Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Deepavali
Deepavali is also known as the Festival of Lights. Northern Indians call this festival 'Diwali', South Indians Hindus celebrate Deepavali at dawn. When the whole family wakes up before sunrise for a ritualistic bath. During Deepavali, the entrance to Hindus' homes is decorated with fresh mango leaves and kolams(Indian floor art). Preparations for Deepavali starts usually at least 2-3 weeks before the festival.
Deepavali is also known as the Festival of Lights. Northern Indians call this festival 'Diwali', South Indians Hindus celebrate Deepavali at dawn. When the whole family wakes up before sunrise for a ritualistic bath. During Deepavali, the entrance to Hindus' homes is decorated with fresh mango leaves and kolams(Indian floor art). Preparations for Deepavali starts usually at least 2-3 weeks before the festival.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Hari Raya Puasa
Ramadan is the name of the one-monthfasting period when muslims fast for almost twelve hours. They fast from dawn till sunset. Muslims are expected to avoid lying, breaking promises or cheating during the month of Ramadan. The primary purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to remind all muslims of self control and submitting to Allah, the holy one. Even young kids are taught to fast when they are young. Hari Raya preparations can be seen at least one month before the festival. The time when the muslims break the fast is usually around 7.15 pm.Celebration for Hari Raya Puasa starts at least one-month ahead. After fulfilling their one month of fasting,the muslims would be joyful to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa. On the morning of the festival, the muslims would wear their new clothes and go to the mosque to pray. They offer their thanks to God and after that, they would ask for forgivenessfrom their elders. This is an important custom followed by the muslims. Some favourite dishes that can be found in muslim's houses on this special occasion ketupat, longtong, nasi pading and beef rendang. The money packets are usually green in colour and children often look forward to getting those money tokens on Hari Raya Puasa. Hari raya Haji is known as the Festival of Sacrifice. On this day, muslims worldwide sacrifice sheeps, cows or camels for the sake of religion and community. This sacrificial slaughtering is usually after the Hari Raya Haji congreagtional prayers.
Huzefa's experience:
I fast in Ramadan and the best part is when i break my fast. My relatives and i go to Geylangerai to buy new clothes abd food. The food over there is very yummy. They sell curry puffs, noodles, curry, breads, buns. otah-otah, cakes, kuehs,tarts, chocolates and many ther traditional malay food. I had a lot of fun last year and hope I will have fun again next coming Hari Raya.
Ramadan is the name of the one-monthfasting period when muslims fast for almost twelve hours. They fast from dawn till sunset. Muslims are expected to avoid lying, breaking promises or cheating during the month of Ramadan. The primary purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to remind all muslims of self control and submitting to Allah, the holy one. Even young kids are taught to fast when they are young. Hari Raya preparations can be seen at least one month before the festival. The time when the muslims break the fast is usually around 7.15 pm.Celebration for Hari Raya Puasa starts at least one-month ahead. After fulfilling their one month of fasting,the muslims would be joyful to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa. On the morning of the festival, the muslims would wear their new clothes and go to the mosque to pray. They offer their thanks to God and after that, they would ask for forgivenessfrom their elders. This is an important custom followed by the muslims. Some favourite dishes that can be found in muslim's houses on this special occasion ketupat, longtong, nasi pading and beef rendang. The money packets are usually green in colour and children often look forward to getting those money tokens on Hari Raya Puasa. Hari raya Haji is known as the Festival of Sacrifice. On this day, muslims worldwide sacrifice sheeps, cows or camels for the sake of religion and community. This sacrificial slaughtering is usually after the Hari Raya Haji congreagtional prayers.
Huzefa's experience:
I fast in Ramadan and the best part is when i break my fast. My relatives and i go to Geylangerai to buy new clothes abd food. The food over there is very yummy. They sell curry puffs, noodles, curry, breads, buns. otah-otah, cakes, kuehs,tarts, chocolates and many ther traditional malay food. I had a lot of fun last year and hope I will have fun again next coming Hari Raya.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Christmas
Personal experience of Vincent
I celebrate most of my Christmas parties at Phillipines, because i like to celebrate it with my three dogs. I also have a lot of friends, uncles and aunts so i would receive loads of presents! But it's also fun to celebrate in Singapore. In Singapore, during Christmas, i go and i see giant Christmas trees, people wearing costumes and really bright decorations everywhere. And there's always a sale for toys and cloths. I find Christmas very fun! :)
Huzefa:
I go to Orchard Road every Christmas with my family, relatives and friends. I walk around Orchard Road and buy light sticks and wear them exuberantly. I eat dinner and there are many people dressed as Santa Claus and everyone candy. I am always very excited when Christmas is around the corner.
When do we celebrate Christmas and why?
Every year, Christmas is celebrated all over the world on 25th December.
It marks the birthday of Jesus Christ and is celebrated by Christians all over the world. The day also marks theahset of the larger season of Christmastide, which is of twelve days duration.
Christmas Eve
On the Christmas Eve, churches around the world hold evening services.
At midnight, many Catholic and Protestant Churches hold special candle light services.
Exchange of gifts
Christians traditionally exchange gifts as a reminder of God's giftd of a saviour to humankind.Gift giving also recalls an ancient Roman Custom of exchanging gifts to bring good fortune for the new year.
In Singapore, despite having a multiracial identity, all the Singaporeans join hands and celebrate Christmas with the same enthusiasm and vigor as they celebrate their own cultural festival.
The streets in Singapore are lighted up and beautifully decorated that holds on to the festive spirit in Singapore's Christmas. Modern customs of Christmas includes decorating your house with a Christmas tree, streamers and different coloured lights.
I celebrate most of my Christmas parties at Phillipines, because i like to celebrate it with my three dogs. I also have a lot of friends, uncles and aunts so i would receive loads of presents! But it's also fun to celebrate in Singapore. In Singapore, during Christmas, i go and i see giant Christmas trees, people wearing costumes and really bright decorations everywhere. And there's always a sale for toys and cloths. I find Christmas very fun! :)
Huzefa:
I go to Orchard Road every Christmas with my family, relatives and friends. I walk around Orchard Road and buy light sticks and wear them exuberantly. I eat dinner and there are many people dressed as Santa Claus and everyone candy. I am always very excited when Christmas is around the corner.
When do we celebrate Christmas and why?
Every year, Christmas is celebrated all over the world on 25th December.
It marks the birthday of Jesus Christ and is celebrated by Christians all over the world. The day also marks theahset of the larger season of Christmastide, which is of twelve days duration.
Christmas Eve
On the Christmas Eve, churches around the world hold evening services.
At midnight, many Catholic and Protestant Churches hold special candle light services.
Exchange of gifts
Christians traditionally exchange gifts as a reminder of God's giftd of a saviour to humankind.Gift giving also recalls an ancient Roman Custom of exchanging gifts to bring good fortune for the new year.
In Singapore, despite having a multiracial identity, all the Singaporeans join hands and celebrate Christmas with the same enthusiasm and vigor as they celebrate their own cultural festival.
The streets in Singapore are lighted up and beautifully decorated that holds on to the festive spirit in Singapore's Christmas. Modern customs of Christmas includes decorating your house with a Christmas tree, streamers and different coloured lights.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Chinese New Year Experience
Theen Cheng's experience:
I bought lots of new clothing for Chinese New Year and visited many of my relatives.
I wished them with auspicious words and gave them mandarin oranges.I also saw many people wearing unique clothing like the Cheong Sam.I saw many lion dancers during my visits and they used instruments like drums.It was noisy but they performed brilliantly.They wore glittering clothing and danced fabulously.I received a lot of red packets and i had a wonderful time during Chinese New Year.
I bought lots of new clothing for Chinese New Year and visited many of my relatives.
I wished them with auspicious words and gave them mandarin oranges.I also saw many people wearing unique clothing like the Cheong Sam.I saw many lion dancers during my visits and they used instruments like drums.It was noisy but they performed brilliantly.They wore glittering clothing and danced fabulously.I received a lot of red packets and i had a wonderful time during Chinese New Year.
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