From Birth Charts to Lucky Colours: How Astrology Has Changed Its Role in Singapore Chinese Society

As the Lunar New Year approaches, social media feeds in Singapore once again fill with familiar posts: lucky colours for each zodiac sign, auspicious numbers to use or avoid, and warnings about “clashing” animal years. The advice often differs from one self-proclaimed fortune specialist to another, yet it continues to attract attention and followers.

In a society widely regarded as pragmatic and institution-driven, the persistence of such astrological content raises questions about the role it continues to play in contemporary Singapore.

In a society widely regarded as pragmatic and institution-driven, does the astrological content still play a role in contemporary Singapore?

 

A shift from decision-making to symbolism

Astrology was once more than casual superstition within the local Chinese community. In the mid-20th century, when Singapore was still largely an immigrant society, practices such as matching birth charts for marriage, selecting auspicious wedding dates or timing childbirth were taken seriously.

Traditional astrology relied on bazi (八字), or the “eight characters” derived from a person’s year, month, day and hour of birth. These calculations were believed to assess compatibility, health risks and long-term fortune, and they often influenced major family decisions.

As Singapore developed robust public housing, healthcare and education systems, life outcomes became less dependent on fate and more shaped by institutional structures. Rising living costs and changing social priorities also reduced the practical influence of astrology. The once-notable preference for dragon-year births, for example, has weakened over time. Gradually, astrology receded from the centre of decision-making.

 

Why zodiac signs replaced birth charts

Zodiac signs, based solely on birth year, became more prominent and significantly lowered the barrier to participation. They require less personal information than detailed birth charts and are less likely to produce conclusions perceived as restrictive or socially uncomfortable.

This simplification allowed astrology to remain socially acceptable, particularly within families where older generations wished to preserve tradition while younger members resisted rigid interpretations.

 

The rise of lucky colours and numbers

In recent years, zodiac-based advice has evolved further into recommendations about lucky colours and numbers. These interpretations, however, often vary widely between sources. Zodiac signs alone were never designed to function as a complete astrological system. While classical texts describe elements, directions and cycles, they provide no definitive rules linking specific colours or numbers to individual zodiac animals.

As a result, modern interpretations are often constructed rather than derived, shaped by content trends and audience expectations. In the social media age, difference often drives visibility more than consistency.

Zodiac signboards on Waterloo Street: In recent years, zodiac-based advice has evolved further into recommendations about lucky colours and numbers. 

 

From belief to convenience

Despite the lack of consensus, zodiac advice continues to surface during heightened moments such as weddings, childbirth, moving house or starting a business. This does not necessarily reflect belief in astrology as truth, but rather a preference for symbolic reassurance.

Astrology offers a non-confrontational language for expressing concern. Saying a date is inauspicious, for instance, may feel easier than openly disagreeing with family members. In this sense, astrology now functions less as a belief system and more as a social tool.

 

A cultural role redefined

Younger Singaporeans are generally less inclined to treat astrology as authoritative. Few would cancel major plans solely based on zodiac compatibility. Instead, astrology has been repositioned, appearing mainly in festive conversations, lifestyle choices or light-hearted discussions, where checking an auspicious date serves more as a gesture of respect than a determining factor.

In a highly regulated and rational system, major life decisions in Singapore are typically guided by policy, planning and professional advice. Cultural practices play a role in managing emotional comfort and social harmony. Astrology, particularly in its simplified zodiac form, occupies this middle ground.

A tradition does not disappear simply because people stop believing in it. Sometimes, it survives because it continues to serve a purpose, even as that purpose quietly changes.

Fortune telling at South Bridge Road in the early 20th century: Tradition survives because it continues to serve a purpose, even as that purpose quietly changes.