Intangible Cultural Heritage
The inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) includes traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants. There are six Intangible Cultural Heritage categories.
Learn more about Intangible Cultural Heritage
Highlights
Passover, and Associated Jewish Practices and Rituals
Known as Pesach in Hebrew, the Passover is one of the most important festivals of the Jewish community. An annual Jewish tradition, the Passover commemorates the end of Jewish slavery in ancient Egypt, as narrated in the Book of Exodus in the Torah.
The Nineteen Day Feast and the Bahá’í Community Life
The Bahá’í community traces the origin of their faith to Bahá’u’lláh (1817–1892), whom they regard as the most recent Messenger of God. A key tenet of the Bahá’í Faith is the unity of mankind and its fundamental principles consist of the belief in the oneness of God, the oneness of humankind and the oneness of religion.
Zapin
Upbeat and expressive, zapin is one of the most popular dance and musical forms in traditional Malay performing arts. Elegant dance movements are choreographed to the lively melodies, which are performed using musical instruments such as the gambus (short-necked lute), accordion and rebana.
Making of Chinese Paper Offerings
The practice of burning of Chinese paper offerings dates as far back as the Song Dynasty in China. Paper offerings are burnt for the deceased and deities particularly during occasions such as the Hungry Ghost Festival.
Making of Flower Garlands
Flowers play a central role in Hindu religious and cultural practices, and significant life events. Whether in temples or at home, flower garlands are frequently used in worship, which is also known as puja (“worship” in Sanskrit).
Making of Chinese Signboards
Traditionally, signboards are hung above the entrances and doors of Chinese temples, clan associations, businesses, schools and even private homes. Usually made with wooden boards, these plaques are either carved or painted with beautiful calligraphic characters that indicate the name and use of the building or space.
Making and Repairing of Malay Drums
Malay drums play a vital role in the various types of Malay performing arts and traditional music performances.
Kway Chap
Kway chap 粿汁 is a dish of Teochew origin and was introduced to Singapore by early migrants from the Chaoshan region in China.
Yusheng and Lo Hei
Lo hei 捞起 (Cantonese for ‘tossing up’) refers to the communal tossing of yusheng 鱼生, a dish comprising fish slices, vegetables, spices and condiments.