Peranakan culture

For two days at the Arts House, I did an event featuring a peranakan wedding. Theirs is a colorful culture that dates back two to three hundred years ago. It started when Chinese traders came to the Malay Peninsula. Many of them met and married the local Malays. The original Peranakans came from Malacca and in later years moved to Penang and Singapore. Throughout history the culture developed a language that was a mixture of Chinese and Malay. The women were matriachs and were strong and powerful.

When the British colonized both Singapore and Malaysia, the western influence started making its mark and the Peranakans' heritage was further diluted. The term ' Straits-born Chinese" was more familiar to the westerners than the word "Peranakan."

Assimilation eroded many beliefs and way of life of the Peranakans. The old world Peranakans were mainly Buddhists and Taoists but now many of them have become Christians and the belief of bygone days didn't much agree with their current faith . Moreover, modern trappings of society created a huge gap between the old and the young.

Efforts have been made to bring back as much of the culture as possible .

The instrument I was holding in the picture below is called a 'suona'. It is rather peculiar. A cross between a recorder and a trumpet. But don't be fooled by its small size. It is really loud and used to give musical renditions to traditional Peranakan weddings although it is a choice more than a must.

The Peranakans are considered a minority
In this sunny little island known as Singapore
My friends are reviving its HERitage and HIStory
Featuring dancing, singing and merry making

The Babas are the males, the Nyonyas, females
The culture is rich and colorful , evidently
The cuisine very sedap and recipes are for sale
Beautiful beaded shoes are a must if you're a wannabe

Porcelain wares are an important part of households
The designs are a little different from the Chinese
With butterflies and phoenixes as the main symbols
Bright yellow and pink, they are very pricey

The Peranakan wedding used to be a 12 days affair
Now with modernization and inter marriages
The sacred union is kept simple for the pair
And elaborate customs have undergone some great changes

In the old days the bride and groom cannot smile
Since it brought bad luck to their lives it was not an option
I suspect this hasn't been practiced for a while
Because a celebration is a celebration is a celebration!

For most clans, the Sarong Kebaya is preferred
Although it was traditionally of Malay origin
Hand sewn Chinese motifs that have been incorporated
Made this elegant outfit better than you can imagine

As with most lesser known cultures around the planet
The Peranakans are losing their foothold in the present society
While we cannot stop progress from diluting its numerous facets
We can certainly do our best to preserve its legacy.



















13th June 2006