Nov 12, 2005
Christmas and God of Fortune don't mix
I REFER to the article, 'It's beginning to look a lot like
Christmas' (ST, Nov 10). I beg to differ - it looks more like
Chinese New Year.
God of Fortune's hat (for that is what it looks like, sitting on
top of the 'Season's Greetings' banner) does not have any place in
the celebration of Christmas, local flavour or not.
I can understand that, as in past years, the Orchard Road Christmas
decorations have been designed to be re-used, with modifications,
come Chinese New Year but I think this year's have stretched things
a little too far.
I would be a little embarrassed to invite visitors to celebrate
Christmas if it is the God of Fortune welcoming them at the
entrance to Orchard Road.
It is too late to delay the light-up, but I still believe a little
cultural and religious sensitivity is in order. I urge the
organisers to replace the hat with some other decoration
appropriate to Christmas. The hat can still be used when Chinese
New Year comes around three months later. Please don't get me wrong
- I am Chinese, I celebrate Chinese New Year. Just not during
Christmas.
Benjamin Leong Sieu-Hon (Dr)
