Why do the Chinese eat noodles at wedding dinners? Why do they hang blankets around HDB void decks after a funeral? Why is Chinatown called “cow car water”? We provide the answers— and useful tips as well—to some of the most-asked questions young Singaporeans have about the Chinese, including what a “red tortoise cake” is.

Why Do the Chinese Shout “Yam Seng”? is part of a series of four illustrated handbooks, each with 20 questions and answers to promote understanding of the different races and cultures in Singapore.