around in Teochew, can also be included. The seventh the Jin dynasty era of wearing a headgear day is also when yu sheng (鱼生) is eaten. known as ren sheng (人胜) on this day, which Teochew Yu Sheng contains coriander, celery, could be made into the shape of flowers or crown daisy, shredded preserved radish, Saury slices humans. Gold foil fashioned into the shape green starfruit, shredded ginger, garlic slices, of man was put up on door screens or worn green olives and raw fish slices. The sauce THE SEVENTH DAY OF THE SEVENTH DAY in the hair as well. Another common practice is for dipping rather than mixed in, unlike Plum sauce was to ascend to higher ground to recite in other versions of the dish, where the

THE FIRST LUNAR MONTH LUNAR THE FIRST poetry. ingredients and sauces are tossed together by everyone wielding chopsticks while uttering Present lucky phrases. On this day, a dish of seven types of Why is qi yang geng consumed? See page vegetables known as qi yang geng ( 49 for the answer. 七样 Cilantro, celery, crown daisy, shredded preserved radish, green starfruit, shredded ginger, garlic Past the month. Other activities during this time slices, green olives Shang yuan jie (上元节) celebration on the included lantern parades, singing tea-picking 15th day of the first Lunar month can be traced songs and playing lantern riddle games. 42 back to the Han dynasty. However it was a Celery 43 Taoist festival and differed from the Spring Present Scallion Lantern Festival. During the Tang dynasty, Lanterns with riddles are strung up onstage Taoism was established as the national religion, and the audience will compete to solve the Garlic and on the 15th day of the first Lunar month, a riddles – three beats of the drum indicate lantern festival and other activities were held to the correct answer. The ‘dong’ of the drum Coriander celebrate the birthday of the Shang Yuan Tian sounds like the word for guessing correctly in Guan (上元天官), the ruler of heaven. Teochew, and means a winner in life. In Chaoshan, festivities kicked off with Some Teochews also head to the shrine the lighting of lanterns on the 11th day of or temple to entreat deities to keep their the first Lunar month, and climaxed on the families safe, and bless them with success in 15th, ending on the 18th. In Teochew, light is all matters. After making a wish, an amulet Chard a homonym of son (丁) so lantern lighting, can be ‘borrowed’ from the deities, in the Leaf mustard Mustard green known as qi deng (起灯), was also a ritual form of objects such as sugar lions (a sugary for welcoming infant boys into the clan, pastry in the form of a lion), sugar peaches, SPRING LANTERN FESTIVAL symbolising a bright future for them. Families ingots, rice bins, and others. If the prayers are observing the ritual have to light candles answered, the value of the ‘borrowed’ objects CELEBRATE REN RI TOGETHER FOR SUCCESS IN ALL MATTERS! at the ancestral hall nightly until the 18th of have to be repaid many times over. TEOCHEW TRADITIONS FESTIVALS AND HERITAGE TOMB SWEEPING FESTIVAL FESTIVALS AND HERITAGE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

ANCESTOR WORSHIP IN REMEMBRANCE OF OUR ROOTS AND DEPARTED LOVED ONES.

DRAGON BOAT RACES AND DUMPLINGS AT MAY FESTIVAL.

Past with joss paper. Offerings for the occasion Past plants inside and outside of the home was also Tomb Sweeping Festival falls around April 5 included cooked cockles – which are eaten Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of a popular custom on this day. on the solar calendar, and originated from after the reverence ritual, with the shells put the fifth month on the Chinese Lunar calendar, 44 the Spring and Autumn period. According to on top of the joss paper to keep them in place. and is known as the May Festival by Teochews. Present 45 legend, when Duke Wen of Jin was in exile, Teochews also eat popiah on this day, with According to some, it is the Dragon’s birthday Dumplings can be eaten all year round, but the nobleman Jie Zitui cut off a piece of flesh either sweet or savoury filling. and the saying has its roots in the celebrations it is still an essential part of the Dragon Boat from his leg to save the Duke from starvation. surrounding the worship of the dragon totem Festival. Teochews believe that the pyramidal After Duke Wen returned to power, Jie Zitui Present in the Wuyue region. Other legends traced it to dumplings give one mental resilience. chose to live in seclusion with his mother in the Tomb Sweeping Festival is an occasion the birthday of Emperor Tang Xuanzong. But Dumpling filling can be either sweet or savoury mountains, refusing to claim his reward. Duke for expressing respect for, and the loss the most popular legend about the festival’s or both. Wen ordered his men to start a fire to force of, departed loved ones and to venerate origin is that of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan – it Dragon boat races are still being held to them out of hiding, but the fire claimed their ancestors. Most people choose to observe was said to be the day he threw himself into this day. The Singapore Federation of Chinese lives instead. Duke Wen then decided to honour Tomb Sweeping either at cemeteries or the Luoyang River, driven to suicide by his Clan Associations and other community Jie by decreeing a Cold Food Festival, banning columbariums to mourn in silence or pray. worries about the state of the country. organisations jointly hold an annual dragon cooking for three days at this time every year. Families would prepare favourite food items Glutinous rice dumplings and dragon boat race that’s very popular with the younger After the Yuan dynasty, the Cold Food Festival of the departed and flowers to take with them. boat races are an integral part of the Dragon generation. became the Tomb Sweeping Festival. Families which have installed memorial tablets FESTIVAL DRAGON BOAT Boat Festival. According to folklore, this was

TOMB SWEEPING FESTIVAL TOMB Teochews call tomb sweeping gua zhi (挂 in temples for their deceased loved ones would first done to save Qu Yuan: everyone was 纸). It involved clearing weeds and tidying up visit the temples during the Tomb Sweeping fighting against time to get his body out of the tomb, before repainting the words on the Festival. Some families would also conduct the river, rowing out in boats – which became tombstones and covering the tomb and grave prayer rituals at home. a commemorative activity. Hanging aromatic TEOCHEW TRADITIONS FESTIVALS AND HERITAGE HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL FESTIVALS AND HERITAGE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

CELEBRATING HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL. FULL BLOOM PEACE AND AT FULL MOON, SAFETY FOR ALL! CELEBRATING REUNION!

Pomelo Why is the first row empty? Yam Teochew Book Candy

Moon pastry

This mooncake is not like those we usually see! Bean pastry

Past Present Past Present The 15th day of the seventh Lunar month The Hungry Ghost Festival is a prayer ritual for Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the Mid-Autumn Festival is not complete without is the Hungry Ghost Festival, observed in lonely souls who have no loved ones to help 15th day of the eighth month on the Lunar mooncakes, and Teochew mooncakes are 46 Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. In them transmute and reincarnate. In Singapore, calendar. The moon reaches its fullest on this unlike others. They are called lao bing (朥饼), 47 Buddhism, this is celebrated as the day opera shows which used to be held during the night, and the highlight of this occasion is and are known for being sweet and flavourful, Buddha Gautama was reincarnated in order festival have now evolved into getai, but they families coming together to enjoy its beauty. flaky and soft, rich but not greasy. Other to repay his mother, and is known as the Day were all originally meant to be for the same The perfect roundness of the moon is seen to accompanying food items include Teochew of Gratitude. Later on, the Buddhist disciple audience of lonely ghosts, hence the reserving signify reunion, which is why it is also known Book Candy shu ce gao (书册糕), moon pastry, Maudgalyayana saved his mother from hell of front row seats for the spirits. Today, as Reunion Festival. pomelo and Chinese tea. Teochew families on the same day and it became known as the getai has become one of the entertainment Teochew women and children would would also prepare cooked yam which is eaten Ullambana Festival. highlights of the Hungry Ghost Festival locally, worship the moon on this day, though adult peeled. Adults will then take children out for a In Taoism, this is the day when the ruler though the first row seats are no longer left males are not involved. Praying to the moon is jaunt with their lanterns. of earth grants amnesty, and Taoist priests empty. Teochews also practise the custom of akin to praying to the Moon Lady, entrusting Mid-Autumn Festival has become a widely chant all day for the world to be absolved of hiring a Teochew opera troupe to put up street her with their most wonderful hopes. Single celebrated traditional festival, where friends sins. In addition, filial piety is a central tenet performances for lonely ghosts. ladies would pray for a good man to marry, and relatives exchange mooncakes as gifts,

of Confucianism – children should revere their Bigger Hungry Ghost Festival events in MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL while wives with husbands who were away and neighbours might gather to share tea and parents while they are still alive, and continue Singapore usually include a banquet for friends would pray for their early return. Offerings snacks, mooncakes and other food, as they HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL GHOST HUNGRY to do the same after their death, which is why and guests, which would feature an auction for consisted mainly of fruit and vegetable, all gaze upon the full moon. Confucianism advocates the veneration of the lucky objects to raise funds for the next year’s kinds of cakes and pastries, and rouge. In Why do the yam pieces have to be peeled? deceased on this day, on top of the other two festivities as well as for charity. the night, children would parade through the The answer is on page 49. days in spring and autumn respectively. streets with lanterns in hand.

TEOCHEW TRADITIONS FESTIVALS AND HERITAGE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVALS AND HERITAGE FESTIVALS FAQ

3 What is the significance of qi yang geng? According to folklore, there once lived an old man in Chaozhou who, on the seventh day of Chinese New Year, found himself dearly missing his absent son, who had gone abroad to make a living. The old man decided to set a place for his son at the table each year. One year, the day arrived but the old man was too FESTIVALS FAQ impoverished to prepare the annual spread, so he picked out seven types of vegetables WINTER SOLSTICE from the leftovers being sold and made a dish IS MORE 1 Should married daughters visit to be set on the table for the son from whom IMPORTANT THAN their maternal home on the first he had not heard in a long while. Suddenly, THE CHINESE day of Chinese New Year? a messenger came with the good news that NEW YEAR! On the first or second day of Chinese New a sum of money had arrived for his family Year (more commonly the second), married from abroad. From then on, the practice of daughters will return to their maternal homes consuming qi yang geng on the seventh day of with husband and children to visit their the Chinese New Year caught on. parents, as an act of filial piety. On New Year’s Another version of the dish’s origins is that Eve, married daughters have a reunion dinner after days of indulgence in rich foods, qi with their husband’s family, not their own yang geng on the seventh day is the perfect Past three livestock and mandarin oranges, fresh parents. antidote for clearing the digestive system for In ancient times, Winter Solstice was seen cockles are also included as offerings. a health boost. Steering clear of meat dishes by some as the beginning of a New Year, 2 Why bring mandarin oranges signifies not taking any life on this special 48 hence the saying that Winter Solstice was Present on home visits? occasion. 49 more important than Chinese New Year. This Eating sweet dumplings at Winter Solstice Teochew tangerines are slightly bigger than custom has its roots in the Zhou dynasty, and signifies family reunion and harmony within the usual mandarin oranges, and they are 4 Why eat peeled yam at Mid- was formalised during the Han dynasty. The the clan. It also symbolises getting one year called da ji (大桔), which sounds the same as Autumn Festival? Emperor would attend worship rituals in the older. Few families have kept up the practice of ‘great fortune’. As folklore has it, once upon a Teochews worship the Moon Lady with countryside while the officials enjoyed a day making their own two-coloured sweet dumplings time, just before Chinese New Year, a village offerings that must include yam. At the start of rest before donning their ritual robes to pay using red and white flour, opting instead for in Chaozhou had an outbreak of dry mouth of the late Song dynasty, according to legend, homage to the emperor. In Chaoshan, Winter store-bought sweet dumplings. Since 2016, syndrome. A young lady had a dream in which the rulers had founded the Yuan dynasty after Solstice is a major holiday, and some customs the events organised by Teochew Federation WINTER SOLSTICE an immortal told her to eat tangerines; when destroying the Southern Song dynasty and that have endured through time include giving (Singapore) and Ngee Ann Cultural Centre to she woke up, she and her mother tried out the ruled the Han people living on the eastern thanks to the gods, ancestor worship, tomb mark the festival have been very well-received. suggestion and were cured, so they told all the and southern coasts with an iron fist. To sweeping, and consuming sweet dumplings. Members, friends and associates gather to make villagers to try the same. This is how Teochew prevent any uprising, a rule was set that only Thanksgiving and ancestor worship and eat sweet dumplings together to strengthen tangerines became lucky charms. In another one cleaver could be shared between three are conducted the same way as on other the bonds of friendship. The Winter Solstice version of the practice’s origin, Guangdong households. The Hans named the Ruler of occasions, except for the additional offering Festival 2017 (潮人冬至大团圆) created a and Fujian in southern China produced only Yuan hu tou (胡头), which sounds like yam in of sweet dumplings. Teochews also went tomb new record in the Singapore Book of Records mandarin oranges during this season because Teochew, so they used yam as offerings and sweeping on this day, and the practice is by bringing together 468 people to make sweet of geographical and climate reasons, so they likened peeling yams to flaying their enemy. known as ‘hanging winter paper’. On top of the dumplings at the same time. were used. TEOCHEW TRADITIONS

Teochews are very hospitable and are well- known for their love of traditional tea culture. The traditional tea ceremony involves eight steps: rinsing the vessels, placing tea into the pot, brewing, foam removal, pouring out the tea, pouring into cups, appreciating the aroma and colour, and tasting the tea. Each of the SOCIAL steps has its own poetic name in Teochew. But Teochews place even more focus on how guests are received – including seating arrangement, table manners, and respect for elders. Teochews are also particular about forms of address. MORES TEOCHEW TRADITIONS SOCIAL MORES HOSTING ETIQUETTE

1 Past first to leave. At wedding banquets, the most 2 For the Teochews, seating arrangement important seats at the head table were usually remains one of the most important aspects reserved for the bride’s brothers. of etiquette. Indoors, east-facing seats are considered the best seats – reserved for the Present most important person, followed by south- Even though the host should sit facing the facing, north-facing, and west-facing places, main entrance, with the guests seated in in descending order of reverence. A square order of importance on his right, this is no table known as the ‘Eight Immortals Table’ (八 longer strictly adhered to as the hosts and 仙桌), with two people seated on each side, most distinguished guests would go onstage was commonly used in the past. For birthday to make speeches. Sometimes there are also celebrations, the first east-facing seat would activities or performances onstage during

ORDER OF SEATING be reserved for the birthday celebrant, and dinner; so the best seats are the ones that on his right would be the second east-facing face the stage. The most important guests seat. Across from them would be the third are on the left and right of the most important and fourth places, and on their left would be seat, and seating arrangement also has 7 5 the fifth and sixth. The seventh and eighth to take into account the suitability of seat seats are on the side adjacent to their right. neighbours. To be safe, a seating plan would The same order applies for being seated at have been prepared beforehand and guests the table; the person in the top seat would be can find their seats according to instructions the first to sit down at the table as well as the or their place cards.

8 6 Past Present Holding a Teochew banquet was commonly Cold dishes usually get served first and known as zuo zhuo (做桌). Dishes were dessert last. At restaurants and hotels, dinner 52 served in a specific order, usually starting tables usually feature a lazy Susan (turntable) 53 with savoury dishes and ending with so the dishes can be rotated to the top seat. something sweet. When the key fish or lobster Guests usually show elders respect and would dish was being served, the belly should face ask their elders to start eating, though guests the top seat, and the fish head and tail should are also keen to show respect to one another. not point directly at any guest – so they had There are some taboos with regards to

MEAL SERVICE to be angled diagonally. In the course of the the use of chopsticks: chopsticks should not banquet, tea would be served between dishes be stuck upright in rice as this is similar to for their palate-cleansing effect, and there how incense is offered to the deceased. would usually be three tea courses. The final dish would be stir fried greens, so the arrival 4 3 of the vegetable heralded the end of the main courses. Each dish was placed before the top seat when served, with dishes already on the table shifted to make space. The guest in the top SENIORITY SHOULD BE OBSERVED IN SEATING ARRANGEMENTS. seat would always take the lead in both eating and drinking.

TEOCHEW TRADITIONS SOCIAL MORES FORMS OF ADDRESS

Wow, we Teochews sure have a lot of customs, I must tell my siblings and friends! 阿爸 阿妈 父亲 母亲 Father Mother

阿兄 / 阿弟 阿姐 / 阿妹

FAMILY MEMBERS FAMILY 哥哥 / 弟弟 姐姐 / 妹妹 我 Brother Sister TEA TAKES Me THE PLACE OF TERMS ) TEOCHEW ( WORDS IN RED DENOTE ALCOHOL WHEN THERE ARE 阿嫂 / 弟妇 姐夫 / 妹婿 GUESTS. OF ADDRESS FOR FORMS 嫂嫂 / 弟妇 姐夫 / 妹夫 Sister-in-law Brother-in-law

Who are the six kin? A saying in Chinese goes 侄儿 / 侄女 外甥 / 外甥女 Past that justice is blind, even to Nephew/ Niece Nephew / Niece 工夫茶 and 功夫茶 sound the same in Present the six kin (秉公断案,六 Mandarin as gong fu cha. But in Teochew, Just as it was in the past, gong fu cha 亲不认). There’s no fixed demands a lot of tea vessels, tea leaves, water definition of the six kin, but 54 the two terms sound different and also mean 55 quality, preparation, pouring and drinking. one typical definition comes different things. Gong (工gang, 功gong in from the ancient Chinese Teochew) fu (夫) in Teochew means being A small teapot the size of a clenched fist is narrative history Zuo Zhuan, meticulous and conscientious, and refers to used, and cups are only the size of half a ping which lists the six as father a technique for making tea. In the Chaoshan pong ball. Preparation involves first pouring and son, brother, paternal region, gong fu cha (工夫茶) is drunk a few boiling water into the pot until it overflows, aunts, maternal uncle and times a day and a popular saying in Teochew is in order to warm and clean it. The first round nephew and in-laws. The 兜仔 走仔 second definition is from that tea takes the place of alcohol when there of infusion is poured off, mainly for hygiene 儿子 女儿 reasons. When pouring the tea, three teacups Lao Tzu, who defines them are guests; the traditional tea ceremony is as father and son, brothers Son Daughter integral to social interaction. are placed together; instead of being filled and spouses. The Book of one after another, the tea has to be evenly Han defines them as: father, distributed among the three cups in a to mother, elder brother, and fro pouring method so that they would younger brother, wife and 孙仔/ 孙女 外孙仔/ 外孙女 be of the same concentration. The cups are children. The third definition 孙子/ 孙女 外孙 / 外孙女 only filled two thirds of the way, as a mark of is most often agreed upon. Grandson / Granddaughter Grandson / Granddaughter respect to the tea drinker. TRADITIONAL TEA CEREMONY TEOCHEW TRADITIONS SOCIAL MORES FORMS OF ADDRESS

老公 老嫲 外老公 外老嫲 曾祖父 曾祖母 外曾祖父 外曾祖母 Great-grandfather Great-grandmother Great-grandfather Great-grandmother

老姑 老伯 老叔 阿公 老姑 老叔 老伯 外公 姑婆 伯公 叔公 祖父 姑婆 叔公 伯公 外公 Grand aunt Grand uncle Grand uncle Grandfather Grand aunt Grand uncle Grand uncle Grandfather (Grandfather’s (Grandfather’s (Grandfather’s (Grandfather’s (Grandfather’s (Grandfather’s sister) elder brother) younger brother) sister) younger brother) elder brother)

老丈 老姆 老婶 阿嫲 老舅 老姨 老丈 老姆 老婶 外嫲 老舅 老姨 老姑丈 伯婆 婶婆 祖母 舅公 姨婆 老姑丈 伯婆 婶婆 外婆 舅公 姨婆 Grand aunt’s Grand uncle’s Grand uncle’s Grand uncle Grand aunt Grand aunt’s Grand uncle’s Grand uncle’s Grandmother Grand uncle Grand aunt husband wife wife Grandmother husband wife wife (Grandmother’s (Grandmother’s (Grandmother’s (Grandmother’s brother) sister) brother) sister)

老妗 老丈 老妗 老丈 舅婆 老姨丈 舅婆 老姨丈 Grand uncle’s Grand aunt’s Grand uncle’s Grand aunt’s wife husband wife husband

阿姑 阿叔 阿伯 阿舅 阿姨 姑妈 父亲 叔父 伯父 舅父（或称舅舅） 母亲 姨母 （或称姑姑） Father （或称叔叔） （或称伯伯） Uncle (Mother’s Mother Aunty (Mother’s 56 57 Aunty (Father’s Uncle (Father’s Uncle (Father’s brother) sister) sisters) younger brother) elder brother)

阿妗 阿丈 阿丈 阿婶 阿姆

DENOTE TEOCHEW TERMS ) TEOCHEW ( WORDS IN RED DENOTE TERMS ) TEOCHEW ( WORDS IN RED DENOTE 姨丈 婶母 舅母 姑丈 伯娘 Uncle PATERNAL RELATIVES PATERNAL In social interactions, Aunty names are seldom Uncle （或称婶婶） Aunty RELATIVES MATERNAL Aunty used on their own. FORMS OF ADDRESS FOR OF ADDRESS FOR FORMS OF ADDRESS FOR FORMS Instead, a term of respect such as brother, sister, aunt 表兄弟姐妹 堂兄弟姐妹 堂兄弟姐妹 表兄弟姐妹 表兄弟姐妹 Cousin Cousin or uncle is tagged on Cousin Cousin (same Cousin (same to the ends of names. surname as me) surname as me) HEAR HOW Sometimes, people TO ADDRESS address others FAMILY MEMBERS 外甥 / 外甥女 外甥 / 外甥女 directly as brother, IN TEOCHEW. Nephew / Niece Nephew / Niece sister, aunt or uncle. 表侄 / 表侄女 堂侄 / 堂侄女 堂侄 / 堂侄女 Nephew / Niece Nephew / Niece Nephew / Niece CHIEF ADVISOR CHAIRMAN VICE-CHAIRMAN Chia Chor Meng JP, BBM Lim Sah Soon, PPA (P)(G) Tan Boon Khung President, Teochew Federation (Singapore) Chairman, Public Affairs & Membership Secretary General, Teochew Federation (Singapore) Vice-Chairman, Teo Ann Huay Kuan Committee, Teochew Federation Honorary Council Member, Teo Ann Huay Kuan (Singapore)

( WORKING COMMITTEE ) PUBLISHER ADVISORS MEMBERS SECRETARIES Teochew Federation Jamie Teo Khoo Yong Chwee Dr Ning Ngui Ngi Yeo Pia Thian Lim Chun Heng ADVISORY COMMITTEE ADVISORY (Singapore) President, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Vice-President, Teochew Federation COMMITTEE EDITORIAL Council Member, Teochew Federation Chairman, Teo Ann Sian Luck Heo Yeo Events Manager, Ngee Ann Cultural (Singapore) (Singapore) Clan Society Centre Dato Sri Dr Peter Lim Yong Guan, PBM Chairman, Teo Ann Huay Kuan SPONSOR Deputy President, Teochew Federation Er Phweng Kiat Tan Teck Soon Alex Chua The Ngee Ann Kongsi (Singapore) Tan Kien Lip Council Member, Teochew Federation Vice-Chairman, The Teo Ann Tang Hong Secretary, Teochew Federation President, Theng Hai Huay Kuan Vice-President, Teochew Federation (Singapore) District Tan Clan Association (Singapore) PUBLISHING AGENT (Singapore) Focus Publishing Limited, Richard Lee Vice-Chairman, Donation & Charity Sub- Baey Theng Mong, PBM Dr Nelson Woo Ngee Guan Chinese Media Group, Vice-President, Teochew Federation Committee, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Secretary General, Teo Yeonh Huai Kuan Secretary General, Seu Teck Sean Tong Singapore Press Holdings (Singapore) Yiang Sin Sia Vice-President, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Teo Chiang Long Tay Soon Pheng, PBM Vice-President, Teochew Federation Head of Welfare, Singapore Kityang Teo Yong Huat James Teo, PBM (Singapore) Huay Kwan Vice-Chairman, Poh Teck Siang Tng Vice-President, Teochew Federation Chairman, Property Sub-Committee, The (Singapore) Ngee Ann Kongsi Guan Yong Kiang Chee Hiang Khoon Honorary Treasurer, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Vice-Chairman, The Huilai Countrymen Public Affairs, Poh Teck Siang Tng Teo Chong Hock, C.St.J Association Dato Sri Teo Kiang Ang, PBM Vice-President, Teochew Federation Tay Ai Hua Vice-President, Teochew Federation (Singapore) Ng Yang Hua Assistant Treasurer, Nanyang Loy Yang (Singapore) Honorary Chairman, Teo Ann Huay Kuan Council Member, Teo Ann Huay Kuan Tay Clan Association President, Chui Huay Lim Club 58 Ng Siow How, PBM Lynn Lin Yongxu Tan Kwang Meng 59 Tan Lee Huak, PBM Vice-President, Teochew Federation Vice-Organising Chairman, Theng Hai Honorary President, Hwa Siah Musical Vice-President, Teochew Federation (Singapore) Huay Kuan Association (Singapore) Chairman, Teo Yeonh Huai Kuan Roland Heng, PBM Yeo Koon Tong Tay Soo Mok Vice-President, Teochew Federation Honorary Secretary General, Blue Cross Committee Member, Khoon Kang Lian Ng Nam Teck (Singapore) Charitable Institution Ngee Sia (Singapore) Vice-President, Teochew Federation Deputy Honorary Secretary, The Ngee (Singapore) Ann Kongsi Advisor, Singapore Kityang Huay Kwan Ng Siak Hai, PBM Lai Thian Siew Vice-President, Teochew Federation Vice-President, Teochew Federation (Singapore) (Singapore) Vice-Chairman, Teo Ann Huay Kuan Chairman, The Huilai Countrymen Association TEOCHEW TRADITIONS: TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS AND CUSTOMS TRADITIONS: TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS TEOCHEW Principal Members • The Ngee Ann Kongsi TEOCHEW • Chui Huay Lim Club • Teo Yeonh Huai Kuan TRADITIONS • Singapore Kityang Huay Kwan • The Huilai Countrymen Association TRADITIONAL • Teo Ann Huay Kuan FESTIVALS • Theng Hai Huay Kuan AND CUSTOMS

CLAN ASSOCIATIONS TEOCHEW CHARITABLE SENIOR EDITOR • Tio Ann Third District Co-Villagers INSTITUTIONS Yip Poh Lin Association • Blue Cross Charitable Institution WRITER • Kityang Tay Si Association • Seu Teck Sean Tong Choo Woon Hock (Singapore) Yiang Sin Sia • The Teo Ann Sian Tow District Lim • Nanyang Thong Hong Siang Tng EXECUTIVE SUB-EDITOR Clan Association • Nam Ann Siang Theon Leonard Lau • The Teo Ann Tang Hong District • Thong Kheng Charitable TRANSLATOR Tan Clan Association Institution Lim Hui Sin • Singapore Teo Chew Hong Long • Poh Teck Siang Tng Yeo Clan Association • Nam Hong Siang Theon ILLUSTRATOR Loo Fang Kai • Teo Ann Sian Luck Heo Yeo Clan • Cheng Hong Siang Tng (Charitable Society Organisation) CREATIVE DIRECTOR • Singapore Teochew Saiho • Singapore Chung Hong Tony Law Association Siang T’ng ART DIRECTOR • Seng Clan Association Janice Tan (Singapore) TEOCHEW OPERA AND • Theng Chuan Ngau Thau Koo Kay MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS PUBLISHING AGENT Tan Clan Association • Hwa Siah Musical Association Focus Publishing Limited • Chung-Lim Community Oversea • The Thau Yong Amateur (A Subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings) 60 Association Musical Association 1000 Toa Payoh North, • Theng-Hai District Her Chiew • Er Woo Amateur Musical & News Centre, Singapore 318994 Village Chua Clan Association Dramatic Association Tel: +65 6319 2392 • The Kityang Kwee Lim Low Clan • Nam Hwa Opera Limited ISBN 978-981-14-5991-7 Association • Singapore Lay Teck Society • Khoon Kang Lian Ngee Sia REFERENCES (Singapore) WELFARE AND Ye Chunsheng and Lin Lunlun, Chaoshan • Feng Guo Fen Yang Association EDUCATION GROUP Traditions, Guangdong People’s Publishing House • Nanyang Loy Yang Tay Clan • Realm of Tranquility Chinese Customs and Festivals in Singapore, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations

40 MEMBERS OF TEOCHEW FEDERATION (SINGAPORE) FEDERATION 40 MEMBERS OF TEOCHEW Association • Teochew Chan Clan Association PUBLISHED IN JUNE 2020 • The Singapore Teochew Lee Clan English translation is based on the Chinese copy of Association Teochew Traditions Handbook published in June 2019. • Teochew Chia Clan Association Copyright © 2020 Teochew Federation (Singapore) & Focus Publishing Limited All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.