How do Singaporeans celebrate?
Singaporeans know how to party. That’s why catering and event planner services are thriving businesses here.
But how exactly do Singaporeans celebrate? And what’s at the root of their celebrations?
This post aims to come up with concrete answers.
Racial Harmony Day is celebrated with a unifying message
As a multicultural nation, Singapore’s celebrations almost always include racial harmony.
Though Racial Harmony Day is officially celebrated every July 21, it’s become a common celebratory theme to strengthen the bond among various Singaporean ethnic communities.
It’s something that’s taught in schools as early as kindergarten level and continues with different activities throughout a Singaporean’s student life. And activities usually start with a unifying message.
The national pledge goes: “We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society based on justice and equality to achieve happiness, prosperity, and progress for our nation.”
Students dress up in different ethnic costumes
As a homage to Singapore’s unique history, students also dress up in the traditional costumes of the different cultures that belong to its melting pot. This is observed as early as preschool level with little kids flaunting colourful outfits.
Expect Chinese cheongsams, Malaysian baju melayu or kurung, Indian sarees or dhotis, and other ethnic clothing during Racial Harmony Day or other similar holidays. It’s a great visual reminder that Singaporeans live in a multi-cultural society.
You can go to the best costume rental stores in Singapore or simply borrow a traditional outfit from a friend or neighbour. Or you can have one tailor-made so you can keep it as a souvenir afterwards.
Singaporeans consume traditional delicacies from different countries
You can fully expect Singaporeans to celebrate most occasions and holidays with food. It’s a foodie haven with plenty of diverse cuisines to offer locals and visitors, after all!
And what better way to do this than to have different traditional dishes and delicacies whipped up for everyone to share?
Delicious food transcends language barriers and doesn’t require translation, making it a great educational experience about certain ethnicities’ cultures and traditions.
So for Racial Harmony Day and other occasions, you can expect Chinese New Year hampers, the best Peranakan food, Indian fare, and other gastronomic delights to bond over and understand each other better.
Traditional games are played
Another great way to understand someone else’s traditions is to play the games they grew up playing. This way, it goes beyond being kids’ activities and well into looking deeper into other cultures.
Young students can play Chinese jacks, hopscotch, five stones, and other ethnic cames passed down from previous generations.
They can teach each other as their parents or grandparents have taught them, making the activity even more meaningful and communal.
They can keep in mind that these ancient communal games were more than kids’ entertainment during the earlier days of Singapore.
The toys and accessories used for them showcase the craftsmanship, ingenuity, and problem-solving skills of early Singaporeans, too.