Final resting place - Gah San 2017
GAH SAN 2017, which took place on Sunday, April 9, 2017, went well due, of course, to the numerous volunteers who did their best to make sure that all went smoothly.
It was a sunny, rain-free morning at Waltham Park Road with the pavilion covering those who needed to sit, while the other smaller tents went up. As has become the norm, the help desk was busy, as family members received guidance as to the location of the final resting place of their relatives.
The then vice-president (now president), Robert Hew, took charge of the proceedings and provided oversight for all the elements which were necessary to make this signature annual event successful.
The Ching Ming Tribute to honour the Chinese who were laid to rest at the Chinese Cemetery began with incense and candles placed at the foot of the cenotaph monument and offerings of meat, poultry, seafood and fruits were presented. Three servings of tea, followed by three servings of wine, were made to symbolically honour the ancestors at their final resting place. Paper money being lit and then the authorised lighting of fire crackers brought to an end, the formal ceremony of the Chinese ritual, which was followed by the Christian service.
TRIBUTE
This mark of respect to our ancestors is captured in the printed ‘Tribute’: “When you came to make a home in this land, you endured untold hardships of the body and spirit for the sake of your children’s happiness. Today, we, your descendants, stand here together in humble acknowledgement of your sacrifices. We will continue to remember and honour our ancestors.”