According to Chinese mythology, Hell Courts are where punishments are meted out against individuals who have committed sins in their lives. There are altogether ten courts of hell that would pass judgment on one’s past deeds before a form of reincarnation is determined. Here in the first Hell Court, those who have violated the code of filial piety, mistreating their parents and parents-in-law, are being punished by bone-crushing slabs of stones. In his bid to educate the public about Chinese culture, Aw Boon Haw built a theme park housing statues and sculpture that portrayed the themes of Chinese legend, such as scenes from the Hell Courts. Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, Haw Par Villa was built along Pasir Panjang Road in 1937.
