Short tribal movies: questions

1. Saisiyat people choose their surnames from plants, animals and natural phenomena. In your country, do you think a person’s surname has special meaning which can reflect your own culture and why?

In my country, a surname usually just represents what racial group you come from. For example, when a person's last name is Chang, you can probably assume that he/she is chinese. Or if it's "Smith" you can assume that he/she is western or past western. Especially in a country like Singapore when you have 4 or more different races, a person's last name might come in useful in large groups of people. I don't think it reflects any type of culture because no one chooses their last name, it is just passed on to them by either their father or mother (in countries like Pakistan).

2.Lily is a symbol of RuKai. For Paiwan, a hundred-step viper is significant in their society. In your country, do you have any symbol that represents your country and what does that mean? 

In Singapore, the merlion is usually used to represent our country. The mer(fish)lion has a lion head and a fish body. Although an imaginary creature, the picture of a merlion can be found on most postcards or souvenirs in airports or giftshops. This is because Singapore was a fishing village and a major port a long time ago. The lion reminds of the Malaysian Sultan who stepped on the small island and thought he saw or actually saw a lion run by.

3.On Beian’s traditional weddings, you can see a prospective bride climbing a giant swing. And tribesmen swing her until the swing sails like kites. In your country, do you have any special ceremonies that are held on weddings? Please explain it.

Well, of course every country/race has its own traditions when it comes to marriage, so because Singapore is a multi-racial nation, there are many many different ceremonies that are held before, during, and after. For example, the Chinese carefully plan out and select an auspicious date to hold the wedding with consultation from the chinese almanac. The ceremony itself is pretty simple. The bride and groom are led to the family altar, where they give their thanks to Heaven and Earth, the family ancestors, etc. Then specially prepared tea is offered to the groom's parents. There are also many other things that are done before and after, most of them to prevent bad luck, back omens, or the evil spirits, but that may be brought to a whole new level. 

Source: picture