March 30, 2026 – Singapore

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Singapore.

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE
The surprising superstitions of the Lion City
Superstitions are like culinary specialties: every part of the world has its own, and discovering those of new
countries is always an experience, if not tasty, then at least fun.

Singapore is no exception to the rule in South-East Asia that gives pride of place to the supernatural,
and offers some surprising sparks of superstition that you can observe with a smile or take home with you,
should they bring you luck… You never know.

Let’s start with a belief that will please the cheapskates: in Singapore, you don’t gift watches or shoes.
Watches symbolize the end, and ‘giving a clock’ in Mandarin sounds very similar to ‘attending a funeral’.
To avoid bringing death, no watches or clocks are given. For shoes, the same battle: shoe is pronounced
the same way as evil in Mandarin. So it’s in very bad taste to give shoes. Two beliefs that can save a lot of
money…

Also forbidden: cutting your nails after dark. In Singapore, it is believed that this practice attracts angry
spirits who could bring misfortune on the house and its inhabitants. Never point at the moon either,
especially if it is full. The risk? Finding yourself with the tips of your ears cut off in your sleep. Also to be
avoided: whistling at night. This practice, which is harmless everywhere else, seems to please ghosts in
this part of the world. While at night, you could end up with a string of not always benevolent ghosts
hanging around your neck. Fortunately, the best way to deal with this is to wash your feet and face as soon
as you get home, so as to ward off the wandering spirits.

Another rule of the Lion City, which is also found in Vietnam, is that you don’t take photos of three people.
Two, yes. Four, yes, but three, no. It’s bad luck for the person in the middle to be the first to die.
Finally, let’s finish with a rather amusing and intriguing superstition involving new owners, a new flat or
house, and a pineapple. For good fortune to fall upon a new house and its owners or occupants, when they
first enter their new home, they must knock on the door three times and shout ‘huat ah’ (good luck) as
they roll a pineapple around. Derived from Feng Shui, this practice is said to purify the premises. The story
doesn’t say, however, whether a tin of pineapples will do the trick.

Excursion – Singapore On Your Own Exploration

Silversea World Cruise Event – Taste of Sea And Land Tasting – Red Star Restaurant in Singapore.

Red Star Restaurat is a Singapore institution with a legacy reaching back to 1974. Its decor recalls the dining rooms of the ’60s and’70s, creating a nostalgic atmosphere beloved by locals. Known for the traditional Cantonese cuisine and one of the last remaining dim sum trolley services in Singapore, the restaurant revals a rare glimpse into the city’s culinary past.

Founded by four legendary chefs known collectively as the Heavenly Kings of Singapore cuisine, Red Star preserves the style, geneerosuty, and flowvor of classic Cantonese dining. The dishes reflect the deep-rooted tradistion and craftmanship that remain central to its enduring charm.