Religion & Festivals
With their European heritage, most Eurasians are established from the Roman Catholic faith. Traditional Christian festivals such as Lent, Easter Sunday and Christmas are observed.
Lent
Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline in preparation for Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. The last week of Lent is referred to as Holy Week and it commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save his people from sin and give them salvation. It is a solemn time of reflection and sacrifice.
Easter Sunday
Easter is a religious festival celebrated by Eurasians and marks the end of Lent. Easter is preceded by a series of rituals observed during Lent. On Palm Sunday, the week before Easter, palm leaves are distributed to members of the congregation and include a procession of the worshippers carrying palms. It commemorates the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem.
The Easter bunny is a symbol of fertility. Colourful eggs (chocolates in the shape of an egg) are a common sight as eggs symbolize new life and rebirth.
Christmas
Christmas is a favourite festival for many Eurasians, especially children. It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a time of giving. Eurasian families usually celebrate Christmas by attending midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, or on Christmas Day. It is a time for family and friends to get together for a joyous meal and is marked by colourful Christmas decorations, carols, gifts and Santa Claus.
Weddings
Unlike some other cultures, Eurasians were not traditionally matchmade, and young people were encouraged to select their own spouses. Nevertheless, the groom might prepare a letter requesting the permission of the bride’s family. Wedding notices would be posted three weeks in advance after the engagement. As most Singapore Eurasians are Catholics, wedding rites would be performed based on the ceremonies practiced by the church. Eurasians would send off the newly-weds with showers of confetti as they drove away in their wedding car with cans and bottles tied to the bumper, for good luck and attention to the newly-wed couple.
Celebrations
Eurasians love a good party as much as everyone else. Be it birthdays, anniversaries, housewarming, Christmas, or New Year, they believe in celebrating with family and friends.