A Guide to Singaporean Culture

There are several different aspects of Singaporean culture that visitors should be familiar with. These aspects include the Language, Religion, Traditions, and Places of Worship. These aspects will help you appreciate the country's rich heritage. In addition, you'll learn a little bit about the people and their lifestyle.

Traditions
The Chinese and other ethnic groups in Singapore have their own cultural traditions. They follow the Confucian philosophy and put a high emphasis on marriage and children. These beliefs are passed down from generation to generation, and Chinese parents sometimes push their children to marry early in life. Similarly, the Malay community places a high emphasis on marriage to ease financial burdens for the family. Moreover, marriage is considered to be mandatory for a Muslim.

Religious festivals also form a large part of Singaporean culture. For instance, Singapore has a National Day Parade in celebration of August 9, the country's independence. Other major holidays include Chinese New Year, Eid-ul-Fitr, Diwali, Good Friday, Christmas, and New Year.

Languages
Singapore is a multilingual state with Malay as its national language. Although English is the official language, pupils learn to speak their mother tongues. The population is predominantly Chinese, although some are Tamil or Malay Muslim. The other 4% of people are of mixed heritage. Singapore's flag is red and white with a crescent moon, a representation of the rising nation. Within the country, statutory boards and ministries implement government policies.

After the Second World War, Singapore implemented universal free education. Children were taught to speak English, their mother tongues (Malay and Tamil), and a second language, Mandarin. During the colonial period, only a few children attended school. As such, children from Europeans, Eurasians, and Jews were sent to English-medium schools. Straits Chinese also sent their children to English-medium schools.

Religion
Religion in Singaporean culture is a complex issue, shaped by Singapore's socio-cultural and political context. The state plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between religious freedom and social harmony. It serves as a trusted arbiter between various faith communities and provides the framework for them to live out their lives. It also plays an important role in endowing the civic identity of Singaporeans and recognising their diverse identities.

Although religion is a significant part of Singaporean culture, a growing number of people do not practice any religion. According to the 2020 census, about twenty-four percent of Singapore residents aged 15 and above reported no religious affiliation. This figure increased across age groups, with a large percentage of people aged 15-24 reporting no religion.

Places of worship
Singapore is home to many different places of worship. From mosques to temples, it's easy to see how different faiths and cultures coexist. In this small city-state, you'll find Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs practicing their faiths. Historically, all of these groups have lived side by side in relative peace.

In Little India, you'll find a thriving Hindu community, including Sri Mariamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore. Built in the 1860s by immigrants from Southern India, the temple's colourful walls and ceilings depict Hindu deities and the Sri Yantra, which is believed to be a powerful cure for epidemic diseases.

Singapore is a religiously diverse country, with people from many different ethnicities and faiths coming to Singapore. Although no religion forms a majority, Singapore is home to more than 10 different religious communities. Some of the largest include Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Taoism. Singaporeans also practice Taoism, a traditional Chinese folk religion, as well as a variety of other faiths.

Symbols
Singapore has many national symbols that represent the country's culture. Each symbol is unique to the country and represents different aspects of the country's history and culture. The Merlion is one of these symbols. Read on to learn more about its historical development, how it came to represent Singapore and its role in Singaporean culture.

Singaporeans place a high value on face recognition. It is often used as a symbol to distinguish between people of different backgrounds and social classes. Moreover, the face is a symbol of personal qualities and even a nation. It is important in fostering harmonious relationships. Although Singaporeans claim to be a democratic society, they still retain a strong hierarchical system. This is due to the cultural value of group dependence.