Chinese Culture in Singapore

During the Chinese New Year period (which is usually 15 days), there is a tradition of wearing new clothes and visiting relatives and friends. The first day is for visiting immediate family, while the other days are for extended family and friends. Two mandarin oranges are exchanged upon visitation as a gesture of prosperity. In exchange for the oranges, read packets are given to the giver.As red and other bright colors are considered auspicious or lucky colors, expect loads of red and bright colors (in every possible shade) in shopping malls the month before the Chinese New Year. Dark colors, such as black, are frowned upon (especially amongst the older generations) during Chinese New Year and other festive occasions (e.g. weddings); the reason being that dark colors such as black and blue, are usually associated with death and funerals.

• Qing Ming

This a time for the remembrance of ancestors: traditional Singaporean Chinese would visit their ancestors’ graves to tidy up the graves and offer offerings of food etc…

• Feast of the Hungry Ghosts

It is more commonly known as the Hungry Ghost festival. During this period, usually in the month of August, you will find many people burning incense and/or paper money. The Singapore Chinese that do this have a belief that during this period the gates to hell are open, resulting in wandering, hungry “ghosts” and “spirits”: where the dead are believed to be visiting the living.

Ritualistic food offerings are prepared and the burning of incense/joss paper/paper money /paper items (made into material items such as clothes, gold and other fine goods for the visiting spirits of the ancestors) are practiced by those who believe this.

• Mid-Autumn Festival

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This festival is also known as the Mooncake or Lantern Festival and is celebrated with mooncakes. It is where family and friends gather together on the night of a full moon, based on the lunar calendar. There are many stories for the existence of this festival.

(http://expatsingapore.com/general/culture.htm)

Thus, although Singapore has come a long way, and with most Chinese have been westernized; some subtle Chinese culture can still be seen in everyday life. Values regarding appropriate care for elders such as filial piety can still be seen around Singapore today.

Bibliography:

• Toynbee, Arnold J. A Study of History. New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press, 1934.
• Craig, JoAnn Meriwether.Culture Shock! : A Guide to Customs and Etiquette. Singapore: Times Books International, 1997
• Stratton, Jerry. Forces of Acculturation.09 Apr. 1995. Culture Shock! . 09 Jul. 2002 Kwang, Mary. Chinese Culture ‘can play a role in Singapore’. 04 Nov.1999. The Straits Times.11 Jul.2002
• Tan, Tony Keng Yam. Racial Harmony Message 2002. 19 Jul.2002.Singapore.10 Jul. 2002
• Mattics, Sarah.6 Apr.2002.The University of South Alabama .10 Jul.2002
• Ow, Chin Hock. Friends of Singapore.1 Oct. 2000. Kowloon Club.10 Jul. 2002
• Singapore, Expat. 8 Jul.2002.Society and Culture.10 Jul.2002. Expat Singapore. 10 Jul.2002
• Teo, Ho Pin. News & Speeches.16 Feb. 2002.Singapore.10 Jul.2002. < http://www.cdc.org.sg/data/speeches/speeches9.html>