Glistening ROOTS

Delving behind the opulence of traditional garments an interweave of heritage, cultural pride and self-identity.

- NURUL FIRDOUSEE

A sparkly baby blue salwar kameez oddly paired with my jarringly white school shoes—a core memory of the first time I felt excitement adorning my traditional attire. It was during the humble Racial Harmony Day most Singaporeans know of and experienced in school, the juxtaposition of the shimmering piece paired with the plain footwear was strikingly unconventional at the time, yet its glamour remained undiminished.

Growing up, I observed that ethnic wear was always reserved for special occasions, a notion I accepted without question. Perhaps it was seen as too grand for the mundane. Yet, as I grew older, I began to understand its true essence. It was never just about the intricate patterns or the glistenings of fabric—it was a thoughtful nod to our roots, a celebration of the traditions that shape us, and a way to align our outward expression with the cultural identity we hold dear, especially during life’s most significant moments.

Think weddings—those grand ceremonies of union where customs quietly, yet unmistakably, take its place amid modernity. At a Chinese wedding, the tea ceremony often sees the bride enveloped in an intricate kua or cheongsam, a visual ode to lineage and respect. During a Malay wedding, brides are typically seen adorned in a kain songket and crowned with ornate headpieces. Indian weddings, unapologetically extravagant, transform brides with their lush sarees and lehengas, complete with exquisite heirloom jewellery. It makes one wonder: why is it that in life’s finest moments, we are drawn back to the embrace of our heritage?