In view (from left to right) are the god of blessings (Fu), god of prosperity (Lu) and god of longevity (Shou). Fu is usually depicted as a wise scholar, holding a scroll in his right hand or carrying a baby in his arms. Lu, on the other hand, is easily distinguished by his headgear, which is that of a high-ranking official, while Shou is always seen holding the peach of longevity in his hand. All three gods are highly revered among the Chinese and own an important place in Chinese legends and folklore, the themes upon which Haw Par Villa was built. Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the villa was built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw, a prominent businessman and philanthropist whose name became synonymous with Tiger Balm, the renowned analgesic ointment that was successfully marketed in Singapore and around the Southeast Asian region.
