Culture

1.Description of link

Allow people to have deeper understanding on the culture of the Baba Nyonya.

2.Design of GUI

We use Photoshop to create our sub-buttons.

3.Flow Chart

4. Use of tools

Use Photoshop to edit all the pictures in this link. (View the final output image below.)

Use Dreamwaver to create this link. Make sure the contents are complete.  (Tools: Roll Over Image, Hyperlink, Tables, etc.)

5. Final Output Image

Baba Nyonya or Peranakans are descended from Chinese migrants who first came to Malacca many centuries ago. Adopting Malay customs and cultures, theirs is a unique heritage unlike any other. Malay influence is very strong in their clothing and food, but they have also retained their Chinese heritage, especially their religion, name and ethnic identity. Their language has also merged creating a unique language all their own using the Malay language, the Hokkien dialect and other words which were influenced by the Dutch who had settled in Malacca. Other than that, the front of the house is typically heavily embellished with brightly coloured tiles, wooden shutters, large gold Chinese characters on black signboards and elaborate doors.

In terms of dressing, the women wear traditional Malay costumes, notably the 'Baju Kebaya' a form of blouse woven with silk. Fabric and trimmings are from the rich Chinese culture. While the men's outfits remained pretty much in the Chinese fashion, wearing a multipocketed over coat with mandarin collar fastened with gold studs or ivory buttons and a pair of black baggy wrap around pants, this out fit was called Choong Sun Chong. Many would wear a western style hat.

In addition, Baba Nyonya are not Muslims and retain all the Chinese customs of marriage, festivals, names and ancestral worship which is very important to them. Their food is a merging of both cultures using strong spices, herbs, and chilli. It is not unusual to find many types of pork dishes. Their food is tangy, aromatic, spicy and also herbal. Perennial favourites include nyonya laksa, kapitan chicken, itek tim, cendol and nyonya kuih. Some of the most popular dishes include 'Belacan', 'Assam Laksa', 'Cendol' and 'Kuih Talam'.

Unmarried Peranakan women, known as Nonyas, often dedicated their time to beading and embroidery and produced many intricate and exquisite items, combining European and Chinese motifs in a totally unique and vibrant way. The quality and quantity of beadwork and embroidery was a mark of their eligibility for marriage. Many of these items were created in preparation for their wedding, such as beaded shoes, beaded panels for the bridal bed and embroidered ceremonial handkerchiefs or covers for fine vessels.The wedding ceremony of the Peranakan is largely based on Chinese tradition, and is one of the most colorful wedding ceremonies in Malaysia and Singapore. Nyonya wore tiny hand beaded slippers on their feet and would bead the shoes as gifts for their in laws during a wedding. At weddings, the Dondang Sayang, a form of extempore rhyming song in Malay sung and danced by guests at the wedding party, was a highlight.  

References:


www.malaysiavacationguide.com/baba-nyonya.html


www.babamelaka.com

by Gan Win Zhi ^^