What Is Singapore’s Chinese New Year like?

Whether you’re new to Singapore or have lived here for some time, you’ll find that the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration on the island is quite unique. Globally, Chinese communities are united to celebrate it based on the.

Traditionally, there are 15 days, but here in Singapore, people can be flexible if you notice. Let’s start by outlining the relevant preparations and activities as the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches.

Preparation is key

Shopping for a new outfit

New clothes, shoes and everything else you would wear for the celebrations. Ideally, everything is new, to match the new year of course, you get it. Auspicious colours are ideal, like red, gold, yellow, but never black outfits.

The shopping areas can become busy as Chinese New Year approaches. crowds during this season. If you want to shop and avoid the crowd, consider shopping for new outfits online from the comfort of your home.

Cleaning the house

It’s very important to get rid of all the mess and oldness before CNY. One reason is that many believe that it’s bad luck to sweep the floor during CNY, as this symbolizes sweeping away all the luck too. Some people would even go as far as repainting their home for a new vibe.

Banking in new notes

In Singapore, banking in money during CNY can be crucial. There are auspicious times to do so depending on one’s Chinese zodiac sign. Wearing a red outfit and even underwear while doing so is said to increase one’s luck too! At the beginning of the month of CNY, Singapore banks are likely to release new

Grocery shopping

This makes sense even for those who don’t celebrate CNY as most establishments will be closed for the first 2 days of CNY. But for those who celebrate it, there are a few items in this list that are popular to CNY shoppers to make sure there’s a feast to welcome guests:

• Abalone
• Birds nest
• Pineapple tarts
• Bak Kwa
• Chinese New Year hampers for gifting
• Oranges, lots of oranges*

*It is known that offering two pairs of Mandarin Oranges is a symbol of giving fortune. So, in return, the receiver must also give back a pair, but take note that some believe one simply can’t give away the oranges that have already been given, those are symbolically kept and the newly bought oranges are the ones to be given away. That’s probably why it is so popular to buy plenty of them during this time.

CNY Timeline

The Chinese New Year is about celebrating life, success, and health. Typically, the outline of activities for most Chinese Singaporeans may look like this:

CNY Eve – A celebratory reunion dinner marks the beginning of CNY.

Day 1 – Visiting relatives and gathering family, typically at the elderly’s house. Some also pray to their ancestors.

Day 2 – Continue visiting more relatives and friends.

Day 3-6 – Most temples will be open, so, many will visit and pray. Cursing or swearing is majorly avoided during the entire duration of CNY.

Day 7 – Because this is the 7^th day, where it is believed that it’s every Chinese individual’s birthday. Reunion dinners are normally held, and it’s common to have Loh Hei which is a dish or tradition unique to Singapore.

Day 8 – 15 Most catch-up and continue to visit and pray and some simply go back to their daily routines.

This 15-day long festival majorly revolves around getting together with family and indulging in seasonal delicacies. People expect fortune and prosperity to come their way during these 15 days.

Places to visit?

Singapore is a beautiful city and there are a lot of places you can explore during the Chinese New Year. Both paid and free activities and events are organized all over the city.

1. CHINATOWN: Exciting, vibrant, and colourful programs are organized all over Chinatown. Decorated with lanterns and dazzling ambience, best enjoyed with Chinese cuisine.
2. SENTOSA ISLAND: The Island is home to the world-known Universal Studios. A whole lot of fun-filled activities and rides await you in Sentosa as the park is decorated in theme.
3. THE FLOAT AT MARINA BAY AKA RIVER HONG BAO: Expect giant lanterns, colourful decorations and fireworks.
4. GARDENS BY THE BAY: A showcase of dancing lights and various performances.

Interestingly, it is also common for some to travel overseas for two common and allegedly controversial reasons, to avoid giving red packets of money, and to simply avoid relatives who love asking about marriage plans or dating life status.

Feeling lucky?

Games of chance are common too during Chinese New Year, as many believe that fortune will likely pour into their pockets while having a fun time with family and friends. If you’d like to try your luck, here are some of the games you can start to learn and practice to join the fun.

• Blackjack
• Baccarat
• MahJong
• Chinese Poker
• Cho Dai Di
• In-Between

Now that you’ve read about Singapore’s CNY traditions, it’s time to experience and enjoy it. If you enjoyed reading, we’ve got more helpful tips on our blog page. Visit our promotions page too if you’re looking for some deals.