China Overseas Chinese Network, February 2nd. According to Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao, Singapore’s National Heritage Administration has recently included Laoyusheng, Kueh Juice, Indian wreath making, and hand-made plaque carvings on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
At present, there are 97 items in the list of intangible cultural heritage in Singapore.
The items in the list can be grouped into six categories, except for the five major classifications of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, namely, "Oral Traditions and Expressions", "Performing Arts", "Social Customs, Etiquette and Festivals", and "Nature and the Universe". "Knowledge and Customs" and "Traditional Handicrafts" also include an additional "Food Cultural Heritage" category.
The latest additions to the list include Chinese handmade plaque carving techniques.
The 75-year-old calligrapher Yang Changtai and the 71-year-old sculptor Xie Hanlin have jointly operated the Changtai Gallery for about 35 years. They are the only local service provider that combines calligraphy and hand-made plaque carving.
Yang Changtai said that plaques can now be made by machines, and there are very few local craftsmen who know how to carve plaques by hand.
"In the early days, many local plaques were carved by hand, but artisans may not know how to calligraphy. We understand calligraphy and woodcuts, so we can express the charm of calligraphy in one go."
He believes that the inclusion of hand-made plaques as part of the local intangible cultural heritage can enhance Singaporeans' attention to this craft and help the inheritance of the art of lettering.
Regarding the inclusion of Laoyusheng on the list, gourmet Lin Yimin said that before the Chinese ancestors descended from southern China to Nanyang, they had the custom of eating sashimi. After this simple snack came to Nanyang, especially in Singapore, it was further developed.
In the 1960s, this dish was improved by local famous Cantonese chefs, and then combined with the auspicious blessings of Lao Yusheng to promote the atmosphere, it gradually developed into a classic Chinese New Year festive dish.
As for kueh juice, Lin Yimin believes that this early Chaozhou street food is a cheap and satisfying civilian food. It is gratifying to be recognized.
Chen Ziyu, Deputy Director (Policy and Community) of the National Heritage Administration of Singapore, said that the bureau hopes to use this list to affirm the contributions of intangible cultural inheritors and practitioners, and to enhance Singaporeans' awareness and appreciation of local cultural heritage.
"The list presents research data on related projects, covering their history, current performance methods, and challenges they face. This will help the Cultural Heritage Bureau to launch strategies and measures, and develop collaborative projects with practitioners to promote local intangible culture. The inheritance of the legacy."