What we will do

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Tua Di Ya Peh, which is Hokkien for First and Second Grand-Uncles, are two of the most well-known, yet least understood, deities of the Taoist pantheon. (We suppose it can't be helped when you look as fearsome as them but still…)

 

In this programme , we will learn about their tragic origin story, the important roles they play in the Underworld bureaucracy, and the reasons devotees worship them.

 

We will learn about their iconography, such as their different physical features, and the cigarettes, umbrella, fan, abacus, opium and alcohol used in their worship.

 

We will learn about the ideas of petition and reciprocity involved in their worship, and how their worship evolved with migration and social-political currents. We will see how they are different and similar to the other deities in the Taoist pantheon. 

 

Since it's a rather heavy topic, we will digest all of it via a leisurely evening stroll along the picturesque Singapore River, unfolding their unfamiliar story in relation to the familiar landmarks along the way, in a juxtaposition of the earthly and supernatural, ancient and modern, yin and yang.

 

No lottery numbers will be provided at the end of the tour :P