New Year reflections on being Chinese in Singapore
Huaren, huaqiao, huazu or even tng lang - there are many ways of defining ethnic Chinese. Even festive foods hold layers of meaning in terms of identity and cultural ties.
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Chinese New Year decorations hanging over South Bridge Road in Singapore’s Chinatown last month.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Paul Tan
As Chinese people all over the world mark the new lunar Year of the Tiger, it is timely to reflect on what it means to be Chinese in Singapore.
What does it mean for Chinese Singaporeans to observe a calendar and shared cultural practices that go back millennia?