Page 87 - MustangEbook

There were also previously the RSN Band and with the emblazoning the right way up,
the RSAF Band with their own banners, until facing outwards. The bass drum is laid
they merged to form the SAF Band. on the side drums and a tenor drum on
top, both with the centre of the
CASING AND UNCASING OF emblazoning facing the person blessing
COLOURS the Colours. The Colours are then
draped on the pile for the consecration,
Traditionally the drummers have always the pikes resting on the hoop to retain
been associated with the Colours and the Colours pikes in position. There is
therefore it normally falls to a drummer to no drill laid down for piling drums, but
case and uncase the Colours when on parade. the drummers concerned normally turn
Today, a Colours Orderly is used for this to their left or right and marches out in
purpose. single file, form a circle around the
designated spot, turn inwards and
CONSECRATION OF THE COLOURS arrange their instruments as indicated
above. After the Colours have been
consecrated, the drums are recovered in the
same way.

The Colours after being blessed by the
various religious leaders, is handed over to
the President, who will present the newly-
consecrated Colours to the CO/
Commander of the Unit. The Colours are
then trooped.

Colours have always been regarded with Today, the consecration ceremony is carried
great reverence. Historians record that out by the recognised religions in Singapore
Colours have been associated with religion and they are as follows, in order of
from the earliest times. Israelites carried the precedence:
social standard of the Maccabees which bore
the initial letter of the Hebrew text. These 1. Hinduism
early associations linking religion with the 2. Judaism
battle flags and standards have their 3. Zoroastrianism
counterpart in the ceremonial attached to 4. Buddhism
Colours today. 5. Taoism
6. Christianity
The SAF adopted the British custom for 7. Islam
the consecration of the Colours prior the 8. Sikhism
presentation to the Units. The drums are 9. Baha’i Faith
traditionally piled to provide an altar for 10. Jainism
the consecration. The drums are brought
forward and piled in the centre. The pile
consists of six side drums in a circle