A book, entitled “The Gilded Age: Penang Straits Chinese Baba Nyonya Wedding”, will be launched in Penang soon.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage (PETACH) Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the book, published by Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Pulau Pinang president Lillian Tong, offers glimpses into the resplendent and gracious living of the Penang Straits Chinese Baba Nyonya lifestyle and heritage from the 19th century to the early 20th century.
“The book will also attract more people to know about Penang’s Baba Nyonya and the Pinang Peranakan Mansion not only those from overseas but also domestically,” Yeoh told reporters after being given a warm welcome by Tong at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion at Church Street today where Tong is the museum director.
“Leafing through each page, images of the exquisite and beautiful heirloom items which are hardly seen now recounts the story of their home, lifestyle and wedding ceremonies lasting up to 12 days and celebrations.”
Filled with virtually photographs with nice captions, the book provides an insight into Penang Straits Chinese home through details such as the extravagant Baba Nyonya wedding costumes, decorations and ceremonial paraphernalia.
Yeoh encouraged all tourism industry players to use ‘Cuti-Cuti Pinang’ as the main marketing direction to promote tourist attractions in Penang as a whole in conjunction with ‘Experience Penang 2020’ during the school holidays in March.
“This is an opportune time as the government is offering personal income tax relief of up to RM1,000 on expenditure related to domestic tourism under the Economic Stimulus package.
“We’ve recently introduced ‘Penang Lang 50% discount’ package, with more than 20 attractions, retail outlets and thematic restaurants offering 50% discount on their tickets.
“We welcome Penangites and other tourists to seize the opportunity to explore Penang.”
Tong, who has written two books before – ‘Straits Chinese Gold Jewellery’ and ‘Straits Chinese Embroidery & Beadwork’ – said they are offering visitors, especially couples, to experience Penang 2020 Baba Nyonya wedding.
“This is an opportunity for those who want to wear the beautiful Baba Nyonya wedding clothes, take photographs or go through a real Baba Nyonya wedding to truly experience Penang in ‘Experience Penang Year 2020’.
“Or they can take a private tour and enjoy Peranakan shopping, that means to other vendors. Also, I have a special museum director’s tour, so they can come here for a tour, then I will take them shopping for kebaya and nyonya jewellery and enjoy a Baba Nyonya lunch for a half day package.”
Tong’s latest book is priced at RM32. Those interested can pre-order it by contacting her at 012-4072711.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud