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It is unfortunate that the family will have to relocate the graves of their ancestors due to the shortage of land in Singapore. It leads me to think about whether this is ethical, and are we supposed to respect the final resting place of the dead. However, I am glad that the family remains to have a positive outlook on the situation.
The increase in Singapore’s population has led to a shortage of living space, with people having to move and relocate ancestral graves to build larger homes. This reflects a preoccupation with economic development more than cultural values, especially in modernised cities. The younger generation has a limited understanding of traditional culture, and in Chinese culture, moving graves is a rare and special act.
This documentary left me with a mixed feeling as it shed light on the drastic measures people are forced to take in order to “free the space” for the housing solutions. Even in such situations, they stick to their culture and traditions. It seems that the density of population can indeed have a unifying effect on people and their cultural traditions. When people are forced to live in close to each other or in shared spaces, there may be an even greater emphasis on preserving the collective cultural identity. It also reminded me of the phrase in my native language
A very similar situation comparing to Hong Kong, though it might not be as serious as that in Singapore, it might be worsening in the coming years due to rising population. The government should balance between the housing problem and other social issues (i.e. shortage of columbarium), and determine those that should be prioritised according to their urgency. Wong Hei Chit 3036220541
What I got from the film is that it explores the clash between modern city development and the age-old custom of honoring the deceased. It sheds light on the remarkable population density of Singapore and its implications. Interestingly, the film draws parallels between the coffins of the departed and the cramped living spaces of the city, highlighting them as personal sanctuaries. However, this narrative also unveils the pressing issue of limited space in Singapore, which poses challenges in providing adequate housing for both the living and the deceased. UID 3036207525 CHING Hau Sik Monique
The constant change of society leads to the constant change of the usage of the land. People are to compromise and to accommodate in the expense of their tradition. The demolition and the moving of the tomb could be seen as a demolition of tradition and history and the unavoidable gradual change of people’s value in the modern era. Convenience, comfort and efficiency become the priorities, religious ritual and traditional practice are being disposed as they are incompatible with the modern value.
When the family goes to the cemetery at the beginning of the video, the whole picture of the video is dim, only a circle of candles swinging a weak warm light, people holding flashlights in their hands, the light reflects on their faces to symbolize that something unusual is going to happen because of their behavior breaks the original silence and darkness of the environment. SONG YIQUN 3036097293
According to Moving House 2001, the scene of moving the ashes of an ancestor into a van and arriving at the location reminds me that my grandma passed away last year and I did the same act too. I really appreciate the that tradition Chinese value have remains and at the same time it might be gone in next generation, HO Tsz Hei
The movie highlight the sarcasm of the departed ones unable to ‘rest in peace’, but are subjected to the redevelopment of the city. House is not only representing the physical columbarium that carry the ashes of the departed, but also, in an abstract manner, showing how the tradition of the people is impacted by the modern development.
It starts by talking about the Chinese tradition- Qing Ming and uses it to bring out the housing situation and problems in Singapore. Those problems are caused due to limited spaces.