Singapore's National pledge:)

How did It come about?

Singapore became an independent nation on 9 August 1965. The 1950s and 1960s were a time of communal tension and racial riots.To stop these Riots, Mr Philip Liau came up with the singapore pledge.Mr S.Rajaratnam look through the drafts and finalised it.
From August 1966 onwards, students began reciting the National Pledge before the start of each school day. Since then, the National Pledge has been recited during National Day occasions, the National Day Parade and school assemblies.

Reciting the National Pledge

Initially, the National Pledge was recited with the right hand raised above shoulders while one stands facing the National Flag. The current practice is to recite the Pledge with the right fist clenched at the heart.

Guidelines on the Use of the National Pledge

1. The National Pledge is recited during school assemblies, SAF Day, the National Day Parade, and at National Day Observance Ceremonies.
2. Individuals reciting the Pledge shall clench their right fists to the left side of their chests as a movement to symbolise loyalty to the nation.
3. The Pledge cannot be used for any commercial purposes.

Source:(http://mystory.sg/content/1567)

Singapore's National Flag :)

source:(http://vs.moe.edu.sg/public_images/singapore_flag.gif)

Why was this flag choosen?

Then Deputy Prime Minister Dr Toh Chin Chye was in charge of a committee to create a new flag to replace the British Union Jack, which had flown over the island for nearly 140 years from 1819 to 1959.
To ensure that flag would not be confusing, Dr Toh Chin Chye studied about other naations' flag.

Additional Info!

The National Flag was unveiled on 3 December 1959 at the installation of the first Malayan-born Yang di-Pertuan Negara (Head of State), Encik Yusof bin Ishak.

Meaning

The National Flag consists of two equal horizontal rectangles, red above white. A white crescent moon occupies the upper left red section. Next to the moon are five white stars arranged in a circle.
Each feature of the Flag has a unique symbolic meaning. Red stands for universal brotherhood and equality of man. White symbolises pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant, and the five stars represents Singapore's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

Guidelines for the Use of the National Flag

Singaporeans, Government and other organisations may display or fly the National Flag to identify with the nation. Singaporeans are especially encouraged to do this during occasions of national celebration or significance.

How the National Flag should be used

1. It may be reproduced in reduced size representations and displayed at all times, but regardless of size, it must be in its true colours and form, which is in the ratio of 3 (length): 2 (breadth). The official colours of the National Flag are Pantone 032 for the red portion and Pantone White for the white portion.
2. When the Flag is displayed outside a building, it shall be displayed on or in front of the building. Outside the National Day celebrations period (1 July to 30 September), it must be flown only from a flagpole, and if it is displayed or flown at night, it should be properly illuminated.
3. Within Singapore, it should take precedence over all other flags, subject to international practice. When displayed or flown with another flag, it must be in a position of honour.

How the National Flag cannot be used or treated

1. The Flag cannot be used:
   • as a commercial purpose;
   •  for the purposes of advertisement;
   • in any furnishings, decoration, covering or receptacle;
   • at any private funeral activity;
   • incorporated or worn as part of any costume or attire
   • on any private vehicle.
2. No person shall produce or display any flag that bears any graphics or words printed on the design of the Flag.
3. The Flag should be cleaned when dirty, and replaced if it has faded. After any washing, it should not be hung out to dry outdoors together with other laundry. Any worn out or damaged Flag should be disposed of properly, and not left visible in dustbins. Torn or worn-out Flags should be packed into a sealed black trash bag before being disposed of.

Use of the National Flag during the National Day Celebrations

In recent years, the Government has taken steps to use the National Flag for more purposes. The Government encourages individuals and businesses to fly the National Flag during the National Day celebrations period from 1 July to 30 September each year. During this period, the Flag may be flown without a flagpole and night illumination.
The business community in Singapore is also encouraged to fly the National Flag outside their buildings throughout the year. This message is not only for singapore organisations only. Foreign organisations are invited to fly the Singapore Flag as a sign of solidarity and friendship with Singapore.

Relaxation of Rules

In line with the changes to the Rules in the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Rules 2007, National Flag decals and stickers, posters or other visual images may now be displayed freely.
Additionally, the National Flag may be flown on vehicles (both private and commercial) during the National Day celebrations period. The National Flag can  be displayed on costumes and personal attire during the period with the requirement of the Flag being treated with respect at all times.
(adapted from:http://mystory.sg/content/1564)

National coat of arms:)

source:(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/archive/d/da/20081214080224!Coat_of_arms_of_Singapore.jpg)

The Origin

Also known as the National Coat of Arms, the State Crest sybolises  Singapore’s status as a self-governing and independent state.

Meaning

The State Crest of Singapore is formed by a shield emblazoned with a white crescent moon and five white stars against a red background.
The colour Red  symbolises universal brotherhood and the equality of man, while white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue.
 The five stars represent the national ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. These ideals are also found on the National Flag.
Supporting the shield are a lion on the left and a tiger on the right. A banner below the shield is inscribed with the Republic of Singapore's motto, 'Majulah Singapura' (meaning 'Onward Singapore' in Malay). The lion embodies Singapore itself while the tiger represents Singapore's historical ties with Malaysia.

Guidelines on the Use of the State Crest

1. The use of the State Crest for advertisements or any other commercial purpose is prohibited by law. Only government bodies may display the State Crest within their premises. Approval must be sought for any other use of the State Crest.
2. The State Crest must be treated with respect and be displayed in a dignified manner.

The lion head symbol

Source:(http://admin.myheritage.com.sg/files/national_symbols/resources_lionheadhighres.jpg)

How did this come about?

The Lion Head is a distinctive and easily recognisable National Symbol of Singapore. It is not as formal as the arm of coats.It is internationally used to indentify Singapore. :)
The Ministry invited local art schools and advertising agencies to produce a new symbol that best exemplifies the characteristics of the nation.

When was it introduced?
This National Symbol was introduced in 1986

Why?
As the Government wanted another symbol that people and organisations could use to express their loyalty and commitment to the nation.

Meaning

The Lion Head symbolises courage, strength and excellence. It is in solid red against a white background – the colours of the National Flag. The mane has five partings that represent the same five ideals as the five stars of the National Flag, namely democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. The lion’s tenacious mien symbolises the nation’s single-minded resolve to face and overcome any challenges.

Guidelines on the Use of the Lion Head Symbol

1. Any individual, organisation or company is allowed to use the Lion Head symbol to identify with the nation.
2. While Singapore companies may use the Lion Head symbol as a means of identifying themselves with Singapore, it should not be taken to indicate any kind of official endorsement of the companies’ products or services.
3. The Lion Head symbol should be used in good taste and treated with dignity and respect. Its design should not be modified in any way or have any words or graphics superimposed over it. However, it may be depicted in outline form, be embossed or portrayed as a watermark.
4. The official colours of the Lion Head symbol are Pantone 032 (red), white or black.Like the photo at the top 

Source:(http://mystory.sg/content/1569)

Singapore's national flower

Source:http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/kagayakuphoto/An%20Orchid%20A%20Week/vanda_miss_joaquim_sml.jpg

How did this flower become Singapore's national flower?
In 1981,the Ministry of Culture set up a national committee to select a representative national flower “as part of an overall effort to foster national pride and identity”.
40 flowers were considered, out of the 40 flowers considered,30 are orchids.Out of the orchids, Vanda Miss Joaquim was chosen as it represented resilience and yearround blooming quality.

About Vanda Miss Joaquim
Vanda Miss Joaquim was also selected as it was a "natural hybrid and indigenous to Singapore". It was named after Miss Agnes Joaquim who found the flower in her garden.It was registered as Singapore’s first orchid hybrid and the world’s first Vanda hybrid, and soon became popular all over the world as a cut flower due to its beauty and hardiness.
In 1985,Vanda Miss Joaquim was announced as the national flower by the misnister of culture.

The symbol of the flower is found in national day posters and in currencies,stamps and some soveniors.
Source:(http://mystory.sg/content/1568)

Singapore's national anthem

The National Anthem, "Majulah Singapura" (meaning "Onward Singapore"), is Singapore's identity as a nation.
'Majulah Singapura' was composed in 1958 by Zubir Said. Then Mayor of the City Council of Singapore, Mr Ong Eng Guan,met up with Zubir Said to write an official song to commemorate the newly renovated Victoria Theatre. It was first played by the Singapore Chamber Ensemble. It was performed again on 3 December 1959 as Singapore's National Anthem.

When was the new version released?

-In 19 January 2001, the Majulah Singapura was recorded. Mr Phoon Yew, a great composer, arranged the recording to help Singaporeans to think forward and to strive for their goals.

How can it be used?

1. Public and private organisations can sing or play the National Anthem, on any appropriate occasion. Example: school daysSingaporeans are encouraged to sing the Anthem on occasions of national celebration or national significance.
2. Either the instrumental or vocal versions may be played. Besides the versions produced by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA), other rearranged versions may also be used, provided that the tune and lyrics of the Anthem are complete and performed with dignity.
3. Whenever it is played or sung,everyone must stand at attention as a mark of respect.

How can it not be used?

1. It must only be sung following the original lyrics, not any translation of those lyrics.
2. The lyrics cannot be used for other songs nor the melody.

(source:http://mystory.sg/content/1566)(adapted)
Here is video of the national anthem...(taken from youtube)


(source:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OebyMin4SR8)