Significance of Traditional Chinese Pastries to Singaporeans
How much do Singaporeans really know about traditional Chinese pastries? In a rapidly changing world, Chinese pastries have evolved and its history is slowly disappearing. The emphasis has shifted. It is no longer about the history behind the pastries but on modern-day fusions.
PHOTO: Picture of Gin Thye's Kitchen, one of the oldest Chinese pastry shops in Singapore.
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Pastries in Chinese Culture
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Popular Chinese pastries and the meaning behind them
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The focus is no longer on traditional heritage
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What will make Singaporeans interested again?
Traditional Chinese pastries play an important role in Chinese culture. Though Singaporean Chinese still consume the pastries, many of them are neglecting its heritage. They are becoming less aware of its rich history.
Chinese pastries originated from a long time ago. Not only are they made for consumption, but they are also symbolic of special occasions. Some are consumed during festive seasons, while others are used for rituals. Thus, the different pastries remain an indispensable part of the Chinese lifestyle.
Pastries in Chinese Culture
Up till today, many Chinese still incorporate traditional Chinese wedding traditions into their modernised wedding procedures. They conduct rituals like Guo Da Li (过大礼). During this ritual, the groom sends betrothal gifts to the bride and her family as an appreciation. As part of the gifts, pastries known as Xi Bing (喜饼) are given.
What’s interesting is that the pastries presented vary, depending on the bride’s dialect group. Each pastry also represents a different meaning. For instance, the Teochew would get the sweet Tau Sar Piah because this symbolises a perfect (圆圆满满), sweet and blissful marriage (甜甜蜜蜜).
PHOTO: Guo Da Li Baskets sold at Gin Thye.
PHOTO: Pastries options at Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries.
Popular Chinese pastries and the meaning behind them
While there is a greater variety of Chinese pastries now, each pastry still has its own meaning. Mooncakes, for example, are one of the most popular Chinese pastries. It is traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival as a form of appreciation to the moon. Likewise, the Chinese Prosperity Cake has its own meaning too. These cakes are eaten during the Chinese New Year. It is believed that whoever eats the cake will be blessed with a prosperous year ahead.
PHOTO: A picture of a mini Chinese Prosperity Cake.
It is not only meaningful for the Chinese to be aware of the meanings and history of the pastries they eat, but it is also an interesting topic for people of other races as well.
Unfortunately, a large majority of youths in Singapore do not understand what traditional Chinese pastries represent. Rui Ping, who is in her early 30s said she “know the story of some common ones”. She added, “I know that the Chang’e story is about mooncakes, but I don’t know the history.” If this is the case for such a popular pastry, how many youths will know the meaning behind the less popular ones like the wife’s biscuit?
The focus is no longer on traditional heritage
Today, these traditions are no longer a priority to most young Singaporeans. Rui Ping explained that because Singapore is a modernised country, people are being influenced by other cultures, and that dilutes the Singaporean culture. They are more interested in economic development rather than traditions that, according to her, “will not make a difference in society”. She believes that people have “more important things to learn.''
This mindset has to be corrected. Schools can be seen to promote cultural education, but more can be done. In some schools, only a small portion of the timetable is allocated to teach students about their own cultural practices. In others, it is only during the festive seasons when schools will incorporate cultural learning into their lessons.
“My school has an Appreciation of Chinese Culture lesson, but no one listens in class,” said Nathan Tan, a Secondary 2 student. These classes are held to educate students on their heritage. For instance, they had lessons on the proper ways to drink Chinese tea and eat Chinese pastries. They were also taught on the significance of the Chinese culture. Nathan acknowledged the importance of understanding the history of traditional Chinese pastries. Even so, he “does not take the initiative to find out more”.
Ms Leong Chin Yee who is in her 50s mentioned that Singaporeans should know about the culture as this is the Chinese “legacy”. However, the older generation doesn’t always pass down this knowledge to the younger ones. “I tried. But they don’t care so I share only if they are interested,” Ms Leong admitted.
What will make Singaporeans interested again?
It is crucial to change the mindset of the younger generation. Learning about such traditions should come across as enriching. Grace Lim, an 18-year-old, mentioned that she would not mind listening to the salesperson share about the story of the pastry when purchasing it. However, if she has to take a lesson about it, she said, “I don’t think I will want that”.
It all boils down to how the stories are delivered to them. Grace suggested delivering these historical stories in the form of a bedtime story.
PHOTO: Staff serving a customer at Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries.
PHOTO: Gin Thye at Sembawang.
It is important for the younger generations to know about the traditions of Chinese pastries. As long as there are traditional festival celebrations, there will be traditional Chinese pastries. They can never be displaced. Therefore, it is time for Singaporeans, young and old, to take this seriously and learn about the meaning and history of the traditional Chinese pastries.
So, will you start learning about traditional Chinese pastries or will you let the traditions die off?