Peranakan culture is unique

I wrote this for a test; rather than leave it in the abyss that is my junk, I'll let y'all read this brief intro to Peranakan culture.

Peranakan is a Malay term meaning locally born, and it was first used to distinguish the local-born Chinese from those born in China. When southern Chinese merchants first arrived in Southeast Asia from as early as the 14th century, little did they know that they would settle and develop a unique Peranakan culture in the region.

Over the course of their presence in Malacca, and later to the other British Straits Settlements in Penang and Singapore, the Peranakan Chinese adapted to the local environment in a way that did not result in a loss of identity, but enriched their Chinese heritage. This is keenly reflected in their language. Instead of the Chinese language, the Peranakans speak a Malay dialect peppered with Chinese Hokkien words.

Peranakan customs are also patently Chinese in both structure and spirit. For example, the Peranakan wedding is initiated by a matchmaker, who is reimbursed usually with the front leg of a pig, an angpow (red packet containing money) and a huge pair of red candles. The Peranakans even continued observing some aspects of the wedding and funeral that were so traditional the Chinese had forgone.

It is in the material culture and lifestyle of the Peranakans that show more of Hindu-Malay influence. The nonyas (women) wore kebaya, a type of blouse, over a batik sarong and adopted the Southeast Asian custom of chewing betal nut. Peranakan cuisine is hot and spicy, and takes many hours to prepare.

The beadwork and embroidery (see photo) practised by the nonyas is a particular aspect that distinguishes Peranakan culture. Traditionally, young nonyas spent most of their time at home learning domestic arts from their elders. Not surprisingly, this intricate craft became the measure by which the young nonya was judged to be suitable as a bridal candidate. Pieces made for the bridal trousseau provided an opportunity for showcasing the bride’s artistic talent through her work on display for the groom’s friends and relatives on the eve of the wedding.

Indeed, Peranakan culture speaks for many generations of Peranakan Chinese who adopted a hybrid of cultural elements and made it their own.


Image source: http://oceanskies79.blogspot.com/2008/05/nonya-beadwork-embroidery.html

References:

Peranakan Museum : A-Z guide (Singapore : Asian Civilisations Museum for the Peranakan Museum, 2008).

Peranakan heritage : National Museum of Singapore (Singapore : Friends of the National Museum, 1988).