From June 18-19, Peranakan culture is being revived in Phuket when the Tourism Authority of Thailand and local bodies organise the Baba Wedding Festival in the heart of the province’s old town.
Visitors will find themselves among Peranakan art and culture and the Sino-Portuguese style buildings that pack the old town of Phuket. Peranakan or Peranakan Chinese are descendants of Chinese migrants in Malaysia, Singapore, as well as the Southern part of Thailand. They are also called Baba or Nyonya. Most Peranakans are of Hokkien, Teochew and Hakka ancestry.
Peranakan culture has evolved through natural adaption and adoption of the best of the various local cultures. Their language, homes, attire and lifestyles are a blend between Chinese and the local cultures.
Their food is probably the most diverse and distinctive as it blends preparation techniques of both traditional Chinese and local cooking. With flavours from the use of local herbs and spices, the blend results in a distinctive taste.
Known as Phuket Babas in the local tongue, the Peranakans in Phuket are descended from tin miners who migrated to the island during the 19th century. Until now, they have preserved their unique characteristics.
The traditional Peranakan wedding is deeply embedded in Confucian tenets of honouring and respecting deities, ancestors and elders. The wedding of Phuket Baba is a special occasion that mirrors their art and culture.
In the past, Phuket Baba’s ladies always stayed permanently in their houses. There was a very slim chance that men could meet and select their ladies. Some couples, in the past, never met each other until their wedding day. That was why matchmakers played very significant roles in the ceremony. Besides introducing the two families, matchmakers also made recommendations concerning the ceremony, preparations, manners between the couple as well as family life.
During the wedding, Baba brides will show up in traditional blouses in the Singapore style, made from ramie and batik tubeskirts. Grooms will be in suit and tie to show their wealth.
There are many rites during a Baba wedding, such as decorating the main bedroom and bed, exchange of wedding gifts, bridal showers, a hair combing ceremony, tea ceremony, etc.
Couples can join the event. Wedding packages are available at 39,990 baht per couple. It includes traditional attire, make-up services, portrait photography, two-night accommodation and four meals. Bangkok Airways offers a round-trip Bangkok-Phuket ticket at 3,000 baht.
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.