Does Singapore celebrate Chinese New Year? We all know the answer is a definitive “yes!”. During the Chinese New Year, Singapore is an experience filled with vibrant festivities and cultural traditions. Walking through the streets, you can not help but be swept up in the festivities around you with the vibrant colours, decorations adorning the narrow lanes and the scent of incense filling the air. The entire city comes alive, with lion dances in various neighbourhoods. The iconic Chinatown becomes a bustling hub of excitement, offering unique treats and exhilarating night markets with the exciting news that fireworks will light up the sky this year, illuminating the city, along with the famous River Hongbao exhibition showcasing intricate lantern displays. Singapore during Chinese New Year is a magical celebration of culture, bringing people together in joy, unity, and the shared spirit of renewal. 

This article will cover the following questions and more!

• How does Singapore celebrate the Chinese New Year?
• What are Five facts about the Chinese New Year?
• What are some special rules for the Chinese New Year?
• How do Singaporeans say Happy Chinese New Year?
• How many oranges to give for Chinese New Year
• Where to go during Chinese New Year in Singapore

Things you need to know about Chinese New Year Singapore 2024

How does Singapore celebrate the Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year 2024 in Singapore 

Chinese New Year is a vibrant and joyous celebration in Singapore, and in 2024, everyone is sure to immerse themselves in its festive spirit. Along with this year’s display of fireworks and colourful parades, indulging in exquisite Chinese New Year food is a must. These traditional delicacies symbolise wealth and happiness, from mouthwatering dumplings to delectable tangyuan. As families and friends visit one another during this auspicious time, the phrase “bai nian” resonates throughout the city; this means to visit and pay respects. This charming tradition strengthens familial ties and fosters a sense of community. From lion dances to the iconic red lanterns adorning the streets, Chinese New Year traditions in Singapore are embraced with immense enthusiasm, making it an excellent place for ushering in the Lunar New Year.

What are Five facts about the Chinese New Year?

1. Chinese New Year Food: One fact about Chinese New Year food is that mandarins and pineapples symbolise good luck and prosperity. They are often given as gifts during the celebration and are believed to bring fortune and abundance to the recipient.
2. Chinese New Year Traditions: There are many Chinese New Year traditions; however, the most prominent is that it is customary to thoroughly clean the house before the arrival of the new year to sweep away bad luck and make room for good luck to enter the home.
3. Superstitions: One fact about superstitions during Chinese New Year in Singapore is that it is considered unlucky to sweep or clean the house during the first few days of the new year, as it is believed to sweep away good fortune and luck.
4. Chinese New Year Customs Singapore: One of the many Chinese New Year customs in Singapore is that it is traditional to wear new clothes on the first day of the Lunar New Year, as it symbolises a fresh start and brings good luck.
5. Reunion Dinner: During the reunion dinner, it is customary for all family members to gather around a round table and share a meal with close family members, symbolising unity and the continuation of family bonds

What is the difference between ang pow, hongbao, and lai see?

Nothing, they all have the same meaning: the little red envelope filled with money. The word Ang pow is Hokkien, the word hongbao is Mandarin, and the word lai see is Cantonese!

What are some special rules for the Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is an eagerly awaited celebration in Singapore, where special rules and traditions are enthusiastically followed. On the first day of this festive occasion, it is customary for families to gather and exchange red packets, known as “hongbao”, which contain money and symbolise good luck and blessings for the upcoming year. Married couples or elders typically give younger family members and friends these red packets. The amount of money inside the red packet is considered significant, often representing the giver’s well-wishes and prosperity. This beautiful gesture brings immense joy and excitement to all, fostering a spirit of togetherness and giving abundance during Singapore’s Chinese New Year festivities. 

How do Singaporeans say Happy Chinese New Year?

“Gong xi fa chai” is a celebratory phrase commonly used during the Chinese New Year. Translated as “congratulations and be prosperous,” it expresses good wishes for luck, wealth, and success. This sentence reflects the joyous and festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year celebrations, as people come together to exchange greetings, gifts, and blessings. It signifies a desire for a prosperous and fulfilling year, encompassing happiness, prosperity, and good fortune.

How many oranges to give for Chinese New Year

During Chinese New Year, it is customary to give oranges as a gesture of good wishes and good fortune. The number of oranges to give holds significant meaning. In Chinese culture, the number “eight” is considered lucky, as it sounds similar to the word for “fortune” in Chinese. Therefore, it is expected to give eight oranges as a symbol of abundant blessings and prosperity. Also, the act of giving oranges represents generosity, harmony, and respect for the recipient. It is believed that sharing oranges during the festive season will bring joy, longevity, and a fresh start in the coming year.

What is the relevance of tossing a salad?

Lohei is a traditional custom popularly observed during the Chinese New Year (CNY) in Singapore and Malaysia. It involves tossing a colourful salad, yu sheng, symbolising abundance and prosperity. Lohei is a vibrant and interactive activity where family members and friends gather around a large platter of yu sheng, each contributing different ingredients while shouting auspicious phrases carrying well wishes. The higher the toss, the more prosperity is believed to come in the year ahead. This act promotes togetherness and unity among loved ones and signifies the hope for continuous growth, success, and blessings throughout the CNY celebrations and beyond. Lohei is significant as it embodies the spirit of renewal, prosperity, and shared joy that CNY brings to individuals and communities.

Where to go during Chinese New Year in Singapore

New Year events: 

Chingay Parade 

This New Year event is held at Chingay at F1 Pit Building and is set to take place on 23rd & 24th February 2024. It is a vibrant and dazzling extravaganza that showcases the multicultural fabric of Singapore in a spectacular display of artistry and creativity. 

Chinatown Chinese New Year 2024

From 19 January 2024 to 9 March 2024, from 7 pm to 12 am (till 6 am on Chinese New Year Day 1), Chinatown will be lit up and a great place to take the family. For Chinese New Year 2024, there is a party to countdown the new year at Kreta Ayer Square. 

River Hongbao 2024

The River Hongbao Singapore is an annual Chinese New Year celebration event. This yearly event is free at Gardens By The Bay, with many stage performances, exhibitions, food stalls and rides. 

Opening hours: 8 February, 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm; 9 February, 6.30 pm to 12.15 am; and 10–17 February, 2.30 pm to 10.30 pm

2024 Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign

The 2024 Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign is an event hosted by the Museum Roundtable in Singapore. The Museum Roundtable is an alliance of museums in Singapore that work together to promote and enhance the museum industry.

The campaign involves Singapore museums creating unique Hongbao designs, incorporating their collections or themes. Which typically takes place in various museums across the city-state of Singapore, allowing visitors to explore different museums and collect these special hongbao envelopes. If you want to know more, check out the website for details.

The Chinese Horoscope

The Chinese horoscope is a belief system that assigns each individual a birth sign based on their birth year. The horoscope consists of twelve animal signs, including the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal sign is believed to have distinct characteristics that influence a person’s personality traits, compatibility with others, and overall destiny.

The Year of the Dragon is considered one of the Chinese zodiac calendar’s most influential and auspicious years. Known for its noble traits, those born in the Year of the Dragon are considered confident, ambitious, and assertive individuals. Dragons are symbols of imperial power and good fortune, often associated with myths and legends. They are natural leaders who strongly desire to succeed, often pursuing their goals with great determination. With their strong sense of justice, dragons are also known for their willingness to fight for the causes they believe in. Thus, the Year of the Dragon is often anticipated with excitement, as it brings the promise of change, success, and good luck.

If you would like to hear more about Chinese New Year traditions in Singapore, listen to our latest episode here.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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