MALAYSIA MALACCA - THE CULTURE -BABA NONYA COMMUNITY

BABA NONYA COMMUNITY

Chinese Peranakan means Straits born Chinese evolved through intermarriages between male Chinese traders and local women with Malay or Indonesia origin. The Peranakan also successfully established their claim to be son of soil retaining equal status with the Malay. There are also legends that they are descendants of Royal Guards and Attendance of Princess Hang Li Poh who married Sultan Mansur Shah of the Melaka Sultanate in 1459. The resulting legacy of Peranakan China with fusion of Chinese religion, traditions and customs with Malay traditions and customs practices. Man from this ancestry known as Baba and female known as Nyonya. Peranakan are actively involved in the import and export of agricultural products, raw commodities and trading from this region to Europe.

CLOTHING

With local appearances and Chinese at heart, traditional Nonya costumes show strong Chinese influences. However, Kain Batik Kebaya Panjang and beaded slippers are also recognized as traditional costumes in Peranakan China a culture adaptation from the Malay culture. Kebaya Pendik / modern made from materials ranged from cotton to silk with rich embroidery known as Sulam. These outfits usually worn with 3 identical; decorative brooches known as Kerongsang or Kerongsang Rantai paired with gold chain and complemented with beaded shoes and bag. Traditional Baba attire for men comprises Chinese frog buttoned tunic worn over loose trouser, mandarin gowns and thick soled shoes. With the English influence and modernization, most wear Western attire for comfort.

WEDDING

A traditional Peranakan Wedding lasts for 12 days with great emphasis on choosing auspicious dates and time. Many Pantangs or taboos are strictly observed. The wedding ceremony starts with the Chiu –Thau or transformation to adult hood ceremony. Followed by the Chin Pang, meeting of the bride and groom for the first time. The newlyweds then pay homage before a special 3 tired altar called The Sam Kai which represents Heaven, Earth and Man. Throughout this wedding ceremony , the Bridge and Groom are guided with the assistant of Sam –Kheh-Umm mistress of ceremony and Pak Chin Dik Master of ceremony. The groom puts on the T’eng –Sah-Beh- Kuah (long tunic with best jacket) wedding costumes and the bride wares the red Koon ( T cut Chinese) wedding dress. These costumes including their shoes are heavy embroidered with gold thread.

CUISINE

The blend of cultures of Chinese and Malay had diverse to various types of Nyonya foods. The clever use and blend of herbs and local spices enhance their local fabulous cuisine. Herbs and spices such as the lemon grass, blue, ginger, turmeric, onions, chili and belacan (prawn paste) are commonly used in their daily cooking. The Nyonya Kuih or cakes are the truly well blended Kuih or cakes are the truly well blended technique from their Chinese and Malay foremothers, which use many of the local ingredients such as the coconut milk, rice flour , glutinous rice and sweet potato to name a few. The Nyonya exotic cooking and cakes are highly recommended and seek by tourists.

ART AND HANDICRAFT

The Peranakan China is well known for their sewing skill especially their works of crafts in their Kasut manik (beaded shoes) and the Nyonya Kebaya embroideries. Both of these works are being showcased locally and internationally. Many of the houses along Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Jonker Street showcase a well blend of Dutch, English and Chinese architectural. The main features of well blended historical rich area with rolls of Peranakan family houses. 

CULTURAL CELEBRATION

The Baba and Nyonya celebrate majority of their forefathers Chinese festivals, they include Chinese Luna New Year, Cheng Beng , Dragon Boat (Kuih Chang) Festival, Festival of the Hungry Ghost , Mid-Autumn Festival and Winter Solstice Festival . Many other Tao festival and religious practices like the Wesak Say in their list of cultural activities.

During festive season, many Pantang Larang or Taboos are practiced. This is to safeguard their homes and family members and wishing more lucks and prosperity coming their way. A true blue Chinese cultural at heart.