Extremely Babalicious Fri, 27 November 09
Jacelyn • Filed under: Events • 2:35 pm • Comments(1)
It has been a year and this would be my second visit to the Peranakan Museum. The “Peranakan craze” started when The Little Nyonya was being aired on Channel 8 last November. Everywhere I go, I would hear random strangers discussing about the plot and characters in the drama. Be it teenagers, working adults or the oldies. Needless to say, I was intrigued by the Peranakan culture too.
This time round, I got a chance to visit the museum again for the Big Baba Blog-Out as part of the Peranakan Festival which will be held from Nov 27 to Dec 6. There will be various events and activities running through to promote the Peranakan culture.
In the museum, the entire Peranakan culture are being exhibited into the various categories – from their origins to food, religious beliefs to wedding, etc.
Peranakans are the descendants of the Chinese immigrants who moved to the Southeast Asia region and intermarried with the Malay population. From there, it evolved into a rich and unique Peranakan culture. Babas refer to the men and Nyonyas refer to the women. Traditionally, the Nyonyas spent most of their time at home to learn about cooking and embroidery from their elders.
Peranakan homes used colorful porcelains known as Nyonyaware. They come with beautiful and exotic designs which include bowls, plates, spoons, flower vases and tea cups. Well, almost anything you can think of.
Just by looking at their embroidery masterpieces, I was so amazed that I couldn’t take my eyes off them. The Kasut Kodok (beaded frog leg shoes) is one of the crucial accessory that has to be worn by a Nyonya together with the kebaya. That being said, I am extremely curious how would I look like wearing the Nyonya kebaya hahaha..
And if that’s not enough, you just had to have a look at their exclusive Baba Bling exhibit. The collection ranges from earrings to studded belts that totally put me in awe of them. Unfortunately, I am unable to take pictures due to confidentiality of the collection.
Every piece of antique Nyonya jewelry is filled with designs and motifs like butterflies, flowers, phoenixes and dragons. The craftsmanship is fantastic!
Personally, I am fascinated by their wedding ceremony which is largely based on Chinese and Malay tradition. If only I am a Peranakan, I can have my wedding in the most luxurious way.
If you would like to know more about the Peranakan Museum, do visit this link.
Plugs: sweetiegem
