Getting into the Lunar New Year spirit? Here's a heap of cultural activities you might want to check out
Like Christmas, Lunar New Year in Singapore is a time of family-bonding, giving, traditions and, of course, merriment. The festivities begin almost a month prior to the start of Chinese New Year (8 February) – the lights and auspicious decorations are up island-wide, festive tunes are heard in the malls, special reunion menus are available at restaurants, and shops everywhere get ready for the crowds with extra stock. Be in the thick of the action at Chinatown, where you’ll get to experience the spectacular Street Light-Up from 16 January to 8 March.
A common sight during Chinese New Year is the Lion Dance, an elaborate ritual that is believed to start the year off (or a new business) on an auspicious note. Boisterous beats performed with traditional drums, cymbal, and gongs set the tone for this spirited and highly animated dance, which mimics a lion’s movements. Don’t be taken aback by all the noise; it’s meant to drive off bad luck! You can catch a glimpse of the lively act at the International Lion Dance Competition (23 to 24 January, Chinatown), Chingay Parade (19 to 20 February, F1 Pit Building), River Hong Bao (6 to 14 February, The Float@Marina Bay) and at shopping malls around the city in the month of February.
More traditions are observed at home, like spring cleaning the house before the holidays, exchanging oranges, and giving out ang baos (red packets with money) to children and younger relatives – all of which convey blessings of good fortune for the year ahead. Then, there’s the all-important reunion dinner, where friends and families gather round for a precious annual feast.
Another popular practice in Singapore as part of the traditional get-together meal is the yusheng toss. Carried out at home or when dining out at restaurants, yusheng is a raw fish salad that comes with an array of ingredients including shredded vegetables, crushed peanuts, fried flour crisps, pomelo, and more, each of which symbolises a blessing. The idea is to get everyone around the table to toss the ingredients up in the air using chopsticks while reciting auspicious phrases for luck and success. The higher you toss, the better. But be warned: it’s a messy affair!
More deliciousness ensues in the form of iconic Chinese New Year goodies like bak kwa (barbecued meat) and pineapple tarts – items you’ll constantly see on offer at the festive street bazaar and flower market in Chinatown (15 January to 7 February), as well as in shops around Singapore during the festive period. Often, these treats symbolise good things like wealth and prosperity, so do give these seasonal specials a try when you’re in the Lion City!
This article was published in Singapore Insider, a series of quarterly print guides produced in partnership with Singapore Tourism Board. Pick up a free copy at Singapore Visitor Centres island-wide, including Orchard (junction of Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road), orchardgateway, ION Orchard (Level 1 Concierge), and Chinatown Visitor Centre (2 Banda Street), or download the digital version.