4's the number, and so it 0

The number 4 is in vogue this year. It finds itself in unfamiliar surrounds, as it is usually regarded as a harbinger of bad luck among the more superstitious segment of the ethnic Chinese population. I am not sure about Singapore but in Genting Highlands, the hotels and apartment buildings do not have 4th, 14th or 24th floors. I think this is also the case in Hong Kong.

But in 2005 in Singapore, 4 is BIG. That's because 2005 marks Singapore's 40th year as an independent nation. There is a tendency to manify the significance of anniversaries that end with the number 0 (and to a much lesser extent, 5), so it's not a surprise that this year's National Day celebrations are more extravagant and extensive than ever before. I might even venture to say - 4 times bigger and better!

The number of activities is astounding, and they are spread throughout the island this year. Rehearsals for the parade has necessitated closed roads and massive traffic jams on weekends for more than a month. Even more amazing has been the publicity. I do not remember ever seeing as many TV ads in past years for the NDP telecast or as many airings of the ND song. Of course, with new technology, the publicity machine is now reaching us while we are on the move.

The LCD screens on the MRT have been showing NDP related clips on loop. My commute on the MRT is about 45 minutes, so that's around 45 times every morning that I have seen Rui En and Taufik Batisah teaching Singaporeans how to dance. Granted, I usually read on the train so I haven't actually seen them that much. But there was one day last week when there were no seats and the train was too crowded to hold a book while standing. I was standing directly in front of the LCD panel and by the end of the journey, had almost learnt to lipread the lyrics of the song.

All this effort because it's a 40th birthday, not a 39th or 41st. One year makes a big difference. I am not complaining, just fascinated by how we choose to mark milestones and to find reasons for celebration. Another eminent birthday is being celebrated in Singapore this year - the National University of Singapore turns 100 years old. I do not recall much being made out of NUS's previous anniversaries, but this centennary year has been marked by television documentaries and a well-publicised conquest of the Everest summit.

I suppose that once in a while, everyone just wants a reason to throw a bigger party than usual. Can't afford to do it every year, or even every other year. So, every 5 years seems a good compromise. And every 10 years, you can really go out on the town. It's also a lot less taxing on the mental arithmetics. And it gives creative people lots of opportunities to design marketing and promotions plans ($40 vouchers for first 40 customers who spend minimum of $400 dollars!).

Singapore's going out on the town tomorrow. It will be a 40th birthday party to end all parties. I just hope the weather is good!