Behind the Mask
by Kenneth Lyen
Tonight, outside my home near Holland Village were several groups of children, some accompanied by their parents, dressed up in Halloween costumes, wearing a variety of masks, coming for trick or treat. I get the impression that in the past few years, more and more Singaporeans are getting involved in Halloween. Shops like Cold Storage and the National Trade Union Congress Fairprice supermarkets have increasingly larger sections devoted to Halloween trumpery (= articles of little value or use).
Singapore celebrates both Halloween as well as the Chinese Hungry Ghost Month. What are the major difference between these two festivals?
It appears that the two festivals are quite different in tone, and they attract different segments of the population. The great thing about Singapore is that we celebrate everybody’s festivals, so that there is greater variety and heterogeneity in our cultures.
Above are some of the masks sold in Singapore shops. I am amazed by the large number and variety of masks available!
Why do we wear masks?
There are many reasons why we wear masks. We wear masks to change our identity. If we are naturally timid and frightened, wearing a mask can embolden us to act more courageously. Perhaps we are indulging in what’s known as the Imposter Syndrome. We adopt a different identity so that others do not recognize our real self. But we will give you the benefit of the doubt: you wear masks because you do not wish to catch somebody else’s viral infection! Or you want to become a surgeon?!
Happy Halloween!
Kenneth Lyen
31 October 2018