Christmas on Orchard Road in Singapore: Celebrating the Gift of Jesus Christ Between Gucci and Tiffany

Abstract

Religious, secular, and economic aspirations intersect in the popular public Christmas celebrations on Singapore's Orchard Road. This chapter discusses Christmas and its related discourses and practices in the context of Singapore’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. As in other places in the world, secular and religious discourses as well as consumer and religious practices intermingle in Singapore’s Christmas celebrations; the Singaporean case provides an interesting example of the role of religion in a strictly regulated public sphere. The contribution addresses the multi-ethnic and multi-religious character of Singaporean society and its role in public discourse as well as the regulations concerning religion within the city-state. The chapter provides a short overview of the history and success of Orchard Road’s Christmas celebration in the context of Singapore’s tourism business and retail sector. In addition, the contribution discusses how the popularity of public Christmas celebrations allows Singaporean Christians to express their religious convictions within the public sphere, albeit in limited and highly regulated ways.