Chinese Festivals in Singapore
Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations for the Chinese, and it is a time for spring cleaning, family reunions, and feasting. In the weeks leading up to the New Year, Chinatown will be bustling with activity as people buy goodies such as barbequed pork, mandarin oranges and festive decorations. The
Chingay Parade two weeks after Lunar New Year is something that is not to be missed. During this time, expect to see people dressed in bright red garments for prosperity. If you are visiting Chinese friends, be sure to avoid wearing black as it is considered an inauspicious colour, and bring along mandarin oranges, a symbol of prosperity, to give to your hosts. The oranges should be presented in pairs with both hands, and your host will also return you the well-wishes with another pair of oranges.
Children love the Mid-Autumn or Lantern Festival which is held in September, as they get to tote colourful lanterns in the moonlight. During this festival which traditionally marked the end of the harvest, the moon is at its brightest and Chinese families gather together to moon-gaze, eat pomelos and mooncakes, and enjoy each other’s company.
Malay Festivals in Singapore
Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. On this special day, family members will don the traditional garments of Baju Melayu for the men and Baju Kurung for the ladies. They will then gather and ask for forgiveness from their elders for past wrongdoings. In the lead up to the celebration, a colourful bazaar set set up at Geylang Serai where Malays can shop for items and goodies in preparation for Hari Raya Puasa. During the fasting month, avoid giving food or drinks to your Muslim hosts if you are visiting during the day, as a sign of respect.
Hari Raya Haji, which is held later in the year, is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. At this time, Muslims reflect on their faith and ritually sacrifice livestock to honour the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his own son. Families and friends gather to give thanks and to share a mealafter visiting the mosque. There is no overt merrymaking as this religious festival focusing on the theme of sacrifice.
Indian Festivals in Singapore
Deepavali or the Hindu Festival of Lights commemorates the triumph of light over darkness or good over evil. Little India comes alive with brilliant lights and colour in the weeks leading up to the festival, and many will visit the festival bazaars and shops to purchase Indian delicacies and other items for the celebrations. If you are visiting Indian friends over Deepavali, greet the elders in the household first as a sign of respect, and leave your shoes at the door.
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival held in honour of Lord Murugan who represents virtue, youth, power and is the destroyer of evil. It is held on the full moon of the Tamil month of “Thai” and the highlight of this festival is the four kilometre walk between Sri Srinivasa Perumal Tample (SSPT) to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple (STT). This festival is not for the faint-hearted however, as Hindu devotees who are fulfilling vows carry spiked “Kavadi” that pierce the skin and tongue, and can weigh up to 40 kilograms. Women devotees usually carry milk pots, a symbol of fertility and wealth.