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.
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