Living in a diverse city-state like Singapore, you get to celebrate and enjoy an array of festivals. While the festivities may be put on hold at the moment due to COVID-19, the significance of the celebrations do not disappear. So why not instead take this time to educate your little ones about the festivals celebrated in Singapore?
Here are the festivals celebrated in Singapore from April to June to help you out!
1. Earth Day
When: 22 Apr 2020
Source: PAP Community Foundation Â
Earth Day is celebrated annually on 22 Apr, not only in Singapore but around the world as well. It was first celebrated in 1970 in the United States to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Today, over 200 countries, including Singapore commemorate Earth Day by highlighting environmental issues and educating people on how they can do their part to be more eco-friendly.
2. Easter
When: 12 Apr 2020
Source: Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto/pixabay
Easter is a festival celebrated by Christians commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and it always falls on a Sunday. Popular during Easter is the Easter egg hunt where decorated eggs or egg-shaped chocolates of various sizes are hidden at various places for children to find and collect them in their basket. You’re probably aware of it but do you know the origins of the game?
Supposedly, back in the 16th century, people who believed in egg-laying hares encouraged children to build nests for the eggs to lay in as well as to search for the eggs. While it may or may not be true, it does make for an interesting tale to pass on to the little ones.
3. Vesak Day
When: 7 May 2020
Source: Singapore Tourism Board
Traditionally observed by Buddhists around the world, Vesak Day is for commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha. Vesak Day falls on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, which is usually in May.
If you head down to Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery on Bright Hill Road on Vesak Day, you’ll be able to catch a candlelight procession!
4. Mother’s Day
When: 10 May 2020
Source: Wesley Tingey/Unsplash
Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis, one of the founders of the Mother’s Day movements, wanted to set aside a day to honor all mothers for their hard work and sacrifices made for their children. As a result of her efforts, today we honor mothers and motherhood on Mother’s Day! While the day varies for different countries, in Singapore, it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.
5. Hari Raya Aidilfitri/Hari Raya Puasa
When: 24 May 2020
Source: Singapore Tourism Board
Ramadan, which is from 23 Apr to 23 May this year in the Gregorian calendar, is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and compassion for Muslims worldwide. Marking the end of Ramadan is the festival of Eid al-Fitr, also known as either Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa.Â
6. Father’s Day
When: 21 Jun 2020
Source: Picsea/Unsplash
Celebrated worldwide, Father’s Day is a day to celebrate fatherhood and honor paternal bonds. While in Singapore, it is celebrated on the same day as the US and UK—the third Sunday in June—it is celebrated on different days around the world.
7. Dragon Boat Festival
When: 25 Jun 2020
Source: DBS Marina Regatta
Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the Dragon Boat Festival, which includes boat races and eating zongzi (rice dumpling), is a tradition that goes back to Southern China. Stories of its origin varies, from a practice to worship the river dragon to the death of a revered poet and politician, Qu Yuan.
The story of Qu Yuan is best known. In the third century, Qu Yuan, a trusted minister, was banished due to political intrigue. As he watched his motherland fall, Qu Yuan, in his despair threw himself into the river. The people, who admired him, rowed out into the river in an attempt to save him and when that failed, they threw in balls of sticky rice in an attempt to lure the man-eating fish away from Qu Yuan’s body.
