Chinese Cemeteries Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
While cemeteries represent a part of any society's cultural heritage, their continued existence in urban areas has raised concerns, mainly due to the scarcity of urban land. Referring specifically to the Chinese cemeteries of Kuala... more
While cemeteries represent a part of any society's cultural heritage, their continued existence in urban areas has raised concerns, mainly due to the scarcity of urban land. Referring specifically to the Chinese cemeteries of Kuala Lumpur, this paper explored the perceptions among the local Chinese residents of the possible multi-dimensional uses of cemeteries for recreational purposes. This issue involves questions of city planning and future land use, urban green purposing and the potential contribution of such land to urban fabric enhancement. Specifically, the authors intended to identify the influence of demographic profile on perceptions in consideration of future planning of cemeteries for recreational purposes. A total of 403 questionnaire samples were collected for analysis. The analysis findings indicated that the possible use of cemeteries for educational purposes was favoured among the respondents in general, with a higher acceptance rate of multiple uses of cemeteries for recreational purposes among younger respondents. Physical design enhancing landscaping, avoiding conflicts overuse, appropriate safety measures and awareness campaigns are all vital if cemeteries are to be promoted for recreational purposes.
Chinese cemeteries are often viewed as dark and eerie places and are to be avoided except during the Qing Ming prayers. Chinese immigrants to Malaysia but who did not retum to China were buried in cemeteries established by their clansmen.... more
Chinese cemeteries are often viewed as dark and eerie places and are to be avoided except during the Qing Ming prayers. Chinese immigrants to Malaysia but who did not retum to China were buried in cemeteries established by their clansmen. The hundreds of Chinese cemeteries are now part of the Malaysian cultural landscape. Culturally the cemeteries symbolize the core Chinese concept ofthe " unity ofheaven and humans". This concept is manifested through three key cultural values of filial piety, fengshui (geomancy), and yi (righteousness). On the practical level, the management of Chinese cemeteries is nurturing a " green cul個re" primarily through efforts to " humanize" the cemetery landscape. This objective is being pursued in three ways, namely, changing the image of cemeteries, developing garden-type memorial parks, and increasing the level ofhuman presence.
The Bukit Brown Cemetery (in operation between the years 1922-1973) was said to be the largest Chinese cemetery outside of China and was Singapore’s first municipal Chinese cemetery. In 2011 the Singapore government announced a plan to... more
The Bukit Brown Cemetery (in operation between the years 1922-1973) was said to be the largest Chinese cemetery outside of China and was Singapore’s first municipal Chinese cemetery. In 2011 the Singapore government announced a plan to build a 4-lane road through the cemetery in order to improve future traffic congestion in the area; the planned road construction was estimated to affect 5% of 100,000 graves in the cemetery. A Bukit Brown Documentation project was set up thereafter to document the affected graves, the rituals, and social memory of the site.
This paper outlines the ways in which the members of the Archaeology team (ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute) have contributed towards documentation of the affected graves at the site since 2012, particularly in terms of artefact cataloguing and ensuring conservation protocols. Between December 2013 and December 2014, over 4,500 graves (containing over 3,500 artefacts) were documented during their exhumation process.