Singapore is a unique country. Its community is made up of people from many races and religions. Each race weaves its own thread of colour into the picture of Singapore. 4 of these races are The Malays, The Chinese, The Indians, and The Peranakans.
The original settlers of Singapore
The native inhabitants of Singapore, Malays today represent the country’s second largest ethnic group, making up around 13.4% of the population. Most Malays speak the peninsular dialect of the Johore Riau variant of the Malay language, which is closer to that spoken in peninsular Malaysia(west Malaysia), rather than that of Indonesia.
While a small number of the older generation who were either immigrants themselves or descendants of those who had migrated here can speak Javanese, most Malays do not practice the language of their Indonesia ancestors.
In general, most new generation Malays speak English, while religious Malay Muslims attend Islamic religious classes and often learn to speak and write in Arabic.
Most Malay Singaporeans are Sunni Muslims who follow Islam as their religion. They pray to God, which is Allah swt in their religion, five times a day, eat only halal food and fast during the month of Ramadan.
Sultan mosque is considered one of the known moque in Singapore which contains a small museum in it.
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| Sultan Mosque |
Sultan mosque is considered one of the known moque in Singapore which contains a small museum in it.
Hari Raya Puasa
Hari Raya Haji, otherwise known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is celebrated over a period of three days by Muslims all over the world. After performing the customary Hari Raya Haji prayers, they then sacrifice sheep, goats and cows. The meat is then packed and distributed among the Muslim community, especially to less fortunate people. This day, which is the perfect time to observe the ethics and practices of the Muslim community, serves as a reminder to share one’s wealth with the less fortunate. After a long day of carrying out customary practices, the Muslims would then pay a visit to their parents, families for a hearty lunch and merrymaking.
Food
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| nasi padang |
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| satay
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Arts
Located at the heart of historic Kampong Glam, the nine galleries of the Malay Heritage Museum showcase the roots, history, lifestyle and traditional arts of the Singapore Malays.
Located at the heart of historic Kampong Glam, the nine galleries of the Malay Heritage Museum showcase the roots, history, lifestyle and traditional arts of the Singapore Malays.
Etiquette
Meeting and Greeting
• Malay women may not shake hands with men. Women can of course shake hands with women. Men may also not shake hands with women and may bow instead while placing their hand on their heart.
Gift Giving
• Avoid white wrapping paper as it symbolizes death and mourning.
• Avoid yellow wrapping paper, as it is the color of royalty.
• If you give food, it must be “halal” (meaning permissible for Muslims).
• Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received.
• Avoid yellow wrapping paper, as it is the color of royalty.
• If you give food, it must be “halal” (meaning permissible for Muslims).
• Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received.
Representing 74.2% of the population, Chinese in Singapore include close to 10 different groups, most of whom originated from the southern parts of China, mainly the Fujian and Guangdong provinces. Three-quarters of the Chinese population in Singapore comprises of the Hokkien, Teochew, and Hainanese. The remainder feature the Cantonese, Hakka and other groups.
The earliest immigrants in Singapore, the Hokkien dialect group from China’s southern Fujian province, form 41% of the Chinese population. The Teaochew represent about 21% while the Cantonese, from China’s Guangdong province, constitute 15% of the Chinese community. Originally from southern China, the Hakkas make up 11.4%, and the rest are mainly the Hainanese from the Hainan province of China.
Most Chinese are Buddhists, with a smaller number Taoists and Christians. The Chinese culture in Singapore blends the cultural practices of the southern Chinese, local ethnicities and western influences.
This is one of the Buddhist Temple in Singapore.
This is one of the Buddhist Temple in Singapore.
As Singapore’s most important public holiday, Chinese New Year features the colourful Chingay Parade and the River Hongbao joyous reunion dinners. Other noteworthy festivals are the Hungry Ghost Festival and the Mooncake Festival.
Chinese New Year By The River
Chingay Parade
The Chingay Parade is a traditional Chinese New Year procession that has grown in recent years to become a massive street parade, boasting a stunning array of dancers, street floats, jugglers, percussionists, lion and dragon dancers, clowns and acrobats, among others.
Hungry Ghost Festival
Every year, usually in the month of August, the Chinese in Singapore observe a large-scale tradition of paying respects to the dead. Taoist Chinese believe that during this month, the “Gates of Hell” are opened and souls of the dead are freed and allowed to roam the earth.
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| Mooncake |
Mid-Autumn Festival
Regardless of the explosive myth behind the Mid-Autumn Festival, we just enjoy the exquisitely tasty mooncakes that are available in myriad flavours.
Regardless of the explosive myth behind the Mid-Autumn Festival, we just enjoy the exquisitely tasty mooncakes that are available in myriad flavours.
Arts
Watch a Chinese opera street performance, a colourful mix of dialogue, music, as well as song and dance. Be captivated by the lion dance, a spectacular, acrobatic dance usually performed during Chinese festivals.
Sample dishes from the different parts of China – enjoy Cantonese dim sum, spicy dishes from Szechuan and the flavourful chicken rice with roots from the Hainan province.
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| Dim sum |
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| Hainan Chicken rice
Etiquette
Handshaking
Generally, you should pay much attention to the time and strength. It is inappropriate to shake hands too long or too short, three to five seconds is the best, not exceed to 30 seconds at most. Handshaking should be simple and light, without over exertion.
a. Shake hands absent-mindedly.
b. Shake hands with left hand.
c. Shake hands while wearing a hat, gloves or sunglasses.
d. Shake hands crossways.
e. Having your other hand in your pocket.
f. Shake hands while seated unless disabled.
g. Refuse to shake hands with others.
Greetings
a. Based on professional qualifications: President/ Lawyer/ Director
b. Based on educational qualifications: Dr./ Master / Bachelor
c. Based on professions: Teacher/ Doctor/ Officer
d. Addressing acquaintances, good friends and colleagues: Elder(older than you), Younger(younger than you)
Table Manners
a. Apart from soup, all dishes should be eaten with chopsticks. The Chinese are particular about the use of chopsticks. There are many no-no's such as twiddling with chopsticks, licking chopsticks, or using them to stir up the food, gesture with them or point them at others. Never stick chopsticks in the center of rice, as this is the way to sacrifice and is therefore considered to be inauspicious.
b. Conventionally, if you are invited to a formal banquet, all the dishes should not be eaten up completely, or you will give the host the impression that he has not provided a good banquets and the food was insufficient. After dining, guests should leave once the host has left the table.
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Defined as persons of South Asian paternal ancestry—form 9.2% of the country's citizens and permanent residents, making them Singapore's third largest ethnic group after Chinese and Malays.
Initially, the Indian population was temporary, mainly comprising young men who came as workers, soldiers and convicts. By the mid-20th century, a settled community had emerged.
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| Outside of Sri Mariamman Temple |
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| Inside |
Singapore Indians are linguistically and religiously diverse, with ethnic Tamils and nominal Hindus forming majorities.
Sri Mariamman Temple is the most popular and oldest Hindus temple in Singapore.
Languages
In Singapore, the official language for the Indians is the Tamil language.
Clothing
Traditional clothing in India greatly varies across different parts of the country. Popular styles of dress include draped garments such as sari for women and dhoti or lungi for men.
Stitched clothes are also popular such as churidar or salwar-kameez for women, with dupatta (long scarf) thrown over shoulder completing the outfit.
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| Kurta-pyjama |
In public and religious places, Indian dress etiquette discourages exposure of skin and wearing transparent or tight clothes. Most Indian clothes are made from cotton which is ideal for the region's hot weather.
Indian women perfect their sense of charm and fashion with make up and ornaments. Bindi, mehendi, earrings, bangles and other jewelry are common.
India's clothing styles have continuously evolved over the course of the country's history.Festivals.
A Colourful Enchantment
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| Diwali light |
Deepavali, which literally means “row of lights,” is celebrated by Hindus across the world and is the most important festival in Hinduism.
Deepavali is the celebration of good over evil, and light overcoming darkness.The common tale is about how Narakasura won the favor of God and was blessed with the rule of a kingdom. He ruled his kingdom with tyranny, which led his subjects to appeal to Lord Sri Krishna, the divine ruler of Madura, for help. Narakasura was subsequently killed by Lord Krishna in battle and on Lord Krishna’s return, the city was in complete darkness as it was the night of a new moon. To celebrate his victory and to welcome Lord Krishna, the people lit lamps, and to this day, Hindus mark the victory of Lord Krishna over King Narakasura by lighting oil lamps.
New clothes are worn during Deepavali and sweets and snacks are shared.
During Deepavali, the streets of Little India are artfully decorated and lit up in bright festive colours, transforming it with an explosion of vibrant, colourful arches and lights. Festive bazaars and numerous cultural activities such as the Indian Heritage and Craft Exhibition, Street Parade, Countdown Concert are also held. The festive stalls are decorated with wares such as fragrant flowers, garlands used during prayers, traditional oil lamps and beautiful Saris with intricate brocade patterns and glittering gems.Indian delicacies can also be found in abundance during this period.
Deepavali is the celebration of good over evil, and light overcoming darkness.The common tale is about how Narakasura won the favor of God and was blessed with the rule of a kingdom. He ruled his kingdom with tyranny, which led his subjects to appeal to Lord Sri Krishna, the divine ruler of Madura, for help. Narakasura was subsequently killed by Lord Krishna in battle and on Lord Krishna’s return, the city was in complete darkness as it was the night of a new moon. To celebrate his victory and to welcome Lord Krishna, the people lit lamps, and to this day, Hindus mark the victory of Lord Krishna over King Narakasura by lighting oil lamps.
New clothes are worn during Deepavali and sweets and snacks are shared.
During Deepavali, the streets of Little India are artfully decorated and lit up in bright festive colours, transforming it with an explosion of vibrant, colourful arches and lights. Festive bazaars and numerous cultural activities such as the Indian Heritage and Craft Exhibition, Street Parade, Countdown Concert are also held. The festive stalls are decorated with wares such as fragrant flowers, garlands used during prayers, traditional oil lamps and beautiful Saris with intricate brocade patterns and glittering gems.Indian delicacies can also be found in abundance during this period.
Indian food tends to be Tamil cuisine
Indian dishes have become modified to different degrees
Popular 'Indian' dishes and elements of Indian cuisine include achar, curry (such as laksa and Fish head curry), Indian rojak, Indian mee goreng, murtabak, nasi biryani, roti john, roti prata and teh tarik.
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| Fish Head Curry |
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| Sweets |
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| Roti Prata |
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| Upma |
These include appam, bhatura, chutney, sambar ,muruku, putu mayam, samosa, tandoori, thosai, upma and various sweets.
Customs and etiquette
Just Can't Say No
Indians do not like to express 'no,' be it verbally or non- verbally.
This behaviour should not be considered dishonest. An Indian would be considered terribly rude if he did not attempt to give a person what had been asked.
Since they do not like to give negative answers, Indians may give an affirmative answer but be deliberately vague about any specific details.
Meeting Etiquette
This is a hierarchical culture, so greet the eldest or most senior person first.
When leaving a group, each person must be bid farewell individually.
Shaking hands is common, especially in the large cities among the more educated who are accustomed to dealing with westerners.
Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other women; however there are seldom handshakes between men and women because of religious beliefs.
Gift Giving Etiquette
. Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life.
. Gifts of cash are given to friends and members of the extended family to celebrate life events such as birth, death and marriage.
. It is not the value of the gift, but the sincerity with which it is given, that is important to the recipient.
. If invited to an Indian's home for a meal, it is not necessary to bring a gift.
. Do not give frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals.
. Yellow, green and red are lucky colours, so try to use them to wrap gifts.
. A gift from a man should be said to come from both he and his wife/mother/sister or some other female relative.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
. Yellow, green and red are lucky colours, so try to use them to wrap gifts.
. A gift from a man should be said to come from both he and his wife/mother/sister or some other female relative.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
. Take off your shoes before entering the house.
. Dress modestly and conservatively.
. Politely turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be asked again and again.
. Guests are often served in a particular order: the guest of honour is served first, followed by the men, and the children are served last. Women typically serve the men and eat later.
. Always use your right hand to eat, whether you are using utensils or your fingers.
. Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you are satisfied. Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry.
Greetings
In Indian and Nepali culture, the word is spoken at the beginning of written or verbal communication. However, the same hands folded gesture is made usually wordlessly upon departure.
The word “Peranakans” meaning “descendants”. It is used to call the descendents of the
early Chinese community that settled in the Malaya Archipelago around the 17th Century.
Such as Malacca, Penang, Singapore. They were also known as the “Babas” and “Nyonyas”.
Nyonya is the term for the ladies whereas Baba is for the men. Older ladies are also known as Bibiks.
Languages
They have their own slang language, which is the mixture between Bahasa Malayu
that contains Chinese dialects such as “Hokkien”
Clothings
The Nyonya’s clothing, Baju Panjang( Long Dress) was adapted from the native Malay’s Baju Kurung. It is worn with a batik sarong (batik wrap-around skirt) and 3 kerosang (brooches). 
It is worn over the Sarong. Her body hugging kebaya was secured with three brooches, all of which are joined to form a chain.
Nyonyas also wear beaded slippers called Kasot Manek that were hand-made.
Male Peranakans in the past wore the Kain pelekat as casual attire.
Baba Nyonya subscribed to Chinese beliefs: Taoism, Confucianism and Chinese Buddhism,
The dining room consists of a long dining table reserved for special occasions. However, the daily meals are usually taken in the kitchen.
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| Dining Table |
The main or front hall serves as a ceremonial hall which is used for religious prayers, Chinese Lunar New Year, birthday and wedding celebrations. The furniture is arranged in the traditional set-up with symmetry on both sides and a central altar.
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| Main Hall |
Food
Peranakan food involves a unique fusion of both Chinese and Malay elements
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| Sambal Udang |
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| Laksa |
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Ayam Buah Keluak
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%2520Assorted%2520Nyonya%2520Kuih.jpg) |
| Assorted Nyonya Kuih |
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