Lotus Flowers, Incense, A Temple

Exhausted from running errands all over downtown Singapore on a recent and hot afternoon, my daughter and I slowly made our way to a taxi stand. We were ready to collapse into a blue, red or yellow cab -- which ever came first -- and head home for the day. But as we neared the taxi stand on Waterloo St., the red and yellow tops of umbrellas off in the distance caught my eye. Could this be a wet market selling exotic vegetables and fruits? Intrigued, especially since I hadn't been to a wet market since moving to Singapore, I mustered up the energy I had left and convinced my daughter to follow me on one last adventure.

Upon arrival, I realized that we didn't stumble upon a wet market. Instead, we found vendors selling colorful flowers and tall incense sticks.

First time I had ever seen lotus flowers!

The reporter in me kicked in and I went up to a vendor and asked what the incense and flowers were for. She had no comment. Undeterred, I asked another vendor if she would be willing to explain the significance of all the flowers and incense. Thankfully, this vendor was willing to chat. She explained that the incense and flowers are offerings you can bring into the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple located nearby.

My daughter Bella asked if I could buy some of the "pretty" flowers.

As I purchased a couple of bouquets, the flower-vendor lady offered us some incense for free and suggested we take the offerings into the Chinese Buddhist temple. She said we should hold the incense in our hands, which should be clasped together in prayer, and face the opening of the temple. Then, we can take our flowers to the back of the temple. I took one look at my daughter's face, however, and knew we should go home instead. She was hot and tired and so was I.

During the ride home, the taxi driver asked if my daughter and me got a chance to go inside the temple. I explained that we were too tired to. He suggested we return to the temple, which he described as one of the most famous in Singapore, for Chinese New Year. The taxi driver said it would be a great opportunity see what the temple and street is like when packed with devotees and their offerings on a special occasion. According to Wikipedia, the temple has existed since 1884 at its present location. I bet a return trip to the temple will yield an interesting history lesson as well. Stay tuned!

Cheers,
Kristina