Singapore's Peranakan culture showcased in Guangzhou

A special exhibition of Singapore's Peranakan culture was held in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong province on Aug 12, running until Sept 12, according to local reports.

Held at Guangzhou Library, the exhibition showcases the Peranakan culture through images, text, exhibits and videos to introduce the history, cuisine, language, marriage, fashion, architecture and music of the special group of people.

The Nyonya Kebaya, an outfit that is most essential for women of the Peranakan community, is on display at the exhibition. [Photo/southcn.com]

Peranakan Chinese refers to a group of people who are the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay Archipelago including British Malaya (now Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore) between the 15th and 17th centuries. Members of this community in Malaysia address themselves as "Baba Nyonya". Nyonya is the term for the women and Baba for the men.

"The Peranakan Chinese group, although little known by people outside the Malay Archipelago, remain very active and united in Singpore," said Cai Denghe, consul-general of Consulate General of the Republic of Singapore in Guangzhou. 

Visitors sample distinctive snacks of the Peranakan Chinese group at the exhibition. [Photo/southcn.com]

Tiffin carriers are convenient containers commonly used to carry Peranakan delicacies and traditional desserts from house to house. It's a tradition to present home-made food items as gifts when visiting friends and relatives. [Photo/southcn.com]