Organised by Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, Wan Qing CultureFest 2020 shines a spotlight on the significance and symbolism of food in Chinese culture, and celebrates our relationship with food throughout the various stages of our lives. From customary practices such as the consumption of ang ku kueh during a newborn’s first month celebrations, to superstitions and taboos surrounding pre and post-natal foods, audiences are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery as they learn more about Chinese food culture and what these traditions mean to them.
Held online via the memorial hall’s Facebook page from 14 to 29 November 2020, the festival will be narrated by three digital mascots as they traverse through three key chapters in life (Childhood, Adulthood, and Golden Years) and learn more about the meaning and significance of various food-related customs and beliefs.
Audiences can look forward to exciting programmes such as a ‘live’ ang ku kueh-making demonstration, a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Guo Da Li (betrothal gifts) and conduct a wedding tea ceremony, an interactive ‘live’ Q&A session with a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician and dietician on the dos and don’ts of pre and post-natal foods, and more.
Programmes Details:
In the Kitchen with The Ang Ku Kueh Hut
(Supported by The Ang Ku Kueh Hut)
Ang Ku Kueh, literally meaning ‘red tortoise cake’, is a traditional Chinese pastry made from soft, sticky glutinous rice flour wrapped around sweet mung bean filling. Designed to resemble a tortoise’s shell, ang ku kuehs symbolise fertility, properity and longevity, and are consumed during festive occasions such as the first month celebrations of new born babies. Join host Ang Qiu Ting (@BongQiuQiu) in the kitchen with father and daughter duo, Priscilla and John from The Ang Ku Kueh Hut as they discuss the rich symbolism of ang ku kuehs in the Chinese culture and guide you through the steps to create this popular dessert!
Date: 15 November 2020
Format: FB ‘Live’ / IGTV
Admission: Free, no registration required
Baby's Full Month Celebrations
In the Chinese culture, a baby’s first milestone is their full month celebration, also known as man yue (literally meaning “full moon”). Red eggs are traditionally presented as gifts to guests attending the celebration, alongside other foods rich in auspicious meaning. Find out more about the symbolism of red eggs, how the number of eggs gifted reflects the gender of the baby, and other lesser-known Chinese customs surrounding a baby’s full month celebration!
Date: 17 November 2020
Format: FB Instant Experience / IG Carousel
Admission: Free, no registration required
Schooling & Exams: Taboo Foods to Avoid
Have you ever been told to avoid consuming eggs while studying for exams, ‘lest you fail your studies? Or perhaps that you should consume a bottle of chicken essence daily to boost brain power and focus? The Chinese culture is full of superstitions and taboos, particularly when it comes to ensuring academic excellence – learn more about the dos and don’ts as you navigate through this fun interactive experience!
Date: 19 November 2020
Format: FB Instant Experience / IG Carousel
Admission: Free, no registration required
Chinese Wedding 101: Guo Da Li
(Supported by The Chinese Wedding Shop)
Pig trotters, abalone, oranges and dried mushrooms – these are just some of the many food items that are included in the customary gift set presented by the groom to the bride during the Chinese wedding betrothal ceremony known as Guo Da Li. But what really is Guo Da Li, what do these food items symbolise, and why are they a must-have during Chinese weddings? Join host Elaine Rui Min (@Elaineruimin) together with experts from The Chinese Wedding Shop in this two-part video series as they discover fun facts about Chinese weddings and gain a deeper appreciation for our social practices and rituals! Will Elaine be able to guess the meaning behind the different Guo Da Li items and score well on their challenge of preparing a Guo Da Li gift set? Watch this video to find out!
Date: 21 November 2020
Format: FB Video / IGTV
Admission: Free, no registration required
Chinese Wedding 101: Tea Ceremony
(Supported by The Chinese Wedding Shop)
The tea ceremony, or Jing Cha, is a Chinese ritual performed by newlywed couples on their wedding day and is considered a vital component of the wedding ceremony. Served on a red tray to symbolise auspiciousness, did you know that the tea is not only an expression of reverence, but also symbolic of the relationship between the married couple? In the second part of our video series, join host Chloe Choo (@Chloeandchoo) together with experts from The Chinese Wedding Shop as they learn more about this age-old ritual through a series of fun challenges!
Date: 22 November 2020
Format: FB Video / IGTV
Admission: Free, no registration required
Dos and Don'ts for Your First Home
What are some dos and don’ts when shifting into a new home? From rolling pineapples on the ground to boiling a pot of milk with sugar, these traditional rituals are a unique and meaningful way to celebrate new beginnings. Learn a thing or two about the moving-in customs practiced by different cultures that are believed to usher in good luck, prosperity and auspiciousness!
Date: 24 November 2020
Format: FB Instant Experience / IG Carousel
Admission: Free, no registration required
Pre & Post-natal Foods - Can Eat or Not?
(Supported by Dr Mary Chong Foong Fong and Dr Lim Sor San)
Food plays an important role in any Chinese pregnancy, with a long list of ancient taboos regarding what an expectant mother may or may not consume. Join Dr Lim Sor San, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) advisor and Dr Mary Chong Foong-Fong, Assistant Professor, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health in an intimate ‘live’ dialogue session as they answer some commonly asked questions about maternity practices. Find out what foods to consume and avoid, their various symbolic and health benefits, and other helpful tips to tide new mothers over their pre-natal and post-natal stages. Submit your questions in the comments section and speak directly with our panel of experts!
Date: 25 November 2020
Format: FB ‘Live’ / IGTV
Admission: Free, no registration required
Chinese Birthday Customs
While Western birthday celebrations typically feature elaborate birthday cakes, parties, or gifts, birthday celebrations in Chinese culture are marked by special traditions, customs, and even taboos. Learn more about the rituals and celebratory foods consumed during key milestones such as the 33rd, 60th, and 80th birthday celebrations, and put your knowledge of Chinese culture to the test with these fun facts!
Date: 27 November 2020
Format: FB Instant Experience / IG Carousel
Admission: Free, no registration required