The smallest Asian state, Singapore is the most multi-confessional, and therefore the list of its state, secular and religious holidays includes Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu. By law, Singapore holidays falling on Sunday continue with a day off on the following Monday.
Let's take a look at the calendar
On January 1, Singaporeans, along with all progressive humanity, celebrate the onset of the new year, but after it their calendar has its own unique holiday features:
- At the beginning of February, Singapore's main winter holiday comes - the Chinese New Year. According to statistics, it is the Chinese who make up nearly four fifths of the country's population.
- The beginning of May is marked by the onset of Labor Day, and at the end of spring Vesak comes to the homes of Singaporeans - the birthday, enlightenment and departure of Gautama Buddha. Almost half of the country's population professes Buddhism, and therefore this holiday in Singapore is one of the most beloved.
- The main secular red day of the calendar in the country is called the Independence Day. It resembles Victory Day in Russia - a military parade, festivities and evening fireworks as an apotheosis.
- The day of Hari Raya Pusa marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims, and Deepavali is celebrated in early November by Hindus.
- In December, Singaporeans decorate Christmas trees and celebrate their favorite winter holiday with all Christians on the planet.
Oil Lamp Day
The main Hindu holiday in Singapore is also called the Festival of Lights. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and as a sign of this, oil lamps, candles and lanterns are lit throughout the country. The date of the Deepavali holiday is floating and largely coincides with the end of the harvest. Hindus honor this day as the beginning of a new period in life, and therefore give each other gifts.
The main spectacular component of Deepavali begins with sunset, when, in addition to traditional illumination, the sky is painted with flashes of fireworks and fireworks. The events take place all over the country and last for several days.
In honor of Buddha
The Vesak Festival is no less colorful event in the life of Singaporeans who practice Buddhism. It usually falls at the end of spring and its main features are paper lanterns on a light wooden frame and oil lamps placed around the temples.
During Wesak, numerous Buddhist rituals are performed, and residents bring food to the temples and walk around them three times in honor of the Buddha.
Chasing away evil spirits
The beginning of the Chinese New Year usually falls in February. This great Singapore holiday lasts for several days, and its program includes fireworks and festivities, parades and gala dinners, presenting gifts to family and friends, and nights full of explosions of firecrackers and firecrackers. Red envelopes are used as congratulatory messages.
