Chingay Reflection- Sarah

The purpose of the Chingay Parade was for spectators from all walks of life and from different races to understand more about different cultures from Singapore, and also in order for Singapore to reach 100 years old, we have to work together as one Singapore. I came to that conclusion after seeing the performance put up by the PAYM as well as the performance put up by people of different races.

During the PAYM performance, I saw many people of different races, in the same costume, working together to put up the performance. This allowed me to understand that as a multi-racial society, we have to put our differences apart and work together.

In addition, during the performance put up by people of different races such as Chinese, Malay and Indian, I learnt a lot more about their traditional music and costumes. When the Chinese performed, there were lion and dragon dancers. I also saw the Chinese performers carrying dragons with firecrackers. These are Chinese traditions that the Chinese do during Chinese New Year. I got to learn more about the Malay culture because their performance showcased their traditional Malay costumes, as well as traditional Malay instruments such as the Kompang.

Last time, Chingay was supposed to compensate for the ban on firecrackers which is a customary New Year practice for the Chinese to drive away evil spirits. Thus, most of the Chinese performances such as dragon and lion dances, martial arts were showcased. However, now, the Chingay not only comprises of Chinese performances, but also includes Malay, Indian and Eurasian performances.

I think that the organizers of Chingay parade 2016 have successfully fulfilled the purpose of celebrating racial harmony in Singapore and allowed the audience to understand that "Because we are different, we are one." Because the floats showcased during the Chingay parade consisted of floats depicting different cultures in Singapore. There was also a float which had the words “Because we are different, we are one." After reading those words, I realised that in order for Singapore to reach 100 years old, all Singaporeans, no matter what race or religion have to work together to achieve that one goal.