To integrate into a country, one must fundamentally understand it. This is essential for better communication and understanding after immigrating to Singapore, and it is also a basic requirement for those visiting Singapore for short-term study. Below, we introduce some Chinese traditions!
Chinese people typically have two given names and one surname, with the surname placed before the given names. A woman is born with her father's surname and may or may not adopt her husband's surname after marriage. In the past, once a woman married, she was no longer considered part of her maiden family and was required to use her husband's surname. Due to increasing Western influence in Singapore, Chinese women can now choose their own surnames. Many women prefer to remain ambiguous and therefore choose the title "Ms." Today, there is also a custom where married women can choose a double surname. Usually, they place their father's surname before their husband's, but sometimes this order seems to be reversed, which may be related to the pronunciation of their names.
Nowadays, some Singaporeans also use Western names. These names are usually chosen by their parents at birth, especially if the parents are Christian. Of course, some people choose Western names for themselves when they grow up, without any particular reason.
A person can also have both a Chinese name and a Western name. In many Chinese families, all sons share one character in their names, and all daughters share another, although this custom is gradually falling out of use.
Singaporean Chinese wear Western-style clothing daily. The traditional Chinese dress, the "cheongsam," is only worn on special occasions such as weddings or the Lunar New Year.
