After Visit: Teochew Festival 2014

As a half Teochew blood,this urge has brought me to come and realise my root about my dialect.

Yes,you got me,I am considered a half Teochew( My dad's a Henghua, my mom's a Teochew,and I have been living under the influence of Teochew culture)

In conjunction of Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan clan association's 85 Anniversary celebration,the association decided to organize a massive scale exhibition to raise the awareness on the dialect group.

"Teochew Lang, Kah Ki Lang", meaning "People who are of the same dialect,is one big family" are  the common words that we will hear from everyone of Teochew dialect.

So...What is Teochew ?

People who are from Teochew, have their ancestors who originates from Teochew regions,from the places like Chao An, Swatow(or Shantou), Jieyang.

 And in the 18th Century to 20th Century, the early immigrants were travelling down to Singapore either as "Coolies" or " Zhu Zai" 

The early immigrants' main immigration mode is to travelling down via "Aung Tao Zung",also known as Red head Ship.

Here's a interesting fact of the ship: In order to differentiate the ship from Pirates,it was painted Red,and shaped like a giant fish,with 2 eyes at the bow of the ship.

 This event does not only show solely on the heritage,but it showcases the arts and crafts which are pride of the Teochews and vanishing trades.

Teochew Embroidery is one of the Chinese's Main four embroidery, for its uses of gold threads and unique stitching which makes the embroidery looks realistic and 3D

Based on my knowledge, each embroidery can take as long as 3 years to create.

 Wood Carving,another pride of the Teochew Dialect , is a tedious process of carving,considering having to carve it at a start to the end product,with zero error. It is amazing and awesome art piece

 Porcelain is another form of art which the Teochew are proud of. Especially for its detailed pieces.

The following work is titled “八仙演奏” which means Eight Immortals Playing their respective instruments.

Paper Lantern making is a vanishing trade which is a culture of the Teochews.

By putting up the lanterns,it is holds a symbolic blessing of well being in the family. 

 So...This is clay sculpting

 Sitting quietly by one corner is the master, Mr.Wu.

Mr Wu is the 23rd inheritor of Dawu Clay Sculptor,one of the National Intangible Culture Heritage

 Of course,what is a cultural festival without a food fair,located by the side of the exhibition.

 And of course,souvenirs up for grab,(and selling fast)

 Another shot of the Paper Lantern making

The Teochew Festival runs from now till Oct 5 2014( THIS Sunday)

Operating time from 11am to 10pm DAILY

At Ngee Ann City

Note: $5 Admission charges is required and to get the food from the food street,pre purchase of coupon is required.