Topic: Multi Cultural Society and Racial Harmony
Explanatory Paragraph
What is Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is the appreciation, acceptance or promotion of multiple
cultures, when applied to the demographic make-up like in Singapore.
In a political context the term is used for a range of meanings, ranging from the
advocacy of equal respect to the various cultures in a society, to a policy of
promoting the maintenance of cultural diversity, to policies in which people of
various ethnic and religious groups are addressed by the authorities as defined
by the group they belong to. A common aspect of many such policies is that they
avoid presenting any specific ethnic, religious, or cultural community values as
central.
People of Singapore
Singapore is the most densely populated country in Asia with a population of
4,608,167 (est. 2009). The Housing and Development Board of the country
provides public housing to almost 85% of the city –state residents. The city-state
also endows with remarkable example of an immigrant society in Southeast Asia.
Base on the 2006 Statistics, Singapore has a multiracial population in which
76.8% are Chinese (one of the largest Chinese community out of China), 13.9%
are Malays, 7.9% are Indians and the rest are Eurasians and other groups.
The strategic location of Singapore is one of the factors why the country has a
multicultural society. In order to ensure peace and harmony among the
numerous religious and ethnic groups the government of Singapore gives
emphasis on racial harmony in all aspect of the society- education, housing and
military.
Before Sir Stamford Raffles established the British trading post in Singapore, the
country was populated by less than two hundred Malays. In 1819 after Raffles
took possession of Singapore for Britain the island became a thriving free port,
immigrant settlers from China, India, Indonesian Islands and Malay Peninsula
soon came. Within five years after the establishment of the free port the
country’s population had risen to more than ten thousand people. After twentyfive years of the foundation the country population was dominated by Chinese
immigrants.
The Malays are the first inhabitants of Singapore and the second largest ethnic
group in the country. The Malays are generally of mixed descents. Originally, the
local Malays came from aboriginal Orang Laut that dwells along the Singapore
River, and the other coastal Malay groups that have intermarried with nonMalays and mostly are non-Malay stocks. The modern Malays of Singapore has
been closely identified with their Malay ancestry.
Chinese have formed the majority of Singapore’s population since the colonial
period. Majority of the Chinese living in the country are from the southern Fukian
province, and from Guangdong Province. Chinese immigrants began to move to
Singapore during the 19th and 20th century to escape the conflict and poverty in
China. The Chinese can be classified into several ethnic subgroups namely Cantonese, Hainanese, Hakkas, Hokkiens, Teochew and others. Each group has
their own dialects which mostly uncommon to one another. Thus to unify the
Chinese society the government came up with the Speak Mandarin Campaign.
Chinese Singaporeans are descendants of Chinese immigrants or born in
Singapore and attained a citizenship or a permanent residence status. They
showed the widest range of class, educational and occupational status. The
Chinese society in Singapore is considered to be one with a high degree of social
mobility and in which status increasingly dictated by educational background and
command of English and Mandarin languages. Today the Chinese in Singapore
recognize themselves as Singaporeans rather than Chinese.
Indians are the third largest ethnic group in Singapore like the Chinese and the
Malays, Indians in Singapore belong to several groups - Tamil, the largest Indian
group; Punjabis, Malayalees and Bengalis. The first Indian settlers in the country
arrived from Malacca and Penang then eventually from India and Sri Lanka.
Indians are complex and diverse group of people they are well presented in all
levels of occupational hierarchy. Most of the Indians in the city state are bi or
multi lingual and are adept at mixing Malay and Hokkien in their speech. Among
the ethnic groups Indians are more likely to arrange marriages for their children
or restrict the choice of partners to acceptable social class.
Despite of the numerous ethnic groups residing in Singapore, still it is considered
to be the best place to live, play and work. Singapore has succeeded in creating
a remarkable tolerance for racial and religious difference in a multicultural
society.
Racial Harmony Day is celebrated annually on 21 July in Singapore. The event is
to commemorate the 1964 Race Riots, which took place on 21 July 1964.
Know the traditional clothes worn by the different ethnic groups in
Singapore-Chinese-cheong sam, Malays-Baju Kurong, songkok, sarong,
Indians-Saree, Kurta,dhoti
The cheongsam is a body-hugging one-piece Chinese dress for women;
the male version is the changshan. The stylish and often tight-fitting
cheongsam or qipao (chipao) that is most often associated with today was
created in the 1920s in Shanghai and was made fashionable by socialites
and upperclass women.
Malay dress baju Kurung
The baju kurung is a traditional Malay costume which loosely translated
as "Enclosed Dress". This type of costume is the national dress of Brunei
and Malaysia, and can also be found in Indonesia, Singapore and
Thailand.
Although "Baju Kurung" is the name for the attire for both male and
female, in Malaysia, the female dress is referred to as "Baju Kurung",
while the male dress is referred to as "Baju Melayu".
Two versions of the costumes are popular. One is the Baju Kurung
Teluk Belanga and the other is the Baju Kurung Cekak Musang. The
main difference between this two fashion styles is the cutting style at the
neck, where the Teluk Belanga style has no collar and the neckline is
stitched in the style known as "tulang belut" ("eel's spines or bones"). The
Baju Kurung Teluk Belanga originated, as its name implies, from Teluk
Belanga, in the island of Singapore, which was previously the capital of
the state of Johor. On the other hand the Cekak Musang style has a
standing collar with holes for five buttons including two buttons for the
collar.
Songkok/Peci
A peci, songkok, or kopiah is a cap widely worn in Indonesia, Brunei,
Malaysia, Singapore, the southern Philippines and southern Thailand,
mostly among Muslim males. It has the shape of a truncated cone, almost
always made of black or embroidered felt, cotton or velvet. It is ordinarily
worn with the traditional outfit for men. It is also worn by male in formal
situations such as wedding feasts, funerals or festive occasions such as
the Muslim Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha and came to be associated with
Islam in Malaysia.
The songkok may be a form of taqiyah or Muslim cap. According to one
Brunei newspaper account, the songkok became a norm in Maritime
Southeast Asia around the 13th century with the coming of Islam in the
region.[1] Alternatively, it may be related to the fez, which was adopted
by the Ottomans in 1830. In Malay literature, the word "songkok" is
mentioned in Syair Siti Zubaidah (1840).[
Sarong
A sarong or sarung is a large tube or length of fabric, often wrapped
around the waist and worn as a kilt by men and as a skirt by women
throughout much of South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Arabian Peninsula,
the Horn of Africa, and on many Pacific islands. The fabric most often has
woven plaid or checkered patterns, or may be brightly colored by means
of batik or ikat dyeing. Many modern sarongs also have printed designs,
often depicting animals or plants.
Dhoti
The dhoti or pancha is the traditional men's garment in the Asian
subcontinent in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. A similar garment is
worn in some rural areas of Punjab province in Pakistan, but the use is
fast declining. It is a rectangular piece of unstitched cloth, usually around
4.5 meters long, wrapped around the waist and the legs and knotted at
the waist.
Sari
A sari or saree is a strip of unstitched cloth, worn by female, ranging
from four to nine metres in length that is draped over the body in various
styles.[2] It is popular in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan,
Burma, and Malaysia. The most common style is for the sari to be
wrapped around the waist, with one end then draped over the shoulder
baring the midriff.[2]
The sari is usually worn over a petticoat, with a blouse known as a choli or
ravika forming the upper garment. The choli has short sleeves and a low
neck and is usually cropped, and as such is particularly well-suited for
wear in the sultry South Asian summers. Cholis may be backless or of a
halter neck style. These are usually more dressy with plenty of
embellishments such as mirrors or embroidery, and may be worn on
special occasions. Women in the armed forces, when wearing a sari
uniform, don a short-sleeved shirt tucked in at the waist. The sari
developed as a garment of its own in both South and North India at
around the same time, and is in popular culture an epitome of Indian
culture.[3]
Know the festivals of different ethnic groups in Singapore-ChineseMalays and Indians
Chinese Festivals
1 Chinese New Year / Chinese Lunar New Year are also known as Spring
Festival. The festival begins on the first day of the first month in the
traditional Chinese calendar and ends with Lantern Festival which is on
the 15th day. Chinese New Year's Eve, a day where Chinese families
gather for their annual reunion dinner, is known as "Eve of the Passing
Year."
2 The Qingming Festival , Ching Ming Festival in Hong Kong, Vietnamese,
Pure Brightness Festival or Clear Bright Festival, Ancestors Day or Tomb
Sweeping Day is a traditional Chinese festival on the 104th day after the
winter solstice (or the 15th day from the Spring Equinox), usually
occurring around April 5 of the Gregorian calendar (see Chinese
calendar).
3 Chingay Festival was held in celebration with the birthdays of the Chinese
deities or the procession of the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin). Chingay is
originated from China, and the Penang Chinese first performed Chingay
during deity processions. It is a street art where the performer balances
a giant flag that ranges from 25 ft to 32 ft in height and about 60
pounds in weigh.
Today, in Singapore, Chingay is not only performed
by the Chinese, but the art has successfully attracted the Malays and
Indians. It has become a unique multiracial performance. The popularity
of Chingay in Singapore has made it one of the very impressive cultural
landmarks as well as an important tourist attraction. It was first held in
1973 in Singapore
4
The Ghost Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is a
traditional Chinese festival and holiday celebrated by Chinese in many
countries. In the Chinese calendar (a lunisolar calendar), the Ghost
Festival is on the 15th night of the seventh lunar month (14th in
southern China). The seventh month in general is regarded as the Ghost
Month, in which ghosts and spirits, including those of the deceased
ancestors, come out from the lower realm. Distinct from both
the Qingming
Festival and Chung
Yeung
Festival in
which
living
descendants pay homage to their deceased ancestors, on Ghost Day,
the deceased are believed to visit the living. Activities during the month
would include preparing ritualistic food offerings, burning incense, and
burning joss paper, a papier-mâché form of material items such as
clothes, gold and other fine goods for the visiting spirits of the
ancestors. Elaborate meals (often vegetarian meals) would be served
with empty seats for each of the deceased in the family treating the
deceased as if they are still living
Malay Festivals
1. Hari Raya Haji, otherwise known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is
celebrated over a period of three days by Muslims all over the world. It
commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in
the name of God. According to the Islamic calendar, Hijrah, this festival
starts on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja, 70 days after the holy
month of Ramadan. Practicing Muslims celebrate this auspicious day to
mark the end of Hajj, the annual holy pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hajj,
which is currently the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, sees
thousands of pilgrims simultaneously converge on the Holy land to
perform a series of rituals. It is also considered the fifth pillar of Islam, a
religious obligation for able-bodied Muslims with the financial means. It is
not just a powerful demonstration of the solidarity between Muslim men
and women, but also of their complete submission to Allah (God in the
Islamic scriptures of the Quran).
2. Hari Raya, Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr, Id-ul-Fitr, or Id l-Fitr (Arabic: ‫عيد‬
‫‘ الفطر‬Īdu l-Fiṭr), often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks
the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). Eid is an
Arabic
word meaning "festivity," while Fiṭr means "breaking the fast".
The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-tosunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The first day of Eid,
therefore, falls on the first day of the month Shawwal. Eid-ul-Fitr has a
particular salah (Islamic prayer) consisting of two raka'ah (units) and
generally offered in an open field or large hall called an Eed-gah.[1] It
may only be performed in congregation (Jama’at) and has an additional
extra six Takbirs (raising of the hands to the ears while saying Allah-uAkbar [God is Great]), three of them in the beginning of the first raka'ah
and three of them just before ruku' in the second raka'ah in the Hanafi
school.[2] This Eid ul-Fitr salah is, depending on which juristic opinion is
followed, Fard (obligatory), Mustahabb (strongly recommended, just
short of obligatory) or mandoob (preferable).[1]
3. Hindu Festivals
The festivals celebrated by Indians-Deepavali also known as Festival of
Lights. Fire walking ceremony, Thaipusam, Harvest festival. Check out
when these are celebrated and the reasons for celebration. Also know
what is done before and on the day of the festival. Diwali (also spelled
Devali in certain regions) or Deepavali,[1] popularly known as the
"festival of lights", is an important one-day festival in Hinduism, Jainism,
and Sikhism, celebrated for different reasons, occurring between midOctober and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most
important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing
traditional activities together in their homes. Diwali involves the lighting
of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil.
During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and
snacks with family members and friends.
Diwali commemorates the
return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, from his 14-yearlong exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration
of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama,
illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas and by bursting firecrackers.
Thaipusam (Tamil: தைப்பூசம், Taippūcam
?)
is a Hindu festival
celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil
month of Thai (January/February). It is celebrated not only in countries
where the Tamil community constitutes a majority, but also in countries
where Tamil communities are smaller, such as Singapore[1] and
Malaysia.[2] The festival is also referred to as Thaipooyam or
Thaippooyam . The word Thaipusam is derived from the month name
Thai and Pusam, which refers to a star that is at its highest point during
the festival. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave
Murugan a vel "spear" so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadam.
There is a misconception among people that Thaipusam marks Murugan's
birthday; however, it is believed that Vaikhasi Vishakam, which falls in the
Vaikhasi month (May/June), is Murugan's birthday.
1 Thai Ponggal (Tamil: தைப்ப ொங்கல்) is a harvest festival celebrated
by Tamils in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Indian Union Territory of
Puducherry and in Sri Lanka. Pongal coincides with the festival Makara
Sankranthi celebrated throughout India. Pongal in Tamil means "boiling
over" or "spill over". The boiling over of milk in the clay pot symbolizes
material abundance for the household. Thai Pongal, celebrated at harvest
time, is traditionally intended to thank the Sun God and farmstead
livestock that helped create the material abundance. Ponggal is
traditionally dedicated to the Sun God Surya. Tamils thank the solar deity
for the good harvest and consecrate the first grain to him on this 'Surya
Mangalyam'.
2 Theemithi (Fire Walking Festival)Witness the faith of Hindu devotees as
they follow in the footsteps of the goddess Draupadi, who proved her
innocence by walking barefoot on burning coals. Celebrations begin at
2am at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and the fire-walking starts at
3am at the Sri Mariamman Temple. Visitors to the temples are advised to
dress respectfully and to remove their shoes at the door.
Q&A
1. Who are the first inhabitants of Singapore?
a. The Chinese are the first inhabitants of Singapore.
b. The Malays are the first inhabitants of Singapore.
c. The Indians are the first inhabitants of Singapore.
d. The British are the first inhabitants of Singapore.
2. What is the largest ethnic group and what percentage are they today?
a. The Chinese are the largest ethnic groups and they are 66.8% of total
population.
b. The Chinese are the largest ethnic groups and they are 76.8% of total
population.
c. The Malays are the largest ethnic groups and they are 66.8% of total
population
d. The Malays are the largest ethnic groups and they are 76.8% of total
population
3. When is the Racial Harmony day? What is the significance of it?
a. Racial Harmony Day is celebrated annually on 9 Aug in Singapore. The
event is to commemorate the 1964 Race Riots, which took place on 9 Aug
b. Racial Harmony Day is celebrated annually on 21 July in Singapore. The
event is to commemorate the 1964 Race Riots, which took place on 21
July 1964.
c. Racial Harmony Day is celebrated annually on 21 July in Singapore. The
event is to commemorate the Singapore’s Merger with Malaysia in 21-July
1964.
d. Racial Harmony Day is celebrated annually on 21 July in Singapore. The
event is to commemorate the Singapore’s Seperation with Malaysia in 21July 1964.
4. What race of which traditional clothes is Sarong and what type of dress is
that?
a. The Sarong is traditional dress of Chinese, It is a body-hugging, one-piece
Chinese dress for women.
b. The Sarong is traditional dress of Malays, It is often wrapped around the
waist and worn by men and women
c. The Sarong is traditional dress of Malays, It is a traditional cap worn on
special occasions
d. The Sarong is traditional dress of Indian women, It is a long piece of
colorful cloth draped over the body.
5. When is the Hungry Ghost festival celebrated?
a. Hungry Ghost Festival is on the 15th night of the 1st month of Chinese
Lunar New Year.
b. Hungry Ghost Festival is on the 15th night of the seventh lunar month.
c. Hungry Ghost Festival is on the 1st night of the 1st month of Chinese Lunar
New Year.
d. Hungry Ghost Festival is on the 15th night of the July Every year.
6. What race of which traditional clothes is Cheongsam and what type of
dress is that?
a. The Cheongsam is traditional dress of Chinese, It is a body-hugging, onepiece Chinese dress for women.
b. The Cheongsam is traditional dress of Chinese, It is a body-hugging, twopiece Chinese dress for men
c. The Cheongsam is traditional dress of Malays, It is often wrapped around
the waist and worn by men and women
d. The Cheongsam is traditional dress of Indian women, It is a long piece of
colorful cloth draped over the body
7. What is the significance of Hari Raya or Eid ul-Fitr?
a. Hari Raya Haji, otherwise known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is
celebrated over a period of three days by Muslims all over the world.
b. Hari Raya or Eid Ul Fitr means the beginning of the fasting month, usually
dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan
c. Hari Raya or Eid Ul Fitr means the New Year for Muslims. Celebrates the
arrival of new year in the month of Ramadan
d. Hari Raya or Eid Ul Fitr means the Festival of breaking the fast. Celebrates
the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the
entire month of Ramadan
8. What is Diwali and its significance?
a. Diwali is Festival of Harvest, is for thanking sun god.
b. Diwali is Festival of Lights to signify the triumph of good over evil
c. Diwali is the Festival breaking of Fasting to seek forgiveness of God
d. Diwali is the Festival of Lights to signify the Indian New year Celebrations
9. What is Theemithi and its significance?
a. Theemithi is the Fire Walking Event, it is thanks giving to good.
b. Theemithi is Festival of Harvest, is for thanking sun god.
c. Theemithi Festival of Lights to signify the triumph of good over evil
d. Theemithi the Indian New year Celebrations
10. What are the official languages of Singapore?
a. Chinese, English, Malay and Indian are the four official languages of
Singapore.
b. Chinese, English, Mandarin and Malay are the four official languages of
Singapore.
c. Chinese, English, French and Malay are the four official languages of
Singapore.
d. Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil are the four official languages of
Singapore.