Traditions once thought archaic are being reimagined by young Singaporeans. By appeasing his ancestors every year with his mum, Paul Ng learns something about his past—and maybe his future too.

As another year passes, the question is less about whether we can see others, but about whether we can make people feel seen.

The nation as a concept is so new and limited. For most of recorded history people tended to identify with their city, town or village first. To cherish the Singapore of “Saint Jack” opens up a different kind of belonging.