The Chinese had been known in the islands of the Malay Archipelago for more than 1,000 years, ever since the southern kilns of the Tang Dynasty (7th to 9th century) began shipping their precious porcelain to the Middle East and beyond. In the galleries of the Asian Civilisations Museum sits proof of this trade — an entire ship of 9th-century pottery sunken en route to the Arab World in the waters just off Sumatra.
Maritime trade routes during the ninth century.
Source: https://www.roots.gov.sg/stories-landing/stories/sunken-treasure-a-ninth-century-shipwreck/story
The Chinese came in waves to the Malay Peninsula and Singapore, with the first wave arriving with the treasure fleets of Cheng Ho in the 15th century. Many of them remained and intermarried with local Malay women, resulting in a unique hybrid community known as the Baba-Nyonya.
The second wave of Chinese were the Min-speaking coastal peoples of Fujian province in southern China. Known also as the Hokkiens, they were expert navigators and boat-builders — peoples of the sea. Cut off from the larger Chinese mainland by a series of mountain ranges, they took to the South China Sea from the 16th century onwards to survive. They became the principal traders in all the major port cities of Asia from the Coromandel Coast in India to Malacca, Bangkok, Batavia, Saigon, Phnom Penh, Manila, Canton, Macao and Nagasaki. Arriving in their junks from the grand port city of Quanzhou, they traded their fabulous silks, silver and lacquer from China for spices, sandalwood, ivory and other raw materials. And wherever they came, they settled in colonies of houseboats in sheltered bays, or, if they became wealthy, Chinese-style courtyard houses on the mainland. When the Portuguese — the first European colonisers in the East — arrived, they found the Hokkien already established.
The third wave of Chinese came as a result of European colonisation and the opening up of the so-called "treaty ports" along China's coast.
Some backstory. Between 1757 and 1842, all foreign traders to the Middle Kingdom were compelled, by Imperial Decree, to trade only at the Chinese port city of Canton (today's Guangzhou). For centuries, Canton had been one of the largest port cities in Asia, playing host to a cosmopolitan population of merchants and traders from the Middle East, India and the Malay Archipelago. The European traders came late in the game, and occupied a narrow sliver of land on the Canton waterfront, from which they would act as middlemen in the trade of luxury goods — silks, porcelain, lacquer and enamels — from China to Europe.
The British, however, engaged in the trade of another, more sinister commodity — opium. In 1842, after almost a century of trade in opium, China had had enough of the drug that had hooked thousands of its subjects. It retaliated by burning a large shipment of the drug in the suburbs of Canton. The inevitable war that ensued was known as the First Opium War, and in the aftermath of the War, which China lost, a treaty was signed that forced the Middle Kingdom to open five port cities to international trade and to cede Hong Kong to Britain in perpetuity.
Commercial Map of China showing Treaty ports, Port of Foreign Control, Railways, Telegraphs and Waterways, Washington D.C. 1899
Source: https://www.raremaps.com/gallery/detail/53897/commercial-map-of-china-showing-treaty-ports-port-of-foreig-norris-peters-co
The five "treaty ports" were Canton, Amoy (Xiamen), Foochow (Fuzhou), Ningpo and Shanghai. They would be followed by some two dozen other treaty ports in the course of the mid-to-late 1800s, as China was forced to sign a series of humiliating unequal treaties with the other major Western Powers and Japan.
From the southern Chinese treaty ports of Canton, Amoy and Foochow, and to a lesser extent Ningpo and Shanghai, came the bulk of Singapore's Chinese population. They came as coolies and labourers in support of the bustling global trade that had taken root in Singapore and the rest of the Nanyang ( fix or Southern Seas) region, as the Chinese referred to Southeast Asia. Most came with nothing but the shirts and blouses on their backs, hoping to earn a living and return to their homeland. Some made their fortune — and stayed on as towkays in their palatial houses.
Foozhou, China, around 1850's
Source: https://www.library.hbs.edu/hc/heard/exploring-trade-links.html
The Chinese spoke, and continue to speak, a multiplicity of dialects, mutually unintelligible; in particular, the Chinese of the southern coastal provinces spoke variations on the Southern Min, or Min-nan (R) dialect, an ancient form of Chinese that dates back to the Tang Dynasty.
Most Chinese in Singapore, having come from the south of China, hail from three main dialect groups: the Hokkiens of Fujian province, by far the most numerous, who arrived by way of Fujian port cities like Amoy and Quanzhou; the Cantonese of Guangdong province, who arrived by way of the ports of Canton and Hong Kong; and the Teochew, who came from their ancestral lands in between today's Guangdong and Fujian provinces, and arrived by way of the port city of Swatow.
There were other minority dialect groups in Singapore, such as the Hokchiews, Hokchias and Henghuas, all of whom hail from the towns, villages and island settlements in the vicinity of the port city of Foochow. There were the Hakkas, scattered in small communities all over southern China and the descendants of Northern Chinese who had fled the lands of the Yellow River in late antiquity. There were the Hainanese, from their sub-tropical island homeland to the south of mainland China. And finally, there were the Shanghainese, who came later in the course of history, when the fall of the Qing Dynasty and civil unrest forced many to leave their city.
In the early years of colonial Singapore, most of the Chinese settled in the Telok Ayer area, around Telok Ayer Street, where can be found the greatest concentration of Nanyang-style shophouses; and where the oldest Chinese places of worship continue to be found today. These include the Fuk Tak Chi Temple, built by the Hakka and Cantonese communities in 1824; the Thian Hock Keng Temple, erected by the Hokkien community in 1842 and dedicated to Mazu, or the Goddess of the Sea (gazetted as a National Monument in 1973); the Wak Hai Cheng Bio, built by the Teochew community in the 1850s (though the present building dates from 1896); and the tiny Siang Cho Keong Temple, built in 1868.
A reconstruction of a Chinese Junk that Admiral Cheng Ho (Zheng He) used during his 6 trips to Melaka
Source: https://www.discover-interesting-places.com/Singapore-Cheng-Ho-Cruise.html / https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/peranakan-chinese-malay-identity-singapore-bicentennial-10745232
Siang Cho Keong Temple sits on Amoy Street, and it is a throwback to the days when the area was populated by thousands of immigrants from the port city of Amoy. Today, Telok Ayer street and the surrounding Tanjong Pagar, Kreta Ayer and Bukit Pasoh precincts are collectively known as Chinatown, in reference to the area being the heart of Chinese commercial and cultural activity for much of Singapore's history. In the meantime, Chinese continue to constitute the largest ethnic community in contemporary Singapore, accounting for just under 80 percent of the population.
Source: Singapore 1819: A Living Legacy by Kennie Ting
Chinatown is part of the largest conserved historic district in Singapore – comprising distinct precincts that were developed at different times, of which four precincts which are now under conservation: Telok Ayer (developed from the 1820s), Kreta Ayer (1830s), Tanjong Pagar (late 1880s) and Bukit Pasoh (early 1920s). These 4 districts are in-between other precincts that make up the ‘Greater Town’ south of Singapore River, the local Chinese term for the urban district that stretched from Boat Quay to the Tanjong Pagar docks.
Gambier plantation in Singapore ca. 1900
This black and white photograph portrays a scene of a Gambier and pepper plantation with two European men wearing white suits with matching hats. Gambier (Uncaria gambir) plants in this picture have been planted to accommodate the pepper plant that naturally entwines around Gambier. In 1819 the idea of a Gambier plantation was started and proved to be a success for Singapore. Gambier in the past had been used for tanning purposes as well as a natural dye.
For easy administration, Raffles separated the various immigrant groups into racial quarters. In his 4 November 1822 letter to the Town Committee (also illustrated in the 1828 Town of Singapore Plan published in London), the area from the “Boat Quay southwest bank of the Singapore River” was designated a Chinese Campong.
This self-contained kampong or community settlement became the home of many Chinese immigrants, and a transit point for coolies (unskilled labourers) going to Malaya. Visiting traders sought temporary accommodation there too. By 1824, there were 3,317 settlers, almost one-third of the total population at that time. That kampong and Chinese centre grew and eventually became Chinatown.
Chinatown’s physical development began from 1843, when more land leases and grants for homes and trade were awarded – particularly around Pagoda Street, Almeida Street (today’s Temple Street), Smith Street, Trengganu Street, Sago Street and Sago Lane.
In John Turnbull Thomson’s 1846 map, this ethnic quarter expanded to the area demarcated by Telok Ayer Street, Singapore River, New Bridge Road and Pagoda Street. Developed areas by this time included Upper Macao Street (today’s Upper Pickering Street), Upper Hokien Street, Upper Chin Chew Street, Upper Cross Street and Mosque Street.
Hokkiens
The Hokkiens in Singapore came mainly from Zhangzhou and Quanzhou – two prefectures in China’s Fujian province. According to the 2010 Singapore census, Hokkiens form about 40 percent of the Chinese resident population, making them the largest Chinese dialect group in Singapore.
According to records, the Hokkiens first immigrated to Malacca in the 15th century, and were known to have established trading networks in the region. As Singapore grew to become a centre of trade and commerce, many Hokkiens moved from Malacca to Singapore in the 1820s to seize the business opportunities. There were also others who left China due to social unrest, poverty and insufficient food, and migrated to Southeast Asia (including Singapore) in search of greener pastures.
Chinese New Year Practices
During the Chinese New Year (CNY) period, the Hokkiens, like the other dialect groups, observe a host of rituals filled with symbolism, such as the giving and receiving of hongbao (red packets containing money) and the presentation of pairs of oranges for luck. The Hokkiens also consider certain fruits auspicious. For example, they are fond of pineapple which sounds similar to “prosperity to come” (旺来) in the Hokkien dialect. The pineapple is often incorporated into CNY snacks or decorations.
Another CNY tradition practised by Hokkiens is the offering of thanks to the Jade Emperor during a Taoist festival known as Tian Gong Dan, or “Birthday Celebrations for the Heavenly Jade Emperor”. Taoists believe that the Jade Emperor is the ruler of heaven. Among the many gifts offered during this festival, the sugarcane is essential. According to a legend, the Hokkiens in Fujian were saved from a band of Japanese pirates by hiding in a sugarcane plantation until the pirates left on the night of the eighth day of the CNY. After the Hokkiens emerged from their hiding places on the ninth day, which happened to be the birthday of the Jade Emperor, they offered him sugarcane to thank him for saving them. In the Hokkien dialect, sugarcane is called gam jia and this sounds like gam sia, which means “thank you”.
The Hokkiens settled in the areas around Singapore River and Telok Ayer, which was then bordering the coast, and Hokien Street.
Teo Chew
The Teochews in Singapore mainly originated from the Chaozhou prefecture in the Guangdong province of China. In the past, Teochew immigrants generally settled along the banks of Singapore River (Clarke Quay) and around Fort Canning. They specialised in agriculture, with many making their fortunes from gambier and pepper. One of the more prominent associations for the Teochews is the Ngee Ann Kongsi, founded in 1845 by early immigrants.
Chinese New Year Practices
During the Lunar New Year, the Teochews practise a host of rituals filled with symbolism. For example, it is a Teochew tradition not to finish the dishes served at the reunion dinner so that there will be leftovers brought over to the New Year, thus symbolising excess and abundance for the coming year. The leftover food will then be served on the first day of the Lunar New Year. The Teochews also consider fish as an essential Lunar New Year dish. In particular, they believe that eating the Rabbitfish or "Pek Tor He" in the Teochew dialect, will ensure good luck for the coming year.
The Teochews were settled in South Canal Road, Garden Street and Carpenter Street.
Cantonese
The Cantonese community in Singapore has its roots in the southern region of Guangdong province in China. They were one of the earliest immigrants into Singapore. The Cantonese worked as miners and artisans, taking on occupations such as bricklayers, carpenters, woodcutters, tailors, jewellers and goldsmiths. Some of the most skilled carpenters, goldsmiths, and craftsmen in Singapore are Cantonese.
Chinese New Year Practices
Most Chinese dialect groups in Singapore, including the Cantonese, practise several Chinese customs and beliefs. For example, during the Lunar New Year celebrations, Mandarin oranges are offered as gifts to friends and relatives because they are called "Kam" which can also mean "Gold" in the Cantonese dialect.
The Cantonese are famous for their Yu Sheng dish, a dish of raw fish mixed with salad ingredients. The mixing and tossing of the ingredients with chopsticks is called "Lo Hei" and suggests the lifting of one's achievements and success to greater heights. This ritual is now commonly practiced among various dialect groups in Singapore.
Traditionally the Cantonese occupied Temple Street and Mosque Street.
Hainanese
The early Hainanese immigrants in Singapore originated from the Hainan province in China. They arrived in Singapore later than the Chinese of other dialect groups as Hainan was late in opening up to foreign trade. The older generation of Hainan people often refer themselves as "Kheng Chew Nang" instead, which means people of Kheng Chew (the old name for the island of Hainan).
As most of them are good cooks, the early Hainanese immigrants in Singapore found a niche for themselves in the service sector, working as cooks, restaurant waiters, and as houseboys for rich households. The Hainanese has also been credited to introducing "Kopitiams" (Coffeeshop) into Singapore. Today, the Hainanese community is invariably associated with the food and beverage industry.
Chinese New Year Practices
During the Lunar New Year reunion dinner, the Hainanese often feasts on steamed chicken (鸡) and mutton Soup (羊) as and sounded like (吉祥) which means "Fortune" in Mandarin. Another popular reunion dinner dish for the Hainanese is Fried Glass Noodles with Chives. Chives have the meaning of "Prosperity for a long time" in the Hainanese dialect, and the long glass noodles symbolise "Longevity".
Source: Banners located in Smith Street
Source: https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1498_2009-04-09.html#:~:text=The%20Hokkiens%20in%20Singapore%20came,Chinese%20dialect%20group%20in%20Singapore.
I am documenting six areas and 4 quays in Chinatown with three main roads that cross and link the different areas.
Boat Quay, Before 1820's - Between South Bridge Road and North Canal Road (UOB Plaza), and North Canal Road and (South) Boat Quay
China Square, 1820s - Between China Street and Cecil Street, and Church Street and Cross Street
Telok Ayer, Hokkien Area, 1820s - Between Cross St and McCallum St, and Telok Ayer St and Amoy St - 1820s
Kreta Ayer, Hokkien Area, 1830s - Between Pickering Street and Cross St, and New Bridge Road and China Street
Kreta Ayer, Cantonese Area, 1830s - Mosque St and Pagoda St
Kreta Ayer, Teo Chew Area, 1830s - Between New Bridge Road and (South) Boat Quay, and (South) Boat Quay and Merchant/North Canal Road
Kreta Ayer, 1830s - Between Pagoda St and Sago Lane, and Eu Tong Sen St and South Bridge Road
Tanjong Pagar, 1880s - Between Maxwell Road and Spottiswoode Park, and Neil Road Anson Road
Ann Siang Hill, 1890s
Bukit Pasoh, 1920's - Between Kreta Ayer Road (included) and Cantonment Road, and Neil Road and New Bridge Road
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