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Expat Relocation - Local Culture
Find useful information on your relocation to Singapore
below:
Singapore, like neighbour Malaysia, has a multiracial society and this
makes seeing the country an interesting experience as well as an educational
one for many visitors. Here, the ways of the people and their customs
are explored a little further.
People:
The people of Singapore can be traced back to their roots in
their motherland. In the 1900s, Chinese migrants flocked in to provide
labour. They came mainly from the southern provinces: Fukien, Kwangtung
and Canton. The major dialects spoken are Mandarin, Hokkien, Teochew,
Cantonese and Hakka. The majority of the Chinese are Buddhists.
The original inhabitants of the island are the Malays, who embraced Islam
in the 15th century when it was introduced by the Arab and Indian traders.
Indians were shipped in from India by the British to work on the plantations
in the 19th century. About 60% of Indians speak Tamil. Most Indians are
Hindu; the rest of them Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, Christians and Buddhists.
There are other racial groups such as the Peranakans and a small community
of expatriates.
Etiquette & Customs:
There are certain general rules which everyone observes and respects.
Of course, the different groups will have their own rules but there are
a number of things which can be applied to all races. The stable relationship
between the racial groups means that the interests of the people are safeguarded
and appreciated. Here are some guidelines:
• Upon entering someone's house, please remove your shoes. This
rule is applicable to temples and mosques as well.
• Avoid patting a person on the head as some people may feel belittled
by it.
• When in someone's house, try not to shake your legs as it is considered
rude.
• If you are offered a drink or food in someone's house, try not
to refuse that gesture even though you may not like it. Asians generally
are hospitable and like to make their guests feel really welcome.
Festivals In Singapore:
The celebrations never seem to stop. There's always a festival
round the corner due to the diversity of the local community, contributing
to a fascinating experience for the visitor. Here's a taste of what's
in store ... and more.
- Chinese New Year: This marks the start
of the year according to the Chinese calendar. The colour red is prominently
displayed as the Chinese believe it's a lucky colour. The children and
younger generation receive ang pows which are red packets containing
money. You can catch a lion dance performance at various venues.
Birthday of The Monkey God: The Monkey God is a famous character in
Chinese mythology known for his bravery. This occasion is usually celebrated
procession-style at the Monkey God Temple in Eng Hoon Street in September.
- Chingay: Singapore's grandest street festival
celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year with a parade down Orchard Road.
Favourites include the stilt-walkers, lion dancers and floats.
Deepavali: The Hindu Festival of Light celebrates the victory of good
over evil and light over darkness. Temples and homes are lit up at night
as special delicacies are cooked up for the occasion.
Festival of Hungry Ghosts: The Chinese believe that throughout the seventh
month of the Chinese calendar, the gates of hell are opened and spirits
wander the earth. In order to appease them, offerings in the form of
food and paper money are made.
- Merlion Festival: Celebrated in June, the
festival commemorates the birth of Singapore's national symbol, the
Merlion. A nine-day celebration that includes a music fest, boat races,
a fun run, beach activities and more.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Known also as the 'mooncake'
festival, this festival dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, falls on the
fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is brightest.
Ponggal: The Harvest Festival Hindus celebrate this four-day festival
in January as a time for thanksgiving. On this day, a new pot is used
to cook rice and allowed to boil over as a sign symbolising prosperity.
Best place to witness the festival is at Sri Mariamman Temple.
- Qing Ming Festival: A day of remembering
ancestors, Chinese families visit cemeteries and temples offering incense,
food and prayers.
Singapore Food Festival: July is dedicated to food. Eateries go all
out in promoting the island as a food paradise.
- Thaipusam: A Hindu festival involving devotees
who carry kavadis from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Chettiar
Hindu Temple. Their bodies are pierced with spikes, hooks and skewers
yet no blood is shed as they march on in an entranced state.
Cultural Interest:
- Popular sports: Local games such as 'sepak
takraw' are enjoyed alongside a whole variety of other sports including
badminton and football, which has a large following.
Music: Singapore's musical scene is a reflection of a combination of
the traditional sounds of Chinese, Indian, Malay and the modern West.
Classical music can be enjoyed through the nation's very own Singapore
Symphony Orchestra.
- Dances: The various racial groups have
their respective traditional dances which are a reflection of their
culture. Chinese dances such as the Fan Dance and the Lion Dance can
be seen during special occasions. Both Indian and Malay dances are performed
regularly at theatre restaurants and at public events, especially during
festive seasons and arts festivals.
- Traditional Costume: Traditional costumes
in Singapore differ again, from one group to the other. Although the
cheong sam is the traditional Chinese costume, it is rarely worn by
Chinese girls unless it is a special occasion such as Chinese New Year.
However, Indian women can be seen wearing their sarees on a daily basis.
Likewise, Malay women wear their 'baju kurung' or 'baju kebaya', and
the men their 'baju melayu', especially when they go for prayers.
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