Poinsettia Wishes 2020

For the winter season of 2020, Gardens by the Bay presents Poinsettia Wishes, a little slice of European-holiday cheer.

Christmas is both a religious holiday and a cultural and commercial phenomenon observed all over the world. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, get-togethers with family and friends and decorating Christmas trees.

The origin of the Christmas tree dates back to ancient times. People brought evergreen trees, plants, and leaves into their homes upon the arrival of the winter solstice to celebrate the return of life at the start of the decline of winter. Legend has it that Martin Luther, a German theologian whose writings inspired the Protestant Reformation, was the first to decorate a tree with lighted candles.

Did you know? Resembling a toy soldier, the nutcracker dolls from German folklore represent strength and are believed to serve as protectors of the house. They are typically given as keepsakes to bring good luck and protection to families.

Nutcrackers were originally tools that were commonly designed in the shape of birds, animals, kings and soldiers. They are used as part of dining entertainment to crack nuts like pecans and hazelnuts during the dessert course. It was very popular and widely used in Germany.

It was only after the debut of The Nutcracker Suite, a Tchaikovsky ballet in 1892, that nutcrackers were associated with Christmas festivities all around the world. The ballet was a hit and became a Christmas must-see tradition for both young and old, and so the demand for the nutcracker dolls as Christmas gifts and decorations rose.

Due to the popularity of poinsettia from last year’s Christmas decor at Gardens by the Bay, they decided to bring back the popular flowers in this year’s decor as well. Being unable to travel overseas during this pandemic, going to the Flower Dome was like taking a step back into Europe, admiring the pretty old town, with Christmas markets, light up and beautiful cathedrals.

A mythological creature from Nordic folklore typically associated with Christmas, a nisse is a solitary, mischievous domestic sprite who protects and looks after the farm and its household. With all the help they provide around the house, the guardians of the property look forward to a bowl of porridge with butter (known as Julegrød) on Christmas Eve.

Decked in a red or blue sweater, with a distinctive pointy hat, knitted stockings and knee breeches, a nisse looks much like a cross between a gnome and Santa Claus! He plays a role very similar to Santa Claus, delivering gifts to children in their homes.

This is the reimagined Gouda City, an iconic landmark in the Netherlands visited by many for its annual Christmas light-up. Spot the mischievous nisses from Nordic folklore amongst the Christmas trees, poinsettias, cyclamens, hellebores and other festive flowers. Come evening, the Flower Dome is transformed into an enchanted world with magical luminaire lights.

Gouda by Candlelight, also known as Kaarsjesavond, is an annual Christmas tradition held in the city of Gouda, surrounding the Gothic Goudse Stadhuis, also known as the townhall. During the festive season, the building is typically accompanied with a Christmas tree, an annual gift from its Norwegian sister city, Kongsberg.

Streetlights are switched off between 7 and 8 in the evening, to make way for the candles that are placed in the windows facing the square. The Christmas tree and surrounding houses are also illuminated to provide light to Gouda City Hall as well.

The Mayor shares a speech and reads a Christmas story and Christmas carols are sung all night long around the square! The Christmas celebrations also include organised walks, dancing and street theatres all throughout December.

Besides admiring the floral displays, there are also festive programmes involving the four Nordic Embassies in Singapore – The Royal Danish Embassy, Embassy of Finland, Embassy of Sweden and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

There will be crafting workshops for underprivileged children, Santa meet-and-greet sessions with the public, and a traditional Swedish Lucia Procession right here in Singapore.