Singapore is a multi-ethnic country: Chinese, Malays, Tamil and Bengali, English and Thais, Arabs and Jews, and many other ethnic groups live here (there are also several ethnic districts - Chinatown , Arab Quarter and Little India ). It is understood that each of the nationalities contributed to the cultural traditions of Singapore. Both national and religious traditions and customs of Singapore remain with trembling, despite the fact that more than half the population of the island is under 25 years old.
With all this religious and ethnic diversity, Singaporeans consider themselves to be a single nation, and some of the traditions do not have "national roots", but are a sign of Singapore as a state. One of such traditions is the habit of purity: here it is cultivated! An attempt to throw away garbage in an unauthorized place is severely punished - for the first time a serious fine, in the second - even a prison term. But it's not just punishment: everywhere here, even in the shopping arcade, the cleanliness is as if everyone washed it with a detergent, not so long ago, and there were no buyers at all!
In general, it is customary to observe the laws here , and although the Singaporeans themselves chuckle at some of them (this is displayed even on T-shirts and other souvenirs), no one will ever come to the car without fastening, cross the road to a red light or eat in not intended for this place. Maybe these facts can not be attributed to cultural traditions, but they unequivocally refer to the traditions that form the culture.
For the holidays - new outfits!
On holidays it is customary to wear beautiful clothes, in which there must be a red color, which is a symbol of the country. Many residents of the country sew themselves festive clothes themselves - this allows you to be sure that there will not be any more in this outfit on the holiday! And this despite the fact that brand clothing is very popular in Singapore (real, not counterfeit) - on Orchard Road there are a lot of boutiques with products of world famous brands, and there are also several large outlets where you can buy high-quality original things.
Traditions when eating
In the country there are a lot of both inexpensive establishments and chic restaurants , which are considered almost the best in Asia. Not surprisingly, the food here is also cultivated, and there are also cultural traditions: in Singapore you can eat with chopsticks or traditional European cutlery, but it is advisable to use only the right hand (for the Indians and Malays the left hand is considered impure); if you used sticks, put them on either a stand or on a table, but in any case, do not leave on a plate and the more so - do not stick into food.
We go on a visit: we take off our shoes and give presents
Before the temple, as well as in front of the entrance to the private house, you have to take off your shoes. Guests are invited to go with gifts, best of all - with small national souvenirs. For gift wrapping, red, green or yellow paper should be used - these colors are considered favorable for all ethnic groups. But flowers are best not to give: perhaps for the ethnic group to which the person refers, these flowers symbolize a funeral or something else, no less unpleasant.
Sticking and cutting objects can not be given - for Singaporeans it is a hint of a desire to break all relations. The Chinese are not given watches, handkerchiefs and sandals - this is for them accessories of death, and Indians and Malays are not presented with alcohol and leather products.
Present a gift (and any other object, including a business card) with both hands, accompanying the presentation with a slight bow.
If you received a gift, you must take it with both hands, bow slightly, unfold, admire and thank. A handed card - read.
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