BYD overtakes Toyota, Tesla as Singapore’s top car brand in 2024; Singapore’s favourite Chinese New Year traditions, revealed: Singapore live news
From family reunions to hong baos (red envelopes), a survey by language learning platform Preply reveals how Singaporeans celebrate Chinese New Year, with traditions, superstitions and etiquette taking centre stage. (Photo: Getty Images)
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Singaporeans are gearing up for a two-week celebration filled with family reunions, traditional meals, and a few quirky customs.
A recent survey by language learning platform Preply sheds light on how Singaporeans celebrate this cultural festival.
The survey of 1,000 adults highlights favourite traditions, common superstitions, and key etiquette dos and don’ts, offering insight into how the holiday is observed across generations.
The most popular tradition is visiting family, with 52 per cent of respondents saying it’s their favourite part of the celebration.
Whether it’s sharing pineapple tarts, enjoying home-cooked dishes, or exchanging hong baos (red envelopes), family reunions are at the heart of the festivities.
Closely following is the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, cherished by 46 per cent of Singaporeans, with Baby Boomers showing a stronger preference for this tradition than younger generations.
Superstitions also play a significant role in shaping the celebrations.
The most common belief is to avoid sweeping the floor on New Year’s Day, as 32 per cent of respondents fear it will sweep away good fortune for the coming year.
Wearing red, the colour of prosperity, is another popular superstition, with 27 per cent of Singaporeans believing it will bring luck and ward off bad spirits.
In contrast, wearing black or white, associated with mourning, is considered bad luck by 25 per cent of participants.
Etiquette is crucial during the celebrations, and a major faux pas is opening a red envelope too early – 27 per cent of people say this is the biggest mistake guests can make.
Guests should also avoid giving gifts like shoes or clocks, which are linked to bad luck and death.
Interestingly, many respondents admitted to committing their own faux pas. 26 per cent of respondents confessed to being late for family visits, while another 21 per cent forgot to bring oranges – an important symbol of prosperity.
Whether it’s the joy of exchanging red envelopes, the excitement of a reunion dinner, or the adherence to age-old customs, Singaporeans are making the most of this vibrant and meaningful celebration.
Read on the top Chine New Year customs and traditions in Singapore here.
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