Baba Nyonya Heritage: Peranakan Weddings from a Malaccan Perspective

Book excerpt: Baba Nyonya Heritage: Peranakan Weddings from a Malaccan Perspective was written by a sixth generation Baba, who has practiced the traditions of Peranakan weddings over a span of eight decades. During the course of his life, he observed, learned and participated in every aspect of traditional Baba Nyonya weddings – from the matchmaker’s arrival, to exchanges between the families, to the actual wedding, which comprises many small and intimate ceremonies of its own. Having been a firsthand witness and participant at the traditional Peranakan weddings of many family members (including his own), he is uniquely qualified to be the author of such an important cultural document. The intention of this book is to document and preserve the traditions of Peranakan weddings, both in their original form and as they have been adapted over the years, in order to ensure that future generations will continue to live up to the proverb “Biar mati anak, jangan mati adat.” (Our cultural identity is more precious than our flesh and blood).