Awareness of folk Taoism among Singaporeans
Whilst one can find many books about mainstream Chinese festivals
and cultural practices, material about the everyday Chinese customs
in Singapore is surprisingly lacking. This is true even among books
written and published in Singapore. Many of today¡¦s young
Singaporeans know little or have much interest in the indigenous
heritage of this country, as opposed to that of either mainstream
Chinese or Western world.
The world of folk belief and customs seem to be regarded by many
Chinese, including Chinese educated intelligentsia, as backward
superstitions that should be allowed to die a natural death. In my
opinion, if that happens, it would be a tragedy for all. From the
viewpoint of a non-Taoist, no matter how unusual some of these
practices they may appear, they are important facets of our
cultural heritage.
Strange enough, there are many who do not find it strange when they
glorify the miracles of Jesus turning blood to water or curing the
blind, and yet calling the same miracles performed by ancient
Chinese deities and modern-day spirit mediums mere fairy tales and
primitive superstitions. Perhaps it is all to do with marketing and
packaging.
source : Awareness of folk Taoism among Singaporeans
http://weecheng.com/singapore/tanki/index.htm