Finally the Peranakan Chinese has it's own museum which was officially opened last weekend. I have always been intrigue with their colourful cultures , having many peranakan friends while growing up. So I didn't want to miss this opportunity to immerse myself in this unique SouthEast Asian Culture.There's more than 1200 artefacts- jewellery, costumes, furnitures, beadwork and other treasured peranakan pieces on displayed here. Besides entrance fees are waived just for the weekend and there's food fair, cultural shows and cooking demo being organised near the marquee which was set up just for this purpose.What a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon there!
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Just who are the Peranakans?
For centuries the riches of Southeast Asia have brought foreign traders to the regions, while manu returned to their homelands, some remained behind, marrying local woman.
The peranakan Chinese are descendants of chinese traders who settled in Malacca and around the coastal areas of Jawa and Sumatra, as early as 14th century.In the 19th century, the Peranakans Chinese drawn by commerce, migrated to the bustling ports of Penang and Singapore. Theirs was a unique hybrid culture which still part of Singapore's living heritage.
The malay term of 'peranakan' which means 'locally born' also refers to other communities that developed in Southeast Asia like the Chitty Melaka and Jawi Peranakans.( Indian Muslim)
