Thaipusam Festival

Today I stumbled upon Thaipusam, a festival observed by the Tamil Hindu community here in Singapore and elsewhere around the world. Thaipusam commemorates the victory of the Hindu god Murugan (the patron deity of the Tamil people) over an evil demon. Tamils demonstrate their devotion to Muragan by making simple offerings to temples whilst others choose to show their devotion by self-mortification. I saw men carrying, what I now know to be called, kavadis, sort of ornate costumes but the pecularity is that they are held by pins pierced through the carriers body. It seems that the more the carriers suffer the greater will be Murugan's merit and after watching these carriers singing and dancing I can only hope that it's true. 

Year of the Dragon

Painting the town red

Kumquats

Chinese New Year is 3 weeks away and Singapore is definitely prepping for the coming year of the Dragon. At  local nurseries, there are thousands of kumquat trees waiting for homes. The kumquats are traditionally given as gifts because the Chinese word for kumquat is "Gam Gat Sue" which rhymes with gold and luck. The leaves of he kumquat symbolize wealth and the round shape of the fruit is a symbol of unity and perfection. Thus, everyone who eats kumquats will be insured good fortune, prosperity and happiness.  Then maybe I should be eating kumquats instead of photographing them.
http://www.evershineflorist.com

Happy Depavali

Today in Singapore, and elsewhere in Asia, Indians are celebrating Deepavali more commonly known as the "festival of lights." Indians light small clay lamps which signify the triumph of good over evil.

Last Friday, I accompanied Rose's class on an outing to Little India. Together we went on a treasure hunt organized by their teacher. The children loved the bustling activity at the local temple, the colors, the women's saris, scary sculptures of Kali and getting henne tattoos. I love that my children can now participate and understand other cultures and most of all that they are interested in knowing more.

Year of the Rabbit

2011 is the year of the rabbit in this part of the word and recently all around town rabbits have been popping up or is that hopping about.

Anyway, I've read that a "rabbit year" is supposed to be a peaceful one where focus is placed on home and family values, so should be smooth sailing, but then again I also read that rats (my sign) and rabbits are not compatible. What to expect?

Have a great weekend

PS. The flower bunnies are from Orchard Road

PS. Moving on to monkeys. How do they fare with rats? Enough about astrology, Oscar & I spent the afternoon at the zoo and just wanted to share my cool pic with you