I really enjoyed the 21st of July when I was in St.Anthony’s Convent (my secondary school / high school). My friends and I always looked forward for that date because we get to flaunt our hidden (or forgotten) traditional faces. 21st July, was Racial Harmony day in Singapore.
The Unity of Diversity
Racial Harmony Day is celebrated annually, by school children, to commemorate the communal riots that occurred in 1964. The Ministry of Education first launched it in 1997 as part of its National Education programme. And, on that day children are encouraged to dress in their traditional clothing.
I would say that Racial Harmony Day is the most meaningful celebration in Singapore, because it reminds us of the most valuable asset we’ve got. It shows a glimpse of the past where different people merged as one nation. That is definitely extraordinary and I think we should be louder and wider in our celebrations. Racial Harmony Day should step out of the school compound and enter the corporate world. Just for a day, I would like to see the road filled with people rushing to work wearing Cheongsam , Punjabi suits and Baju Kurong.
Although Racial Harmony Day began with the objective of displaying our unity, I think, it actually reminds us about our diversity. For most of us, it is the day we remember our forgotten background. Therefore, it is a pity that we are not doing much about it.
Back in St.Anthony’s:
The week before Racial Harmony day, all the cultural groups get busy planning to set up booths where they display traditional items such as food and games. And, the day before we get busy planning what to wear! Most of us like cross-dressing, so my Chinese friend dresses up in my Indian clothes and I would dress up in some Chinese clothes. Being a vibrant girls’ school, we did not stop there. We adorned traditional accessories to give the day a sparkle.
The morning of the day was messy, noisy and filled with enthusiasm. We all came early (even though classes started late). We began dressing each other up and I was very busy. I went to almost every classroom to tie Sarees (not that I was good, but I guess I was one of the few who knew how to), while my friends surrounded me asking 101 questions about Sarees. And, you see, we were having fun learning about cultural differences.
The day went on with a lot more learning and fun. I made sure I visited all the booths and tasted every food item I was allowed to. And, my close friends and I went out to the mall (yes wearing our ethnic dresses) to have ice cream at McDonald’s in Bedok Interchange.
So, there you go, a snapshot of Racial Harmony Day in Singapore; the way it should be.
Note to self: Look for photographs of celebrations in St.Anthony's.
The Unity of Diversity
Racial Harmony Day is celebrated annually, by school children, to commemorate the communal riots that occurred in 1964. The Ministry of Education first launched it in 1997 as part of its National Education programme. And, on that day children are encouraged to dress in their traditional clothing.
I would say that Racial Harmony Day is the most meaningful celebration in Singapore, because it reminds us of the most valuable asset we’ve got. It shows a glimpse of the past where different people merged as one nation. That is definitely extraordinary and I think we should be louder and wider in our celebrations. Racial Harmony Day should step out of the school compound and enter the corporate world. Just for a day, I would like to see the road filled with people rushing to work wearing Cheongsam , Punjabi suits and Baju Kurong.
Although Racial Harmony Day began with the objective of displaying our unity, I think, it actually reminds us about our diversity. For most of us, it is the day we remember our forgotten background. Therefore, it is a pity that we are not doing much about it.
Back in St.Anthony’s:
The week before Racial Harmony day, all the cultural groups get busy planning to set up booths where they display traditional items such as food and games. And, the day before we get busy planning what to wear! Most of us like cross-dressing, so my Chinese friend dresses up in my Indian clothes and I would dress up in some Chinese clothes. Being a vibrant girls’ school, we did not stop there. We adorned traditional accessories to give the day a sparkle.
The morning of the day was messy, noisy and filled with enthusiasm. We all came early (even though classes started late). We began dressing each other up and I was very busy. I went to almost every classroom to tie Sarees (not that I was good, but I guess I was one of the few who knew how to), while my friends surrounded me asking 101 questions about Sarees. And, you see, we were having fun learning about cultural differences.
The day went on with a lot more learning and fun. I made sure I visited all the booths and tasted every food item I was allowed to. And, my close friends and I went out to the mall (yes wearing our ethnic dresses) to have ice cream at McDonald’s in Bedok Interchange.
So, there you go, a snapshot of Racial Harmony Day in Singapore; the way it should be.
Note to self: Look for photographs of celebrations in St.Anthony's.
