Chinese New Year traditions in Singapore

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If you are visiting your friends in Singapore during the Chinese New Year period, it is important to understand some of the traditions so that you know what to expect and how to behave.

Bear in mind this is a very important period for the Chinese people across the globe. Different festivities and celebrations mark the holiday that is celebrated over several days.

• Know what to wear

One thing you will notice when walking along the crowded streets is that everyone is dressed in brightly coloured clothes.


Photo from Josh Evnin via Flickr (Creative Commons)

This is an important custom that you should take note of if you are invited to someone's home. Many people are superstitious, and it is considered offensive to wear black during this period.

This is because black and dark coloured clothes are associated with funerals, and most people, especially the older folk, will be offended if you appear in their homes in the wrong attire.

• Sweeping and cutting

You might be particular about keeping a clean home but this is not the time to sweep the floor. Any sort of cleaning is seen as sweeping good luck away.

Using a knife or scissors should also be avoided as this is considered as cutting off your fortune. You need to be careful about some of the mindless things that you do especially when you visit or have company.

• A pair of oranges

Citrus fruits are a big part of the festivities and you can get the fruits from different places. However, when presenting the mandarin oranges to your host, you have to make sure that they are in pairs.

The host will give you a different pair of oranges in return. The mandarin oranges represent wealth and it is a good idea to learn a simple greeting to accompany your gift presentation.

• Red packets of money

Hong Baos or red packets are small red envelopes containing money that are traditionally given during this time. Married people give them to the children, single folk and elders as a sign of blessings to them.

You should not be surprised by personal questions about your life as people try to find out whether you are married or if you have children. On average, the red packets contain about $10 to $20 for close relations, and about $2 to $8 for new acquaintances and distant relations.

• Enjoy snacks in abundance

Chinese New Year is not a time when you want to be on a diet. One thing that you can be sure of is that you will snack a lot during the festivities.

The wide range of goodies on offer is sufficient to tempt even the strictest dieter. You also need to know that it is considered rude to refuse the foods that are offered to you.

If you are invited to dine with friends, you can expect plenty of snacks like peanuts, melon seeds and Ba Kwa (beef jerky). You can also expect different baked goodies and chocolates.

Many different events take place in Singapore every year. The River Hong Bao is the center of activities celebrating Chinese New Year traditions and culture. You can also enjoy the Chingay Procession, which is an annual procession along the streets of Singapore.

Be sure to keep these traditions in mind so that you can have a peaceful and enjoyable Chinese New Year with your loved ones. 

For more stories on Chinese New Year, check our consumer guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore.