Local Customs and Traditions
Singapore is popular because of the way it has economically evolved and progressed and at the same time preserved its age-oldtraditions and customs. Though it appears extremely modern and polished from the outside, thelocal customs and traditionsin Singapore are still dominant there, kept alive by the older generations. Owing to the presence of diverse religions and ethnicities such as the Indians, the Malays and the Muslims, there is a kaleidoscope of diverselocal customs and traditionsin Singapore.
Some of the local customs and traditions in Singapore are like to always present the business card with both hands and not have the card in black, which is an inauspicious colour for the Chinese people.The custom in Singaporeis generally not to adapt to handshakes as greetings, but other forms such as bowing, salaaming, saluting etc. Another popular custom in Singapore is that the people here enter barefoot inside their homes and shoes are removed outside as a sign of respect. There are many otherlocal customs and traditionsin Singapore that vary from religion to religion.
The different religions in Singapore respect the traditions and customs of each other and thus contribute to the stability of the multi cultural society of Singapore.
Etiquette in Singapore
An enthralling blend of different cultures, religions and traditions characterizes the society in Singapore, which presents a potpourri tradition and customs. If you are on a visit to this lovely place in South East Asia, you should habituate yourself with the most common etiquettes in Singapore. AsiaRooms.com presents a clear idea about the most popular etiquettes of Singapore. These are:
- While making introductions and during formal meetings, the title or the family name should be used. Different cultures in Singapore have different etiquettes to follow.
- The Chinese people use their family names first which is followed by the personal names. The Malays do not use the family names while Indians use the personal names first followed by the family name.
- Like the Western society, the Singaporeans do not generally use physical contact while greeting someone of the opposite sex such as kissing or hugging.
- In spite of being a multilingual society the Singaporeans generally use Mandarin Chinese language though English is used in official meetings.
Some other etiquette in Singapore that should generally be kept in mind are-
- Singaporeans consider head to be the home of the soul and thus head should not be touched.
- One shall never touch anything with their feet and while sitting cross-legged the sole of the foot shouldn't be pointed at.
- One should be aware of the local laws and fines that are there in Singapore for spitting, littering etc.
- The Muslims who constitute a major population of the Malays follow certain specific etiquettes in Singapore, which should be kept in mind.
It is always better to acquaint yourself with the distinct culture and tradition of the places you visit.