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. The souls being held here are those guilty of having taken their own lives before their time in the mortal realm was up, and are thus incarcerated for abandoning their families. In his bid to educate the public about Chinese culture, Aw Boon Haw built a theme park housing statues and sculptures 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.
