Intangible Cultural Heritage Share this page Facebook Twitter Email You are here: Home Learn Resources Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage Intangible Cultural Heritage ICH Categories ICH Categories Oral Traditions and Expressions Performing Arts Social Practices, Rituals and Festive Events Knowledge and Practices concerning Nature and Universe Traditional Craftsmanship Food Heritage Upcoming Elements Social Practices, Rituals and Festive Events 38 results found. Order by Default Name (A to Z) Chinese New Year One of the most important festivals for Chinese communities, Chinese New Year encompasses a vibrant and diverse range of practices and traditions. Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar and falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. The celebrations last for 15 days, and reinforce cultural values such as family harmony, social relations and securing good fortune for the coming year. It is time for visiting family and friends, with the ritual exchange of traditional gifts of money and symbolic foods. There are different myths surrounding the origins of the festival, one being an ancient sacrificial rite called la ji (腊祭) held to give thanks to the gods and pray for more plentiful harvests ahead, and another being the legend of nian (年), a mythical beast that was driven away by loud noises and bright red colours that is characteristic of the festival. Chinese Weddings Chinese weddings are traditionally elaborate affairs, comprising numerous ceremonies and rituals that are rich in meaning and symbolism. Many of the customs embody blessings for a happy marriage and for bearing children. They also help to reinforce the ethnic identity of the participants, especially that of dialect groups since each group has its distinct wedding practices. Christmas Christmas marks an important cultural and religious time of year for Christians. It is a time to gather with friends and family, eat seasonal foods, and celebrate a holiday with spiritual significance. Easter Easter is a festival observed by Christians worldwide. It is an event of celebration, focusing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the lead-up to Easter, some Christians observe Lent, a 40-day period that involves prayers and fasting. Dragon Dance The dragon dance consists of a group of performers wielding a dragon prop mounted on poles to the rhythm of resounding drum beats. Duan Wu Festival Duan Wu Festival (端午节), also referred to as the “Dragon Boat Festival”, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Hari Raya Haji Hari Raya Haji, also known as Aidiladha and alternatively spelt as Eid al-Adha or Eid Adha (Great Day of Sacrifice), is a festival observed by Muslims. Eurasian Weddings Eurasian weddings are celebrated by members of the Eurasian community. Many Singapore Eurasians practise the Catholic faith, and the wedding rites for Eurasian couples are performed by the church. Hari Raya Puasa Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or day of Eid-Al-Fitr, is a major festival marking the end of Ramadan and celebrated by Muslims all over the world, including in Singapore. The Nine Emperor Gods Festival The Nine Emperor Gods Festival (九皇爷诞) is an important religious event in the Chinese lunar calendar in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. 1 2 3 4 Next