Peranakan, Baba-Nyonya (峇峇娘惹; Hokkien: Bā-bā Niûⁿ-liá) and Straits Chinese (土生華人; named after the Straits Settlements) are terms used for the descendants of the very early Chinese immigrants to the Nusantara region, including both the British Straits Settlements of Malaya and the Dutch-controlled island of Java among other places, who have partially adopted Malay customs in an effort (chronological adaptation) to be assimilated into the local communities. Mǐn Nán (Chinese: 閩南語), also spelt as Minnan or Min-nan; native name Bân-lâm-gú; literally means Southern Min or Southern Fujian and refers to the local language/dialect of southern Fujian province, China. ... The Straits Settlements were a collection of territories of the British East India Company in Southeast Asia, which were given collective administration in 1826. ... Nusantara was taken from an oath by Gajah Mada written on a Javanese old manuscript of Negarakertagama. ... The Straits Settlements were a collection of territories of the British East India Company in Southeast Asia, which were given collective administration in 1826. ... British Malaya was a set of states that were colonized by the British from the 18th and the 19th until the 20th century. ... Java (Indonesian, Javanese, and Sundanese: Jawa) is an island of Indonesia, and the site of its capital city, Jakarta. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Baba House Museum in Malacca, Malaysia, an area where many Peranakan Straits Chinese lived.

The word Peranakan is also used to describe Chinese Indonesians. In both Malay and Indonesian, 'Peranakan' means 'descendants'. Babas refer to the male descendants and the Nyonyas the female. The word nyonya (also commonly spelled nonya) may originate from the Portuguese word dona, which means 'lady'. Baba house, Malacca, Malaysia, by Andrew Lih File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Baba house, Malacca, Malaysia, by Andrew Lih File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... This article is about the state in Malaysia. ... Chinese Indonesians (Mandarin: Yìndùníxīyà Huárén (Traditional: 印度尼西亞華人, Simplified: 印度尼西亚华人） Hakka: Thong ngin, Min: Teng lang, Indonesian: Tionghoa Indonesia, or (derisively) Cina totok) are ethnically Chinese people living in Indonesia, as a result of centuries of overseas Chinese migration. ... Not to be confused with the Malayalam language, spoken in India. ... Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the official language of Indonesia and a remarkable language in several ways. ...

Most Peranakan are of Hoklo (Hokkien) ancestry, although a sizable number are of Teochew or Cantonese descent. Originally, the Peranakan were part Chinese, part Malay, and part descended from the (non-Malay) original inhabitants of Singapore Island. Written records from the 19th and early 20th centuries show that Peranakan men usually took brides from within the local Peranakan community. Peranakan families also frequently imported brides from China and sent their daughters to China to find husbands. Analogous but smaller communities also exist in the region with different ethnic origins, such as the Indian Peranakans (known as the Chitty) and the Eurasian Peranakans (Kristang). The Hoklo (Chinese: 福佬, 河洛, 鶴佬; Hanyu Pinyin: ; POJ: Hō-ló; native pronunciation /Holo/) are an ethnic-cultural group originating in southeast China (Fujian province), and now form a sizeable diaspora, particularly in such places as Taiwan and Malaysia A slang term in Hong Kong (學佬, 鶴佬) for Hokkien-speaking people, or those with Hokkien... Teochiu can refer to: Chaozhou(潮州), a prefecture-level city in Guangdong Province, China. ... Cantonese people (Traditional Chinese: 廣東人; Simplified Chinese: 广东人; Pinyin: GuÇŽngdōng rén; Jyutping: gwong2 dung1 yan4), broadly speaking, are persons originating from the present-day Guangdong province in southern China. ... The Chitty caretaker of the Chitty museum. ... The Kristang or Cristão people are an ethnic group of people, mostly in Malacca (Malaysia) and Singapore. ...

Language

The language of the Singapore and Malaysian Peranakans, Baba Malay (Bahasa Melayu Baba) , is a dialect of the Malay language (Bahasa Melayu), which contains many Hokkien words. It is a dying language, and its contemporary use is mainly limited to members of the older generation; this is indicative also of the Peranakan culture at large. The Malay language, through its history also experiences pidginization and creolization processes. ... Not to be confused with the Malayalam language, spoken in India. ... Mǐn Nán (Chinese: 閩南語), also spelt as Minnan or Min-nan; native name Bân-lâm-gú; literally means Southern Min or Southern Fujian and refers to the local language/dialect of southern Fujian province, China. ...

The language of the Indonesian Peranakans is the Betawi languange, a dialec of the Malay language which incorporates Hokkien, Arab, Javanese, and Dutch words. The language is alive thanks to the popular media, and entertainment, and to the fact it is also used by the Betawi people. Previously the language was dying, until popular TV series elevate the language. Mǐn Nán (Chinese: 閩南語), also spelt as Minnan or Min-nan; native name Bân-lâm-gú; literally means Southern Min or Southern Fujian and refers to the local language/dialect of southern Fujian province, China. ...

History

In the 15th century, the city states of the Malay Peninsula often paid tribute to various kingdoms such as the kingdoms of China and Siam. Close relations with China were established in the early 15th century, during the reign of Parameswara, when Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho), a Muslim Chinese, visited Malacca. According to traditional accounts, in 1459 CE, the Emperor of China sent a princess, Hang Li Po, to the Sultan of Malacca as a token of appreciation for his tribute^{[citation needed]}. The royalty and servants who accompanied the princess initially settled in Bukit Cina and eventually grew into a class of straits-born Chinese known as the Peranakan. The Peranakan retained most of their ethnic and religious origins (ancestor worship), but assimilated the language and culture of the Malays. They developed a unique culture and distinct foods. Numerous sources claim that the early Peranakan inter-married with the local Malay population; this may might derive from the fact that some of the servants who settled in Bukit Cina that travelled to Malacca with the Admiral from Yunnan were Muslim Chinese. However, the general lack of physical resemblance has led many experts to believe that the Peranakan Chinese ethnicity has hardly diluted. Some Peranakan distinguish between Peranakan-Baba (those Peranakan with part Malay ancestry) from Peranakan (those without any Malay ancestry). The Peranakan often sent their sons and daughters to China to look for spouses. Also, the religion of the local Malay population was Islam which forbids inter-marriage with other religions without conversion first. In the early 1800s, new Chinese immigrants to the Straits Settlements bolstered the Peranakan population. (14th century - 15th century - 16th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 15th century was that century which lasted from 1401 to 1500. ... For the country formerly called Siam see Thailand SIAM is an acronym for Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. ... Parameswara (1344 – 1414) was a Palembang prince of Hindu descent from Srivijaya that founded Malacca around 1402. ... A modern illustration of Zheng He, by an unidentified artist. ... This article is about the state in Malaysia. ... Artist impression of princess Hang Li Po, wife of Sultan Mansur Shah of Malacca. ... This article is about the state in Malaysia. ... Bukit Cina (Malay: China hill) is a hillside of historical significance in the Malaysia state of Malacca near its capital, Malacca Town. ...

Over the centuries, the Peranakans have evolved a unique culture that maintains many Chinese traditions, such as celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival, while adopting the customs of the land they settled in, as well as those of their successive colonial rulers. There are traces of Portuguese, Dutch, British, Malay and Indonesian influences in Baba culture. Lunar New Year may refer to the beginning of the year in several cultures calendars: Chinese New Year Korean New Year Islamic New Year Tết (Vietnamese New Year) Thai New Year (Songkran) Categories: | ... For the festival associated with mooncakes sometimes called Lantern Festival, see Mid-Autumn Festival. ...

By the middle of the twentieth century, most Peranakan were English educated, as a result of the British colonisation of Malaya, and the natural propensity of these people who were able to easily embrace new cultures. Because the Peranakans readily embraced English culture and education, administrative and civil service posts were often filled by prominent Straits Chinese. The interaction with the British also caused many in the community to convert to Christianity. The Peranakan community thereby became very influential in Malacca and Singapore and were known also as the King's Chinese due to their perceived loyalty to the British Crown. Because of the interaction of the different cultures and languages that Peranakans had, most Peranakans were (and still are) trilingual, being able to converse with Chinese, Malays and the British. Common vocations were as merchants, traders, and general intermediaries between China, Malaya and the West; the latter was especially valued by the British, since the Babas also enjoyed good relations with the Malay community and served as advisors to the royal Malay courts^{[citation needed]}. In fact the term "Baba" is an honorific term in Malay; probably derived from Hindi/Sanskrit [Baba: literally means grandfather or father, and is used as a term of reverence and affection for an elderly gentleman].

Associations

Associations of Chinese Peranakan include the Peranakan Association of Singapore and the Gunung Sayang Association, a performing arts group. The Peranakan Association has about 1700 members, and the Gunung Sayang has about 200 members. Although the Peranakan Association consists of a mix of young and old, the Gunung Sayang Association has primarily elderly or retired members. In Malacca, there is an Indian Peranakan Association known as the Chitty Melaka. This is a tightly knit community of Saivite Hindus. Chitty Peranakans display considerable similarity to Chinese Peranakans in terms of dressing, songs and folk dances.

Culture

Historical and cultural items from the Baba culture are displayed in cultural establishments on Heeren Street, Jonker Street and other streets in the same neighbourhood in Malacca and in Penang in Malaysia, and at the Peranakan Museum in Singapore. There one can find museums displaying furniture, food stuff, and even traditional clothes of the Baba and Nonya. There are also a small number of "Nyonya" restaurants in Singapore, Penang, Malacca, and the West. Free weekly street shows featuring Baba performances, and traditional and pop Chinese cultural performances are found in Jonker Street in Malacca (Melaka). The shows are part of the night market scene, and are usually crowded with shoppers, both local and foreign. The Peranakans were partially assimilated into the Malay culture (especially in food, dress, and language), while retaining some Chinese traditions (religion, name, and ethnic identity), thereby creating a fusion culture of their own. For instance, from their Malay influence, a unique "Nyonya" cuisine has developed using the spices of Malay cuisine (examples are Chicken Kapitan, a dry chicken curry, and Inchi Kabin, a Nyonya version of fried chicken). The women (Nyonyas) have taken to wearing the baju kebaya (a Malay dress, seen most notably as the uniform of Malaysia and Singapore Airlines' female flight attendants), and beaded slippers called Kasut Manek. Traditionally these exquisitely-crafted footwears were typically hand-made, and worn by Nonyas. Making kasut maneks required much patience, as in the past they are strung, beaded and sewn onto canvas with tiny facetted glass beads from Bohemia (present-day Czech Republic). In modern times, glass beads from Japan are preferred. Traditional kasut manek design often have European floral subjects, with colours influenced by the hues of Peranakan porcelain and batik sarongs. They were made onto flats or bedroom slippers. But from the 1930s, modern shapes became popular and heels were added. This article is about the state in Malaysia. ... State motto: Bersatu dan Setia (United and Loyal) (formerly Let Penang Lead) State anthem: Untuk Negeri Kita (For Our State) Capital George Town Ruling party Barisan Nasional  - Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tuan Yang Terutama Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abbas  - Ketua Menteri Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon History    - Ceded by... State motto: Bersatu Teguh (Malay, United We Stand) Capital Malacca Town Governor Tun Datuk Seri Utama Mohd Khalil Yaakob Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam Area 1,650 km² Population  - Estimated 648,500 State anthem Melaka Maju Jaya This article is about a state in Malaysia. ... Peranakan or Nonya cuisine combines Chinese, Malay and other influences into a unique blend. ... This article is about the dish. ... Kebaya is an evergreen traditional blouse of Indonesian and Malaysian women made from sheer material and usually worn with the sarong, batik or other traditional knitted like songket of colorful motives. ... For other uses, see Bohemia (disambiguation). ...

Proposals of marriage were made by a gift of a "pinangan", a 2-tiered lacquered basket to the intended bride's parents brought by a go-between person who will speak on behalf of the suitor. However, most of the Peranakans are not Muslim, and have retained the traditions of ancestor worship of the Chinese; though some converted to Christianity. The wedding ceremony of the Peranakan is largely based on Chinese tradition, and is one of the most colorful and fascinating wedding ceremonies in Malaysia and Singapore. 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. Someone would start on a romantic theme which will be carried on by others, each taking the floor in turn slowly dancing in slow gyrations as they sang, It required quick wit and repartee and often gave rise to laughter and applause when a particularly clever phrase was sung. The melodic accents of the Baba-Nonya and their quaint turns of phrase lend to the charm of this performance. There is also a collection of Hadith called Sahih Muslim A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم, Persian: Mosalman or Mosalmon Urdu: مسلمان, Turkish: Müslüman, Albanian: Mysliman, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of the religion of Islam. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Relation to other religions Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. ...

Peranakan culture is disappearing. Without colonial British support for their perceived racial neutrality, government policies in both countries following independence from the British have resulted in the assimilation of Peranakans back into mainstream Chinese culture. In Singapore, the Peranakans are classified as ethnically Chinese, so they receive formal instruction in Mandarin Chinese as a second language (in accordance with the "Mother Tongue Policy") instead of Malay. In Malaysia, the standardization of Malay as Bahasa Melayu — required for all ethnic groups — has led to a disappearance of the unique characteristics of Baba Malay. This article is on all of the Northern and Southwestern Chinese dialects. ... The Malay language, also known locally as Bahasa Melayu, is an Austronesian language spoken by the Malay people who are native to the Malay peninsula, southern Thailand, Singapore and parts of Sumatra. ...

In Indonesia,although Bahasa Indonesia is required for all ethnic groups, the peranakan language has been maintain through popular media, one popular dialect is Bahasa Betawi, which incorporates words from Hokkien, Malay, and Arab words. The Betawi people themselves are a fusion of Chinese, Arabs, and Malays,in their traditional wedding, the groom's dress is influenced by the Arab clothing, while the bride's dress is influenced by the traditional Chinese dress. The Betawi people identify themselves as Muslim Malays. Peranakan who don't identify themselves as Betawi, called themselves Chinese babas. After the 1998 riot, Peranakan culture (along with the Chinese culture altogether) is reviving, peranakan dress such as kebaya encim has been elevated as a national dress.

The migration of some Peranakan families, particularly the well-to-do ones, has led to a small Peranakan diaspora in neighbouring countries, from Vietnam to Australia. However, these communities are very small, and with the increasing use of the various languages in their respective countries, the use of Peranakan Malay or Baba Malay will be diluted.

Prominent Peranakans

In Singapore:

• Candice Kimberlee Miller

Host of Kids Central's Programme

"Has accomplished lots in life, role model to teens":

• Germaine Glenda Pereira

• Teri Yeo

Contestant of Campus Superstar Season 2

• Dick Lee

Singaporean celebrity pop singer, composer and playwright For the Australian rules footballer, see Dick Lee. ...

• Wee Kim Wee

Fourth President of Singapore Wee Kim Wee (Simplified Chinese: ; pinyin: ; November 4, 1915–May 2, 2005) was the fourth President of Singapore, from 1985 to 1993. ...

See also

• Sangley
• Chinese Filipino
• Malaysian Chinese
• Chinese Indonesian
• Thai Chinese
• Overseas Chinese
• Chitty

Sangley or Sangley Mestizo is a term used by Filipinos and Europeans to describe a Filipino of half Chinese-Malay blood, or of half Spanish-Chinese blood. ... A Chinese Filipino (Simplified Chinese: 华菲; Traditional Chinese: 華菲; Hanyu Pinyin: Huáfēi; Hokkien: Huǎhūi; Cantonese: Waafei; Tagalog/Filipino: Tsinoy (pronounced ʧɪnɔj) derived from two words: Tsino (meaning Chinese) and Pinoy (the slang word for Filipino) is a person with Chinese blood born in the Philippines. ... Malay name Malay: Orang Cina Malaysia A Malaysian Chinese is an overseas Chinese who is a citizen or long-term resident of Malaysia. ... Chinese Indonesians (Mandarin: Yìndùníxīyà Huárén (Traditional: 印度尼西亞華人, Simplified: 印度尼西亚华人） Hakka: Thong ngin, Min: Teng lang, Indonesian: Tionghoa Indonesia, or (derisively) Cina totok) are ethnically Chinese people living in Indonesia, as a result of centuries of overseas Chinese migration. ... The Thai Chinese is a group of overseas Chinese born in Thailand. ... Languages various Religions Predominantly Taoism, Mahayana Buddhism, traditional Chinese religions, and atheism. ... The Chitty caretaker of the Chitty museum. ...

Bibliography

• Lee Chin Koon: Mrs. Lee's Cookbook. Nonya Recipes and other favourite recipes.
• Mahmood, Datin Sari Endon: The Nyonya Kebaya: A Century of Straits Chinese Costume, ISBN 0-7946-0273-8
• Rudolph, Jürgen (1998). Reconstructing Identities: A Social History of the Babas in Singapore. Singapore: Ashgate. costumes
• Khoo, Joo Ee (1998). The Straits Chinese: A Cultural History. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Pepin Press. 

External links

• The Peranakan Association of Singapore
• Singapore's Mother Tongue Policy

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