Passing down the Qing Ming tradition at Tan Boo Liat's tomb (2024)

I am fortunate yet again to meet Roney Tan, Terence Tan and other Tan clan members who were carrying out their yearly tradition of visiting and paying respects to their ancestors, Tan Tock Seng, Tan Kim Ching, Tan Boo Liat, Tan Wi Yan , Mrs. Tan Wi Yan this year. The last time i met them paying respects in Bukit Brown was in 2022.

Again this time around, i managed to catch them at the tomb of Tan Boo Liat (son of Tan Soon Toh, grandson of Tan Kim Ching and great grandson of Tan Tock Seng) at Bukit Brown. The group that came this time around was a much bigger group and what touched me the most was the presence of the younger ones who may not know much about Qing Ming, but filial piety for their elders i believe is something should be inculcated from young and it was heartening to see this being practiced here.

Descendants of Tan Tock Seng young and young at heart present at Tan Boo Liat's tomb

Big group paying respects to Tan Boo Liat

At the tomb of Tan Boo Liat, they recited a Baba Pantun, like they did previously:

Towkay Boo Liat bukan sebarang orang kaya

Dia piara binatang chepat lari nama Vanitas

Taon 1898, kuda dia lari chepat lagi kapal laya

Menang seratus ribu, ni kuda chukop pantas

The millionaire Boo Liat was not just rich

He raised a race horse he called Vanitas

In 1898, the horse could outrun a sail boat

Winning $100,000, this horse was extra fast

The Baba pantun describes how Tan Boo Liat became a instant celebrity among the race horse community when his horse, "Vanitas" won the Viceroy Cup on 26 December 1898 at Calcutta, India making it the first horse from Malaya to do so. Along with the trophy is the princely sum of $100,000. Vanitas continued its racing career after its return to Singapore and won in 1899, the Singapore Derby for the third successful time. By 1900, age caught up with the champion and Vanitas was retired at Tan Boo Liat's house, "Mafeking" at Confederate Estate.

Tan Boo Liat

Vanitas - Tan Boo Liat's horse

Tan Boo Liat gravestone indicates his given title awarded by the King of Siam - Phra Anakul Sayamkitch. This is because he and his family (especially his grandfather, Tan Kim Ching) has close relationship to the King of Siam due to the business dealings they have.

Tan Boo Liat passed away at the age of 60 on 3 October 1934 in Shanghai, China. His body was embalmed and return to Singapore in a bronze casket via a ship called "President Johnson". The cortege left 117, Emerald Hill Road for Bukit Brown. He is survived by 3 sons; Tan Toon Hor, Tan Toon Lay, Tan Toon Sinn, three daughters; Mrs Seow Poh Leng, Mrs. Wee Chye Hin, Kitty Tan, two adopted daughters, Annie and Mui Mui and 12 grandchildren.

Tan Tock Seng, Chua Seah Neo and Wuing Neo revisited

I was also fortunate on the same day to accompany Roney Tan to revisit the tombs of Tan Tock Seng, his daughter-in-law, Madam Chua Seah Neo (wife of Tan Kim Ching who passed away in 1882) and grand daughter-in-law, Madam Wuing Neo (died 1882).