Was watching Animal Planet in the afternoon just now and they were showing a documentary on a Red Indian tribe called the Nez Perce. They’ve been around since the 17th century and the now modern-day descendants are currently living in the state of Idaho in North America and some are also in Canada.
It’s amazing…from generation to generation, customs and traditions have been passed down word for word from father to son, mother to daughter. Through centuries, up till this day, they are still practicing the same customs as their forefathers and ancestors.
Kinda got to thinking about the Peranakan culture and how it’s slowly getting lost and diluted in SG. Things are still pretty much alive and active in Malacca...but over here in SG, the younger generation knows nuts about it.
Me too. What little I know of the culture comes from my granny.
Things like the intricate beadwork of the kasut manik (beaded slippers), the various kueh-kueh made on festive occasions, the saarong kebaya (much like the malay traditional garb for ladies) worn by the nonyas on special occasions, etc…Not forgetting the wonderful Pernakan dishes. Once my granny’s generation passes on, so much of these cultures, customs and traditions will be lost…and my granny’s already 89.
Wonder if Catherine Goh & her hubby (both true-blue born and bred Peranakans) taught their daughters such knowledge…??
Saw a documentary that day on CNA..they were showcasing this bibik (auntie) who has a shop in Katong (which used to be where the mainstream Peranakans of SG stayed, aside from Joo Chiat). She teaches people how to sew the kasut manik and even how to do embroidery on the kebaya. Her shop’s also a mini-museum where she keeps traditional items, jewellery, trinkets and other knick-knacks…
Maybe I should pop by Katong one fine day…just to have a look. Think her shop’s near the Holy Family Church.
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