LITERARY REPRESENTATIONS OF PERANAKAN CULTURE

Abstract

Although Peranakan culture is rich in tradition, custom and ritual there has been, until recently, a dearth of written records on it. In the past fifteen years, however, several writers, including those of Peranakan origin, have written about Peranakan culture. This study examines how well these writings represent Peranakan culture, what their main concerns are and the reasons for the areas of representation. The research involves three literary genres : fiction, non-fiction -- biography and autobiography -- and drama. The introduction establishes the aims of the study and provides three definitions : Peranakan culture, the terms Peranakan and Baba, and the geographical extent of Peranakan influence. Chapter One examines works which trace, from a historical perspective, Peranakan origins and culture. The chapter assesses the reliability of the various accounts and the perceptions and attitudes of the authors toward this culture. From this broad canvas, the study takes a microcosmic approach in Chapter Two by looking at how Peranakan culture is represented by accounts of family life -- its mode of habitation, family interaction, characteristic behaviour and leisure activities. Chapter Three examines accounts of births, marriages and deaths; recurrent topics in these writings which suggest their importance in the culture. Many authors provide insights into the colourful rituals of these three events in the Peranakan's life. Equally elaborate are the cultural festivities .and celebrations explored in Chapter Four. Much of Peranakan family and social life revolves around the cultural festivities that are celebrated in various months of the year. Indeed, the Babas maintain an active calendar of events. This large area of Peranakan culture can only be adequately and effectively described by writers who are familiar with the culture and the works available are both authoritative and impressive. Accounts of these festivals reveal a strong link between the culture of the Peranakans and their forefathers in China. The study concludes on three points : firstly, with an assessment of how well Peranakan culture is represented by literary works; secondly, the observation that certain genres of literature are more effective in representing particular aspects of the culture and, finally, an explanation for the current interest in Peranakan culture among writers.