Peranakan Culture from Southeast Asia Quiz

Answer: True

This interracial marriage (which has its origins in the early 15th century) gave rise to a unique ethic group called the Peranakans. Its culture is a curious blend of the Malays and Chinese. Peranakan parents doted on their sons. In the early days, boys were sent to schools to be educated. Girls didn't attend school.

When the girl turned twelve, she was not allowed to leave the house and was taught the finer points of being a good Peranakan wife. Her lessons included proper behaviour, cooking, sewing, embroidery, beadwork etc. If she is from a rich family, she would also learn how to manage a household to prepare her for her future role as a matriarch. All that changed in the 1920s.

Answer: Chap Goh Meh

On Chap Goh Meh (the 15th and last day of the Chinese New Year), the girls would get all dressed up and accompanied by a chaperon, they would strive to cross seven bridges, which symbolised their crossing the different stages of life. As they crossed, they would throw oranges into the river and wish for a good husband.

The unmarried men would sit on specially provided chairs along the road and sing some verses.

Answer: All of these

In the earlier decades, Bibiks wore the baju panjang with a sarong and three kerosangs (brooches which can be very ornate and exquisite). Nonyas usually wore the sarong kebaya. This is shorter than the baju panjang and gives the fashionable Nonya to cut a more elegant figure.
To see this go to peranakan.web1000.com

Answer: Both of these

Buju lok chuan consisted of a long-sleeved silk jacket and loose-fitting trousers. Later they converted to a baju tutup. Since the early 19th century, the Babas included western attire in their wardrobe. This was true in the workplace where he would imitate his colonial employers.

Answer: Betel nut leaf

Most Bibiks would not leave home without their sireh set which consists of sireh, tobacco and chalk. The sireh sets were intricately carved and were made of either silver, silver gilt or gold plated. The tobacco was rolled up in the sireh and chewed. Spittoons made of porcelain or enamel could be found in Peranakan homes into which the spent sireh was disposed.

The Babas never indulged in this habit. Sireh chewing is now a thing of the past and sireh sets are now found only in museums or collectors' homes.

Answer: Cherki

It is a gambling game. True to their nature, Peranakans love to gamble. When the colonial government was in power, gambling was illegal and many Nonyas and Bibiks were arrested. It was so popular that many nonyas would sell or pawn their jewellery to try their luck at the game (alas my granny was one!). The others are kids' games.

Answer: All of them

Belief in the supernatural and astrology was rampant particularly among the older generations. Besides the beliefs mentioned, there were numerous others. However, one should take note that they were no more superstitious than any other culture in those days.

Answer: A rectangular piece of yellow paper with Chinese inscriptions written while the medium was in a trance

This 'hoo' (Hokkien word for ash) would be burnt, its ashes dropped in a glass of water which would be drunk by the patient. Urghh!
The Peranakans also rely on folk medicinal cures normally using traditional herbs, spices and maybe an obscure animal part or two. Every family had their own unique list of remedies which are handed down over the generations. Nowadays we turn to Western medicine.

Answer: Chinese Baroque

The shophouses and houses are extremely ornate to display the culture of the Peranakan and to show off the owner's wealth.

Answer: Late 18th to early 20th century

During this period, most of the Peranakans were westernized and preferred living and having the lifestyle of the Europeans. This is particularly reflected in the architecture of the buildings which expresses Western and local traditions in design.

Answer: Sewing, beadwork and embroidery

The quality of the beadwork in making bags and beaded slippers reflects the good upbringing of the Nonya as much patience and skill is needed to make them. Nonya beadwork is a complicated process. Elaborate and fine designs are found in belts, kneepads, kasut manek (beaded slippers) and pillowcases. It would take months to complete a simple design.

Answer: Malay poem

The pantun is a Malay verse of 4 lines. The first line rhymes with the third and the second with the fourth. The are created on the spot to the tune of Dondang Sayang (love song or dear song). They are usually about love, courage, virtue etc. It is done in a lighthearted and sometimes humorous manner. One has to be very creative to come up with good lines. Sadly, this and other traditions are fading with time and some are only in memories of the older generations.

Answer: Dance styles

Whilst the pantun is being sung on stage, the audience would get onto the dance floor and do the ronggeng or joget. The joget, a stylised form of dancing, is done in a slow but graceful manner. The dancers sway their feet and hands up and down in a forward and backward direction. The ronggeng is similar to the joget but danced at a faster pace.

Answer: True

In the olden days, when women's freedom was restricted, males would act the female parts as well. They did it with much finesse and conveys the grace and dignity as would befit a woman of that stature. This form of entertainment reached its peak in the 1920s and 1930s. Women act the female parts now but occasionally men still perform the female character. Sadly, this entertainment is also on the decline but efforts are being made by the Peranakan Association in Singapore to revive this and other forms of Peranakan arts.

Answer: Chinese New Year

Peranakans they may be, but it is during this time of the year that they pride themselves most of their Chinese heritage. They would go all out to wear Chinese attire and observe all the customs and traditions to the letter. They do this to ward off bad luck and to ensure that good fortune and luck will follow.
Hope you enjoyed this quiz. To learn more about Peranakans go to peranakan.web1000.com or have a go at my other Peranakan quizzes.