MALAYSIA MALACCA - THE CULTURE -CHINESE COMMUNITY

CHINESE COMMUNITY

The first ever recorded Chinese In Malaysia was found during the Tang Dynasty (618AD 907AD) .They came in here as travelling merchants bringing in their most valuable Chinese Silk and porcelain. It shows that the Chinese may have been in this region even before the 15^th century where the legendary Admiral Cheng Ho visited Melaka during his first of the seven great voyages. Admiral Cheng Ho then stationed a part of his garrison on the hill which is now known as Bukit Cina.

CLOTHING

Chinese Women in the past wore Qipao which in many ways represented a cultural rupture with the past. It was later resulted in a slender and form fitting dress with a high cut, resulting in the contemporary image of a Cheong Sam but contrasting sharply with the traditional Qipao. Manchu clothing styles, Tangzhuang , were required to be worn by all noblemen and officials especially men. However the immediate effect took place when the Han population overtook the queue of other population which later emerged to a new style of men’s wear , featuring jacket and trousers instead of the robes worn previously.

MUSIC

Chinese music was created since the dawn of civilization with artifacts providing evidence of a well developer musical culture as early as Zhou Dynasty (1122 BC - 256 BC) .One of the most popular music is the Opera which is still sung by artist with drama performances. Often Opera plays an important role in most of ceremonies or ritual. Masks are used in the opera and each colour has a different meaning. They are used to portray a character’s role and illustrate their emotional state and general character.

WEDDING

Traditional Chinese Wedding is still practiced up to today where a ceremonial ritual which involves marriage established by pre arrangement. Despite the long history and many different geographical areas, 3 letters and 6 etiquettes are essential.

CULTURAL CELEBRATION

The most important celebration is the Spring Festival known as Chinese New Year. It usually falls on January or February of the Gregorian calendar, marking the beginning of the Chinese calendar.

Red is the colour denoting prosperity Red envelopes known as Ang Pow are given to the young family members as blessings. During the Chinese New Year eve, families hold a reunion dinner to retain the close knit relationship amongst family members. The celebration culminates with the Chap Goh Mei on the 15^th day of the first month, often prayers and offerings are carried out to end of the celebration.

Qing Ming is the time where the Chinese visit the graves of the departed to make offerings and filial party. Also celebration such as The Mid-Autumn and Wesak Day are both important to the Chinese calendar.

CUISINE

The four main criteria for good Chinese food are colour, aroma, taste and texture which determine the chef’s credibility. Even through the recipes may have been changed from time to time, Chinese are proud to say that their traditional food has variety.

ART AND HANDICRAFT

During the travelling merchant era, Chinese are known as the best silk and porcelain merchants at the Straits of Melaka. These are also used as gifts between the countries to express their gratitude towards the relationship.