Local iPhone photographers capture their perspectives of Singapore’s cultural heritage this Chinese New Year

With numerous regions indulging in the revelries that come with Chinese New Year, we are reminded that celebrations are truly what we make of it. After all, it is we as humans who imbue specific practices with meaning, carrying them out faithfully for years so that they are established as long-standing traditions and customs. Sometimes they are altered in the years that pass, warping to suit modern-day life and varying socio-political climates.

Singapore, for instance, has chosen to re-interpret several facets of CNY. There’s our penchant for snacks such as pineapple tarts, for one, alongside the integration of lo hei; the tossing of particular ingredients to bring forth good luck, fortune and more—of which isn’t conducted in countries such as China or Vietnam. This serves as a heartening reminder that we, too, are constantly evolving and developing our own rituals unique to Singapore. It is precisely this that local iPhone photographers chose to hone in this Lunar New Year, showcasing the one-of-a-kind spaces and habits that have come to signify something to us.

Participating local iPhone photographers include Jason Lim, Lauryn Ishak, Darren So, CR Tan, Nicole Quek and Ivan Kuek. Each of them chose to highlight Singaporean architecture, foods, and concepts that are close to their heart, such as with Jason’s renewed take on Har Paw Villa in his first visit as an adult. “My parents would often remind me as a kid that if I misbehaved, I would land here and be punished by the Gods,” he states. “It’s amazing coming back how detailed the exhibit is, especially when using Night mode”.

Below, a curation of the most impressive photos that evoke memories and emotions related to CNY, all of which have been #ShotoniPhone.