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History Riches presents
16th September 2022
Melaka's Gem
Shining diamonds of the lost century
Newsletter #2 :
Culture and Tradition of Heeren Street
Introduction
Trying to distinguish between the Peranakan Chinese and other Chinese communities is not always a possible job, as they practically share the same ethnicity and ancestral roots. However, the Peranakans are mainly characterized by their distinct cultural blend of Chinese and Malay elements. The arrival of traders from China to Malaya dates back up to 400 to 500 years ago and over time, they adopted local customs along with some taking in locals as their wives or concubines.
It is believed that the Chinese men from China mingled with the locals, not with the primary intention of establishing families here but because in the past they had to wait months for a change of winds to help their ships return home. Hence, while they were in Malaya they made full use of their time by doing business and some even decided to make Southeast Asia their second home. This was the beginning of the Baba Nyonya culture which evolved throughout time and over the years, Malay words weaved into their speech leading to a Baba patois, local culinary influences crept into their kitchens and the Chinese ladies embraced the traditional kebaya.
Values
“When we do things, make sure to do it well” or give your best is one of the values that the Peranakans always press on and instill in their children. They believe that is what being Peranakan means; it’s all about being prim and proper. Everything must be dainty and well-presented as well as being well-behaved.
Some of the good manners passed down to the younger generations would be addressing all the elders at the table before having a meal and giving the honors of eating first to the elders and guests at home. This is done to show manners and respect towards elders and guests.
Every culture has its own ways of disciplining its children and apart from the famous ‘rotan’ that’s often used in Malaysia, the Nyonya’s used to discipline the children by pricking them with the cucuk sanggul, a hair accessory that was used to keep a lady’s chignon bun in place with some pins even measuring as long as 14cm.
Picture was taken from: https://www.allaboutgardening.com/ixora/
Festival
Baba Nyonya families make the same preparations for the Lunar New Year as any other Chinese household, including spring cleaning and buying or preparing festive delicacies. The week leading up to [the New Year] would be the busiest week, as that is when the Peranakans observe the custom of sending the deities to heaven. That would signify the beginning of the actual preparations, which would also lead the altar to be cleaned and the brassware and urns to be polished.
The Baba Nyonyas were known for faithfully respecting ancestral customs, therefore they usually placed a strong emphasis on worship around Chinese New Year. On the eve of the New Year, relatives would come together for the essential reunion lunch, which would feature a Peranakan cuisine buffet.
A fascinating rice tradition would be carried out on the same day. A pot of rice would be cooked ahead of the reunion dinner and when the rice is finished cooking, it will be put into a bowl and brought, along with other food offerings, to the main altar to welcome in the new year.
They refer to this rice as "nasi sambot taon," and it stands for prosperity and plenty of food. It would be adorned with a branch of the ixora flower and a spring onion (which symbolises growth and abundance and fortune respectively). The "Kitchen" deity is said to descend on the fourth day of Chinese New Year, indicating the appropriate time to check for rice mould. A wealthy year is predicted if the colour of the rice is orange, whereas something bad luck must be avoided if the colour is black.
For the Peranakans, the first day of the New Year starts quite early because they typically rise at five in the morning to greet the first rays of sunlight, followed by worship and prayers, before going to the sohjah, a traditional tea ceremony that family members express filial piety. Before the elders, they bow and kneel down, starting with the eldest, before wishing them long life, good health, and a prosperous new year.
Food
Nyonya (or Peranakan) cuisine is one of the most notable results of the intermarriage of Chinese and Malay people. These early Peranakans fused Chinese and local cooking methods to create a fusion cuisine, which has been around for several centuries.
Ayam pongteh (chicken, potatoes, and mushrooms), otakotak (minced fish cooked in a banana leaf), and a variety of vibrant kuih are among the Nyonya delicacies to try. Being a port, Melaka makes extensive use of seafood from the Straits of Malacca in its Nyonya cuisine. Chin Char Lok (fermented prawns), a staple condiment in Melaka, is sold in bottles all around the city and is highly sought after by residents and tourists alike. It is quite salty and frequently served with sliced lime and chilli on the side of dishes.
Numerous classic Nyonya eateries can be found in Melaka, including Baba Café in the chic Baba House Hotel at 121127 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock.
Picture was taken from: https://www.nyonyacooking.com/recipes/otak-otak-grilled-fish-cake~x2UKegZg
Clothes
BEADED SHOES
Beaded shoes are a style of shoe that first appeared in the early 20th century and is fashioned with beads. A pair of intricate, expertly crafted beaded shoes is another distinguishing feature of highly accomplished Nyonyas, whose abilities in embroidery and beadwork are highly prized. Depending on how difficult the design is, the shoe can be made in four different styles: peep-toe, crisscross, closed-toe, and modern single strap. Each item of beaded footwear can take three days to three weeks to complete.
Picture was taken from: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/12/27/pride-of-the-peranakan
Architecture
From the street, a lot of the buildings on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock appear different. Although they may appear modest, they actually stretch well beyond the street and have enormous, open interior spaces. Most have an open courtyard that accomplishes three things: it allows for ventilation, light access, and rainwater collection. Some structures served only as residences, while others had two uses: a storefront on the ground floor and a family home on the second.
References
ExpatGo Staff. (2012, August 7). A Street Called Millionaire’s Row in Melaka. ExpatGo. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.expatgo.com/my/2012/08/07/a-street-called-millionaires-row-in-melaka/
Ho, K. (2019, February 3). The Peranakan Chinese offers fascinating cultural insights. New Straits Times. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/sunday-vibes/2019/02/456888/peranakan-chinese-offers-fascinating-cultural-insights
Restoran Ole Sayang Sdn Bhd. (n.d.). TAKE A GLIMPSE INTO STRAITS BORN CHINESE – PERANAKAN CULTURE IN MELAKA. Ole Sayang. https://olesayang.com/take-a-glimpse-into-straits-born-chinese-peranakan-culture-in-melaka/