One would’ve though the Chingay was a pretty recent invention (right up there with the Merlion, perhaps?) but as it turns out, it has roots even further back in the 19th century. My curiousity was first piqued when I stumbled upon this photo in the National Archives website:

Photo courtesy of the National Archives

Now, I don’t know about you, but that definitely looks older than the 1970s. Maybe it’s even the late 1800s. The picture was labelled “undated” in the archives. So where to find historical info on the Chingay procession? Surprisingly enough, the Chingay 2007 website has a pretty comprehensive overview about the history of Chingay:

There is no historical record of how the word “Chingay” originated. But records show that as early as the 19 th century, Chingay appeared in South East Asia, beginning in Penang . The word was coined from its phonetic Hokkien equivalent, which means “the art of costume and masquerade”. It alluded to a Chinese styled decorated miniature stage or float borne on the shoulders of performers. This miniature stage depicts an important historical scene. It was probably the beginning of the manual float. During New Year processions in old China , such floats were carried through the streets on men’s shoulders while dancers, jugglers and magicians entertained the crowds. Huge animals, both real and mythical took part in the processions, which were essentially religious in nature and aimed at honouring deities at the beginning of each new year.

In Penang , the Baba or Straits Born Chinese perpetuated the practice. Some claimed Chingay originated even before the arrival of Sir Francis Light. The procession was specifically Chinese and religious: To honour the five deities who serve as guardians or patron saints each for a different dialect group. In pre-war years, the annual procession was a three-day fiesta which involved the whole town. The main elements included giant triangular flags and lanterns, which were the trademarks of Penang ‘s Chingay “The Giant Flags Procession”.

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Parade procession spread to other parts of Asia . Unlike the Chingay of Penang, which is extinct, the name took root in Singapore . Chingay over the years has evolved and assimilated other racial elements, starting with a Malay wedding and kompang item and an Indian music item in 1976. Foreign participation started in 1987 when The Straits Times Press sponsored a float featuring four popular Japanese artistes. Today, these ethnic elements enhanced the Mardi Gras spirit and are permanent features of the parade.

Tags: Chingay