Community and Devotion: The Nine Emperor Gods Festival with Lin Chia-Tsun

What to Expect

Join Lin Chia-Tsun as she delves into the rich cultural and religious significance of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, a prominent Taoist event in Southeast Asia. This session provides insights into the festival's rituals and traditions, highlighting how it fosters community bonding in Singapore. Lin will discuss the history and symbolic meanings behind the elaborate ceremonies dedicated to the Nine Emperor Gods, who are believed to bestow blessings and prosperity. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for this vibrant celebration and its lasting impact on strengthening community ties through devotion and shared cultural practices.

About Let’s Talk About Chinatown
Join us for a captivating series of talks that dive deep into the fascinating history of Chinatown and the lesser-known world of Singapore’s afterlife industry. These discussions will uncover how Chinatown has evolved through the years, transforming from a bustling centre of trade and culture into a vibrant, multicultural hub that continues to shape Singapore’s identity. You’ll learn about its rich past, the traditions that have endured, and the people who have called this area home for generations, all while gaining a fresh perspective on how this neighbourhood plays a vital role in preserving the city’s heritage.
In addition, we’ll explore the intriguing practices surrounding end-of-life rituals that are deeply embedded in Singapore’s diverse cultures. From traditional funeral rites to modern adaptations, these customs help shape our understanding of grief, remembrance, and the celebration of life. With insights from local experts, the talks will highlight how these sacred rituals connect communities and honour loved ones in meaningful ways, emphasising the importance of heritage in times of loss. It’s an enlightening journey into the customs that have long guided us through life’s final chapter.

About the Host

Lin Chia-Tsun is a passionate cultural historian and a curator of Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. Known for her insightful approach to exploring Singapore’s rich multifaith landscape, she brings a unique perspective on how different communities honour life, death, and the afterlife. With her deep knowledge of spiritual customs, Lin has become a key voice in preserving and sharing the meanings behind traditional rites, especially within Taoism and Chinese culture. As your host, she will guide participants through the fascinating layers of religious ceremonies, offering valuable insights into how these customs strengthen community bonds and cultural identity.

Who should come?

• Everyone is welcome to participate!
• Participants 12 years and under must be accompained and surpervised by a parent/guardian at all times.

Programme Details

• Approximate Duration: 1 hour
• Language: English
• Meeting Point: MCF Kreta Ayer Square Festival Village (21 Banda St, Singapore 050005)

• Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.

• The events will proceed rain or shine.

What to bring?

• Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear covered shoes.
• Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.

• Please ensure that you bring along any personal Medic*tion. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.

Other important information

• Parking is available at Chinatown Complex. Alternative parking is available at Chinatown Point and Maxwell Food Centre.
• The venue is wheelchair accessible.
• Photography is allowed at event premises.

Disclaimer

• By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
• Participants must abide by the house rules set out by the host. Facilitators will brief participants at the start of the programme.
• Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.

For updates:

• Follow us at @mycommunitysg on Instagram and @myqueenstown on Facebook.
• Visit mycommunity.org.sg to learn about our initiatives.
• Visit mycommunityfestival.sg for all our latest updates.

Host or Publisher My Community Festival