Racial Harmony Day Quiz

1. Diversity is sometimes likened to a bowl of salad: each ingredient retains its unique taste but together they create a rich medley. What is this Singaporean salad called?

Yong Tau Foo

Rojak

Raffles' Salad

Rojak, which means “wild mix” or “combination of ingredients” in Malay, is built on a vibrant assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, which may include pineapple, cucumber, sweet turnip, water spinach, green apple, beansprouts, water apple, green mango, guava, slivers of lime zest, and shredded ginger bud.

Explanation

Rojak, which means “wild mix” or “combination of ingredients” in Malay, is built on a vibrant assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, which may include pineapple, cucumber, sweet turnip, water spinach, green apple, beansprouts, water apple, green mango, guava, slivers of lime zest, and shredded ginger bud.

2. Besides food and drink, what else must Muslims abstain from when they are fasting?

Watching television

Smoking

Sleeping on soft mattresses

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and it is a time of spiritual reflection and worship. During fasting, sexual intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, and resistance of all temptations is encouraged. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity.

Explanation

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and it is a time of spiritual reflection and worship. During fasting, sexual intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, and resistance of all temptations is encouraged. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity.

3. What is Sepak Takraw?

A spicy Peranakan dish.

A dialect spoken by Eurasians in Singapore.

"Sepak" is the Malay word for kick and "takraw" is the Thai word for a woven ball, therefore sepak takraw quite literally means to kick ball. The choice of this name for the sport was essentially a compromise between Malaysia and Thailand, the two powerhouse countries of the sport.

Explanation

"Sepak" is the Malay word for kick and "takraw" is the Thai word for a woven ball, therefore sepak takraw quite literally means to kick ball. The choice of this name for the sport was essentially a compromise between Malaysia and Thailand, the two powerhouse countries of the sport.

4. Why do the Chinese eat tang yuan (glutinous rice balls) during the Yuan Xiao Festival (Lantern Festival)?

To symbolise ‘sweet reunion’ – harmony and unity

To symbolise prosperity

To invite good health

The first month of the Chinese calendar is called yuan month, and in ancient times people called night xiao; therefore, the day is called Yuan Xiao（元宵）Festival in mainland China and Taiwan.

There are many different beliefs about the origin of the Lantern Festival. However, it is likely to have had something to do with celebrating and cultivating positive relationships between people, families, nature and the higher beings that were believed to be responsible for bringing or returning the light each year.

Explanation

The first month of the Chinese calendar is called yuan month, and in ancient times people called night xiao; therefore, the day is called Yuan Xiao（元宵）Festival in mainland China and Taiwan.

There are many different beliefs about the origin of the Lantern Festival. However, it is likely to have had something to do with celebrating and cultivating positive relationships between people, families, nature and the higher beings that were believed to be responsible for bringing or returning the light each year.

5. Which of the following is not associated with Eurasians?

European and Asian intermarriages.

Kristang language – a Portuguese creole.

Sogee cake – a dense cake made with semolina (a type of wheat), much like European Sand cake.

Kuih tutu is widely believed to have originated from China's Fujian province in the 1930s, though the method of making kuih tutu and its ingredients seems to have been influenced by putu piring, which has its origins in South India’s idiyappam or putu mayam. The name of the cake is derived from the sound made by the charcoal-heated steamers that were used to cook these cakes in the past. Kuih tutu is best eaten warm.

Explanation

Kuih tutu is widely believed to have originated from China's Fujian province in the 1930s, though the method of making kuih tutu and its ingredients seems to have been influenced by putu piring, which has its origins in South India’s idiyappam or putu mayam. The name of the cake is derived from the sound made by the charcoal-heated steamers that were used to cook these cakes in the past. Kuih tutu is best eaten warm.

6. Which of the following is not etiquette to observe at places of worship in Singapore?

Remove footwear before entering mosques and temples.

Eating and drinking is usually prohibited.

Taking photos at religious sites is generally acceptable.

Permission must be obtained before taking photographs at religious venues, e.g. in churches, mosques and temples, and at religious events.

Explanation

Permission must be obtained before taking photographs at religious venues, e.g. in churches, mosques and temples, and at religious events.

7. Ever since 1997, schools across the island have celebrated Racial Harmony Day on 21 July each year. What is the purpose for this?

To nurture the spirit of friendship among different groups of people.

To celebrate Singapore’s success as a harmonious nation and society built on rich diversity.

To bring to the students a greater sense of the historical importance of Singapore.

Racial Harmony Day is part of the National Education Programme, headed by the Ministry of Education. It is celebrated on the anniversary of the communal riots that occurred on 21 July 1964.

Celebrations of Prophet Mohammad's Birthday at the Padang had turned riotous that day, incited by extremist communal leaders and influenced by the inflammatory language of the press. It registered the highest number of casualties in a local riot with 22 dead and 454 injured after five days of rioting between Malay and Chinese factions.

Explanation

Racial Harmony Day is part of the National Education Programme, headed by the Ministry of Education. It is celebrated on the anniversary of the communal riots that occurred on 21 July 1964.

Celebrations of Prophet Mohammad's Birthday at the Padang had turned riotous that day, incited by extremist communal leaders and influenced by the inflammatory language of the press. It registered the highest number of casualties in a local riot with 22 dead and 454 injured after five days of rioting between Malay and Chinese factions.

8. Which of the following is false?

Koreans consider it rude to cross your legs in front of elders.

In Chinese families, it is common that younger siblings cannot address older siblings by name.

During a Hindu wedding, the groom applies a red dot on the bride's forehead and red kumkum powder (made from turmeric or saffron) in the part of her hair as a symbol of his commitment to protect her in all circumstances. These are symbols of her marriage status. While applying the kumkum, he recites this mantra: "May this tilaka of sindura forever nourish your status and esteem, just as the orb of the early morning sun enhances the beauty and glory of the Eastern skies."

Explanation

During a Hindu wedding, the groom applies a red dot on the bride's forehead and red kumkum powder (made from turmeric or saffron) in the part of her hair as a symbol of his commitment to protect her in all circumstances. These are symbols of her marriage status. While applying the kumkum, he recites this mantra: "May this tilaka of sindura forever nourish your status and esteem, just as the orb of the early morning sun enhances the beauty and glory of the Eastern skies."