Wed 14 Apr 2010
Cockspur Coral Tree flower is the national flower of both Argentina and Uruguay.
From my floral stamp collection are two stamps from Argentina illustrating Ceibo.
Cockspur Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli) is a member of the Papillonaceae family and is native to central South America. The epithet crista-galli means “crested comb”, referring to the resemblance of the inflorescence to the comb of a rooster. This combined with erythros, meaning red, gives rise to one of the common names, the Cockspur Coral Tree. It is also known as Cry Baby Tree and Ceibo in South America.
The tree has several medicinal values. The bark and roots contain an alkaloid with powerful narcotic and purgative effects. In Argentina, it is used as anti-inflammatory and for treatment of wounds. In Brazil, several Erythrina species are used by indigenous tribes as insecticides, fish poison and as sleeping aid.
In the new condominium of a friend in Singapore where I stayed recently, the landscaping is minimal. There are no other plants except several Cockspur Coral Trees that are planted around the property. 
The newly transplanted Cockspur Coral Tree is adapting very well.
The tree has a nice deep green leaves that constrast well with the flowers. The leaves have three leaflets, smooth, alternate, up to 6 cm long. Leaflets are dark green, elliptic, acute with entire margins. Ite can grow to a height of 5-8 meters.
The flowers are papilionate, petals 5 cm long, separate stamens about 1 cm long while the fruits are woody, elongated, cylindrical, up to 3 cm long.
Sat 10 Apr 2010
Joss paper sometimes known as ghost money, are sheets of paper that are burned in the traditional Chinese ancestor worship during special occasions like the Qingming Festival. Joss paper, as well as other paper items, are also burned in traditional Chinese funerals.
Ancestor worship is based on the belief that the spirits of the dead continue to dwell in the natural world and have the power to influence the fortune and fate of the living. The goal of ancestor worship is to ensure the ancestor’s continued well-being and positive disposition towards the living and sometimes to ask for special favours or assistance. Rituals of ancestor worship most commonly consist of offerings to the deceased to provide for their welfare in the afterlife which is envisioned to be similar to the earthly life. The burning of spirit money enables the ancestor to “purchase” luxuries and necessities needed for a comfortable afterlife.
I was in Singapore during the Qingming (Ching Ming) Festival last April 5 so I was inspired to write about this enduring and interesting Chinese custom.
A company in Singapore specializes in joss paper creations that are eleborately designed and artistically constructed.
The joss paper company is located in Ceylon Lane, very near where I stayed during my last visit to the city state. It is housed in a very attractive colonial shop house that has been refurbished according to Singapore's heritage conservation program.
Depending on the region, joss paper may be decorated with seals, stamps, pieces of contrasting paper, engraved designs or other motifs. Different types of spirit money are given to distinct categories of spirits. The three main types of spirit money are cash (also known as copper), silver and gold. Cash monies are given to newly deceased spirits and spirits of the unknown. Gold spirit money (jin) is given to both the deceased and higher gods such as the Jade Emperor. Silver spirit money (yin) is given exclusively to ancestral spirits as well as spirits of local deities. River money is given to unrelated ghosts. These distinctions between the three categories of spirit money must be followed precisely to prevent confusion or insult of the spirits.
More contemporary or westernized varieties of joss paper include Hell Bank Notes, paper credit cards, cheques, as well as papier-mâché clothes, houses, cars, toiletries, and servants. The designs on paper items vary from the very simple to very elaborate (with custom artwork and names). In some Chinese mythology, Hell Bank Notes are sent by living relatives to dead ancestors as a tribute to the King Yanluo for a shorter stay or to escape punishment, or for the ancestors to use themselves in spending on lavish items in the afterlife.
Mercedes Benz cars ready to be driven in the afterlife.
This joss paper mansion costs about S$1,000. to order. For the affluent deceased who left wordly riches, that amount is nothing.
The detail of the colorful paper mansion. It is decorated with propitious symbols like bat and peaches signifying long life.
Imaginary treasure chests decorated with traditional lucky symbols are stocked up.
The light bamboo frames of the joss paper creations.
