Tag: Hokkien

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Travel to Melaka

Melaka Culture

Overview
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In the month of July of 2008, Melaka got included in World Heritage List along with Penang’s capital, George Town. Even though the multi-racial population of the place consists mainly of Chinese, Indians and Malays, the Portuguese and Peranakan culture which is still practiced by a few descendant communities gains the major attention from tourists. Peranakans or Baba Nyonya are believed to be descendants as a result of intermarriage between Chinese and Malay. The male Peranakans are referred to as ‘Babas’ whereas the females are referred to as ‘Nyonya’.

The language spoken by the Peranakans is known as ‘Baba Malay’ which consists of a few elements of Hokkien language. There are quite a few museums present in the city of Melaka but the most important are Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum and Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum. Melaka is also the place where the Sikh community is available in large numbers. The gurdwara located in Jalan Temenggong is the place where the Sikh community offers their prayers.

Descendants of Portuguese colonists from sixteenth and seventeenth century are present till this day in Melaka. Portuguese Creole is generally the language spoken by them and most of the traditions which originated from Portuguese occupation are being practised still today. Portuguese dishes like Ikan Bakar, Alai, Serkam and Umbai are quite popular in some of the restaurants of Melaka.


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Cuisine in Melaka

WANGKANG FESTIVAL IN MELAKA FROM 1ST.FEBRUARY TO 6TH.FEBRUARY 2012

10th.December 2011

After an absence of 10 years, the Wangkang Festival will be held again in the historic city of Melaka from 1st.to 6th. February 2012.

This Wangkang Festival was held in 1933, 2001 and now in 2012.

The Wangkang Festival is of Hokkien origin, and it is held in China, only in Chiang Chew Hoo and Chuan Chew Hoo ( 2 very large districts of the Hokkien province ) and in Malacca.

In the early days, it was also held in Manila, but I don’t know whether it is still being held there or not. I have heard of it also being held in Sarawak.

During the persecution of the Chinese by the Manchus in the Ching Dynasty about 3 centuries ago, a great many Hokkien people emigrated from China and some of them sailed towards Malaya, and the first country they reached was Malacca, where they settled down and worshipped the Ong Yahs as they had been used to in their own country.

As customary, their descendants – the Straits-Born Chinese – followed their footsteps in worshipping five Ong Yahs and this is why Malacca is the only place in Malaya, where the Wangkang procession is held.

This festival was last held in Melaka in 2001 and 1933. Now, a procession ofthe Wangkang through the streets of Melaka City which covers over 20km, will be held on 6th. February 2012 before the Wangkang will be burnt in the Straits of Melaka off Pulau Melaka.

This is a festival for all and all are invited to witness this once a lifetime event. Tourists will be able to witness this unforgettable event and to take part in festival which will be held from 1st. Februaryto6th. February 2012.

For more details and read aboutthis festival, please log into: www.yongchuantian.com.