Background & Objectives

Symbolic images in the Chinese temples are one of the earliest cultural phenomenon by mankind. The basis for generating these symbolic images is to understand man and nature. Symbolic images are also used to explain the myth, as well as a record of the traditions and customs (Comber, 1958 & Lip, 1983). In Singapore, there are a few Chinese temples than are built more than 100 years ago. Some of the symbolic images within them have lost its meaning due to the lack of proper archiving. Focusing on three century-old Hokkien architectural-style temples (Thian Hock Keng, Siong Lim Sian See, Tan Si Chong Su) in Singapore, the purpose of the research of this publication seeks to:
 

• understand the origin and the meaning of the symbolic images in these temples, and
• analyse the visual culture differences between these temples that built from 1800s to 1900s. The objectives are to create visual communication outcomes that drive people to convene in and pay attention to real places, and to understand the origin of human culture and the essence of traditional culture. It is also aims to serve as visual references for the construction of future Hokkien architectural-style buildings.