Chapter 3
Streets of Festivals
A Global Phenomenon
Many of the festivals that Chinese migrants brought with them are now celebrated in China and around the world.
These festivals have become an international affair, celebrated by millions of ethnic Chinese in Singapore, China and around the globe.
A Global Phenomenon
Many of the festivals that Chinese migrants brought with them are now celebrated in China and around the world.
A Global Phenomenon
These festivals have become an international affair, celebrated by millions of ethnic Chinese in Singapore, China and around the globe.
15 Days of Chinese New Year
Tuan Yuan Fan (Reunion Dinner)
Gather your family around the table! Reunion dinner is the most important meal of the year when the whole family comes together in anticipation of the new year.
Shou Sui (Staying Up)
Stay up past midnight and welcome the new year. It is believed that the longer you stay up on this night, the longer your parents will live.
Qiang Tou Xiang (Competing to plant the first joss stick)
Fastest believers first! As the New Year arrives at the stroke of midnight, be the first to plant joss sticks into the censer at the temple for a year of good luck.
Bai Nian (New Year Visit)
Time to put on new clothes for family visits! New year goodies and red packets ahead.
Ren Ri (Everyone’s Birthday)
Don’t be confused when people wish you a happy birthday on this date. It’s everyone’s birthday! According to legend, this is the day humans were created.
Bai Tian Gong (Praying to the Heavenly God)
Give thanks to the Jade Emperor at the temple for the past year’s blessings. This Hokkien Taoist custom has been adopted across various dialect groups in Singapore.
Yuan Xiao (Spring Lantern Festival)
The first full moon of the new year is here. Have tangyuan (glutinous rice balls served in sweet soup) a symbol of harmony, with your family. Got a crush? Ask them out on a date. Chap Goh Meh (literally “15th night” in Hokkien and Teochew), is also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day.
Chinese New Year
The most recognisable Chinese celebration is undeniably Chinese New Year — a 15-day festive welcome to a new lunar year that kicks off with a reunion dinner on the eve of the first lunar month.
Each auspicious saying is usually a pun on the ingredient. Do you know which saying goes with each ingredient?
Click to reveal
Raw Fish
Green Radish
Golden Crackers
Carrot
Plum Sauce
Pomelo
Raw Fish
Green Radish
Golden Crackers
Carrot
Plum Sauce
Pomelo
Like how lohei is unique to Singapore, some Chinese festivals too have become distinct to Singapore.
Welcome to the land of the living! You’re a “Hungry Ghost” and the gates of hell are open! Explore the festival to see how you can enjoy your special month.
During Zhongyuan Festival, you might hear getai performances in Hokkien, people offering their prayers in Mandarin and conversations in English.
How has cultural interaction in our multi-cultural landscape shaped the way Chinese Singaporeans speak?
Chapter 4Learn about other Chinese
Festivals in Singapore.
Folk festivals that are more religious in nature began to fade in China, especially after the atheist Chinese Communist Party established the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
However, the Chinese migrants in Singapore continued to pass down these traditions without hindrance and they have become part of our landscape.
Zhongyuan Festival, also known as Hungry Ghost Festival, falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.
Both Buddhist and Taoists believe that the gates of hell are opened, and the spirits are free to wander during this month.
WATCH VIDEO
Learn about other Chinese
Festivals in Singapore.
During Zhongyuan Festival, you might hear getai performances in Hokkien, people offering their prayers in Mandarin and conversations in English.
How has cultural interaction in our multi-cultural landscape shaped the way Chinese Singaporeans speak?
Chapter 4Folk festivals that are more religious in nature began to fade in China, especially after the atheist Chinese Communist Party established the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
However, the Chinese migrants in Singapore continued to pass down these traditions without hindrance and they have become part of our landscape.
Zhongyuan Festival, also known as Hungry Ghost Festival, falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.
Both Buddhist and Taoists believe that the gates of hell are opened, and the spirits are free to wander during this month.
WATCH VIDEO
Welcome to the land of the living! You’re a “Hungry Ghost” and the gates of hell are open! Explore the festival to see how you can enjoy your special month.
Roadside Offerings
These are a common sight at void decks and along pavements. The living offer food at these spots to ensure you never go hungry during your month spent with them.
Burning Bins
The living burn paper offerings to gift you with material goods like cash and clothing so that you can have a better afterlife. Keep an eye out for them!
Getai Show
Bored already? Look out for temporary stages. The first row is reserved for you. Take a seat and enjoy flamboyant performances in Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Mandarin and English.
