Peranakan Musuem

I took some time to sort out the pictures of my little expedition to the Peranakan museum. They are by no means the only pictures I’ve taken, the best part has yet to come, *grins*, but I will post that in a separate entry.

My interest in the Peranakan culture has been invoked by my preparation work for Channel 8’s upcoming blockbuster drama 《小娘惹》where I will be acting as an English-educated nonya of the third generation.

Personally, I adore big families, and I enjoy practicing tradition although I haven’t been brought up to do so. To some extent, I believe some traditional values, beliefs, practices are essential in our society, to ground us in the fast paced lives we live and to add deeper meaning to who we are.

I’m envious of the Peranakan community for being so proud of their culture, for their willingness to share their knowledge and craft to keep the culture alive, because when everything turns to dust, this is what will still remain.

Peranakan Museum entrance.

The origin of Peranakans. You can click on it for a larger image.

I thought women in those days can hardly step out of the house.

I like the lobby area, I imagine I’m peaking out from the second floor of a Peranakan home.

The beadwork is so intricate, I salute the women who let this take shape. This is a tray cloth, used during weddings, to cover food or gifts.

The hall where the bride and the bridegroom will have to carry out the individual wedding ritual in their respective homes at a certain auspicious hour.

The wedding gown…beautiful isn’t it?

Husband and wife sharing their first meal in the room.

Yummy…

The marital bed, which has been blessed by a young boy (there is a special selection criteria) rolling on the bed three times. It is another beautiful piece of furniture. You should see the cupboards and dressing table, I love the carvings and the dark wood, it’s very classic!

The bead chart. Women had to learn sewing and embroidery and be skilled in it in order to qualify as a good future daughter-in-law.

The beaded panel for shoes.

A marriage certificate

Pick up the telephones and hear someone talking to you. It’s fun!

A large piece of embroidery

An ancestral tablet

Notice the carvings on it. Maidens are carved on it to provide the dead a good after-life.

It is so detailed!

I am impressed with the craftsman who did this! The dragon looks quite alive despite being carved from wood!

Ancestor worship is part of the Peranakan practice.

Some deities that Peranakans might pray to.

How many of these deities can you identify?