THE State Chinese Penang Association recently marked its 104th anniversary with a simple year-end celebration, the Winter Solstice event as well as Christmas all rolled into one!
Held at the association’s club premises at No. 13, Jalan Perak, the gathering was a vibrant tapestry lovingly woven by its Babas and Nyonyas. From the moment attendees arrived, they reminisced about the good old days, reconnecting with family and friends amidst a warm atmosphere of camaraderie and fellowship – hallmarks of Peranakan gatherings.
The event kicked off with a joyful cake-cutting ceremony where those born in December were invited to the front in celebration of their birthdays as they all sang merrily to the sound and rhythm of Happy Birthday to You!
The less fortunate were also not forgotten as residents of Krystal Children’s Home, Agape Home and Cheshire Home were invited to partake in the celebrations. The Cheshire Home residents brought the true meaning of Christmas as they entertained those present with Christmas carols and jingled the night away!
The association made sure every guest was presented with a bowl of its traditional Peranakan glutinous rice balls taken with a sweet gula Melaka broth laced with ginger – altogether a delectable appetiser indeed! This was in line with the celebration of Winter Solstice in December.
This delectable treat delighted guests as evidenced by the empty plates left behind after each course. The association’s homegrown Nyonyas and Babas provided entertainment as they gyrated to the classical tunes of the joget and inang! Equally talented in singing, they belted out English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Malay and Thai numbers that had the guests dancing along with them.
The 104th-anniversary celebration was truly an event to cherish, leaving attendees gleefully awaiting the next gathering.
Pix courtesy of the State Chinese Penang Association