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發現峇峇娘惹: 推動近代東南亞發展的神秘商業貴族
粉紅色的瓷器用具、色彩繽紛的建築風格、華麗印度風的可巴雅和巴迪衫、
融入日常生活的香草、以椰子和鳳梨製作的酸酸甜甜娘惹菜……
融合中國及東南亞傳統的移民「峇峇娘惹」，
為什麼他們的文化會這麼可愛？
日本最重要的國際新聞獎得主，深入東南亞各地如檳城、曼谷、新加坡，
探索峇峇娘惹不為人知的前世今生、歷史傳承與文化創新！
神祕而充滿魅力的「峇峇娘惹」（亦稱為「土生華人」），是當代東南亞一個極具特色的族群。他們的祖先是來自中國南方的華人移民，這些移民與東南亞的當地人通婚，自十五世紀以來持續繁衍生息，雖然他們還保有中國傳統及習俗，但在語言及生活習慣上，也融入當地文化，成為東南亞的一部分。
作為跨海移民後裔的峇峇娘惹，數百年來是西方與東方貿易及文化交流的橋梁，因而有「商業貴族」的美名。自十六世紀的地理大發現時代開始，善於經商且擁有多語言天賦的峇峇娘惹，成為歐洲貿易勢力的代理人，通過香料貿易、錫礦和橡膠種植等商業活動積累了巨額財富，展現出他們作為商業貴族的雄心和智慧。
峇峇娘惹的影響力不僅限於商業領域，融合中國傳統及東南亞文化的他們，更具有獨特的美感及創新意識。不論是著名的「娘惹料理」、傳統服飾「可巴雅」，以及各種生活用品及家園建築，峇峇娘惹擅長吸納各種不同文化的優點，再創造出屬於自身、帶有鮮豔色彩的產品。
如同本書指出，「峇峇娘惹創造新經濟價值的『創新』，並非來自供應端的先進技術，而是以消費端所產生的能量作為驅動引擎。」
本書作者是日本知名國際記者太田泰彥，他於2015年派駐新加坡，當時新加坡政府致力推廣的峇峇娘惹文化，讓他產生高度好奇心，被稱為商業貴族的峇峇娘惹，其獨特的文化魅力從何而來？他們又如何推動東南亞的發展，進而奠定新加坡的繁榮基礎？
為了回答這個問題，太田尋訪東南亞各地的峇峇娘惹人士，深入調查此族群的神祕身世，挖掘出許多不為人知的精彩故事。
★為何李光耀拒絕承認自己是峇峇娘惹？又為何李顯龍推動峇峇娘惹文化的復興？
★從花磚瓷器、到服裝首飾，為何峇峇娘惹的日用品總是呈現可愛的粉色系風格？
★新加坡米其林餐廳的主廚，如何將峇峇娘惹的家常菜，昇華為料理藝術？
★馬來西亞及印尼的峇峇娘惹，如何在保有中國傳統習俗的同時，積極融入在地文化？
今天峇峇娘惹的影響力不限於商業領域，融合中國、東南亞乃至於西方等多種文化的族群特色，更令他們深具魅力。比如結合華人烹煮傳統及南洋食材的「娘惹料理」，或是色彩鮮明、具有獨特美感的粉色瓷器，還有融合中國及印度宗教傳統的服飾建築。峇峇娘惹多采多姿的文化魅力，不只是東南亞文化，更是全球化的完美體現。
本書特色
★本書是快速了解峇峇娘惹族群以及東南亞移民文化的絕佳人文作品。從十五世紀鄭和下西洋時代的篳路藍縷，到十九世紀殖民時期的商業貴族，作者深入歷史脈絡，一一解答許多不為人知的歷史真相。
★作者是日本知名記者，長期從事專欄寫作，擅長以精準的眼光剖析文化趨勢及國際議題的關聯性，再加以書寫成精彩的故事。
★本書挖掘峇峇娘惹許多不為人知的故事，包括最具代表性的李光耀家族史。本書從作者多次採訪李光耀及李顯龍的經驗，揭露善於經商的峇峇娘惹，對近代東南亞發展的重要影響。
★本書不只是峇峇娘惹數百年發展史的回顧，更是當代峇峇娘惹文化傳承的見證。作者採訪多位峇峇娘惹人士，包括泰國工程師、馬來西亞及印尼的企業家、新加坡米其林餐廳主廚及精品酒店企業家，勾勒出峇峇娘惹族群多元豐富的文化特色。
融入日常生活的香草、以椰子和鳳梨製作的酸酸甜甜娘惹菜……
融合中國及東南亞傳統的移民「峇峇娘惹」，
為什麼他們的文化會這麼可愛？
日本最重要的國際新聞獎得主，深入東南亞各地如檳城、曼谷、新加坡，
探索峇峇娘惹不為人知的前世今生、歷史傳承與文化創新！
神祕而充滿魅力的「峇峇娘惹」（亦稱為「土生華人」），是當代東南亞一個極具特色的族群。他們的祖先是來自中國南方的華人移民，這些移民與東南亞的當地人通婚，自十五世紀以來持續繁衍生息，雖然他們還保有中國傳統及習俗，但在語言及生活習慣上，也融入當地文化，成為東南亞的一部分。
作為跨海移民後裔的峇峇娘惹，數百年來是西方與東方貿易及文化交流的橋梁，因而有「商業貴族」的美名。自十六世紀的地理大發現時代開始，善於經商且擁有多語言天賦的峇峇娘惹，成為歐洲貿易勢力的代理人，通過香料貿易、錫礦和橡膠種植等商業活動積累了巨額財富，展現出他們作為商業貴族的雄心和智慧。
峇峇娘惹的影響力不僅限於商業領域，融合中國傳統及東南亞文化的他們，更具有獨特的美感及創新意識。不論是著名的「娘惹料理」、傳統服飾「可巴雅」，以及各種生活用品及家園建築，峇峇娘惹擅長吸納各種不同文化的優點，再創造出屬於自身、帶有鮮豔色彩的產品。
如同本書指出，「峇峇娘惹創造新經濟價值的『創新』，並非來自供應端的先進技術，而是以消費端所產生的能量作為驅動引擎。」
本書作者是日本知名國際記者太田泰彥，他於2015年派駐新加坡，當時新加坡政府致力推廣的峇峇娘惹文化，讓他產生高度好奇心，被稱為商業貴族的峇峇娘惹，其獨特的文化魅力從何而來？他們又如何推動東南亞的發展，進而奠定新加坡的繁榮基礎？
為了回答這個問題，太田尋訪東南亞各地的峇峇娘惹人士，深入調查此族群的神祕身世，挖掘出許多不為人知的精彩故事。
★為何李光耀拒絕承認自己是峇峇娘惹？又為何李顯龍推動峇峇娘惹文化的復興？
★從花磚瓷器、到服裝首飾，為何峇峇娘惹的日用品總是呈現可愛的粉色系風格？
★新加坡米其林餐廳的主廚，如何將峇峇娘惹的家常菜，昇華為料理藝術？
★馬來西亞及印尼的峇峇娘惹，如何在保有中國傳統習俗的同時，積極融入在地文化？
今天峇峇娘惹的影響力不限於商業領域，融合中國、東南亞乃至於西方等多種文化的族群特色，更令他們深具魅力。比如結合華人烹煮傳統及南洋食材的「娘惹料理」，或是色彩鮮明、具有獨特美感的粉色瓷器，還有融合中國及印度宗教傳統的服飾建築。峇峇娘惹多采多姿的文化魅力，不只是東南亞文化，更是全球化的完美體現。
本書特色
★本書是快速了解峇峇娘惹族群以及東南亞移民文化的絕佳人文作品。從十五世紀鄭和下西洋時代的篳路藍縷，到十九世紀殖民時期的商業貴族，作者深入歷史脈絡，一一解答許多不為人知的歷史真相。
★作者是日本知名記者，長期從事專欄寫作，擅長以精準的眼光剖析文化趨勢及國際議題的關聯性，再加以書寫成精彩的故事。
★本書挖掘峇峇娘惹許多不為人知的故事，包括最具代表性的李光耀家族史。本書從作者多次採訪李光耀及李顯龍的經驗，揭露善於經商的峇峇娘惹，對近代東南亞發展的重要影響。
★本書不只是峇峇娘惹數百年發展史的回顧，更是當代峇峇娘惹文化傳承的見證。作者採訪多位峇峇娘惹人士，包括泰國工程師、馬來西亞及印尼的企業家、新加坡米其林餐廳主廚及精品酒店企業家，勾勒出峇峇娘惹族群多元豐富的文化特色。
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
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January 24, 2025
Discovering Baba-Nyonya: A Blend of Cultures That Shaped Southeast Asia written by Ota Yasuhiko, with translation by Ye Jing-jia, did caught my attention when it showed up in iLib Reader. Although I am not sure if this is the correct translation of the book name.
This book delves into the fascinating history and cultural significance of the Baba-Nyonya (also known as Peranakan or Straits Chinese) community. The Baba-Nyonya are a unique cultural group formed by Chinese immigrants who settled in Southeast Asia and intermarried with local populations as early as the 15th century. This fusion of Chinese and Southeast Asian traditions has given rise to a vibrant and distinctive culture that continues to captivate people worldwide.
The Baba-Nyonya culture is characterized by its colorful and intricate blend of Chinese traditions with Southeast Asian influences. The book highlights several key aspects of this culture, including:
1. Art and Design:
- The use of colourful porcelain utensils, vibrant architectural styles, and intricate floral tiles are hallmarks of Baba-Nyonya design.
- Everyday items such as clothing, jewelry, and home décor reflect their love for bright colors and detailed craftsmanship.
2. Cuisine:
- Baba-Nyonya cuisine, also known as *Nyonya cuisine*, combines Chinese cooking techniques with local Southeast Asian ingredients like coconut milk, tamarind, and spices.
- Signature dishes often feature a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, such as pineapple-infused curries and desserts made from pandan leaves.
3. Fashion:
- Traditional attire such as the kebaya (a fitted blouse-dress) and batik fabrics showcase influences from both Chinese embroidery styles and local Malay or Indian patterns. My great grandmother wore that(seen in some photos), my parents wear that, and I also wears batik quite often.
4. Daily Life:
- The integration of local herbs and spices into daily rituals and practices demonstrates how the Baba-Nyonya embraced their surroundings while preserving elements of their Chinese heritage.
Historical Significance
The book traces the history of the Baba-Nyonya community from its origins during the Ming Dynasty's maritime expeditions led by Admiral Zheng He in the 15th century. These early Chinese settlers established trade routes and communities in regions such as Penang (Malaysia), Malacca (Malaysia), Singapore, and parts of Indonesia. Over time, they became integral to Southeast Asia's social and economic fabric.
However this book doesn’t tell a story about how or when Chinese settlers came to Medan (my birthplace), which is of my personal interest, but I assume it is about the time when the European plantation companies need to introduce a lot of workforce in their Netherland Indies estates.
The Role of Baba-Nyonya in Trade
- During the Age of Exploration in the 16th century, when European powers began expanding their influence in Asia, the Baba-Nyonya emerged as key intermediaries in trade. In Indonesia, some of them are also given right to collect taxes on indigenous peoples.
- Their multilingual abilities and deep understanding of both Eastern and Western cultures allowed them to bridge gaps between European traders and local markets.
- They played a pivotal role in industries such as spice trading, tin mining, and rubber plantations, earning them the title "commercial aristocrats."
- Small clashes also happens between different ethnic groups, one notable example is the Hai Shan Society and Ghee Hin Kongsi on mining area, postage and remittances.
Cultural Innovation
The book emphasizes that Baba-Nyonya innovation stems not from advanced technology but from their ability to adapt to consumer needs. By blending diverse cultural influences—Chinese, Malay, Indian, and even Western—they created unique products that resonated with people across cultures.
Modern-Day Relevance
Ota Yasuhiko explores how Baba-Nyonya culture continues to thrive today:
- In Singapore, efforts have been made to revive interest in this heritage. For example:
- Former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew famously distanced himself from being identified as Baba-Nyonya, yet his son Lee Hsien Loong has actively promoted its cultural revival.
- Singaporean Michelin-starred chefs have elevated traditional Nyonya dishes into fine dining experiences.
- In Malaysia and Indonesia, Baba-Nyonya communities maintain a delicate balance between preserving traditional customs (such as ancestor worship) while integrating into modern society.
Key Highlights from the Book
1. Uncovering Hidden Stories:
- Ota Yasuhiko conducted extensive research across Southeast Asia—visiting Penang, Bangkok, Singapore, and more—to uncover lesser-known stories about the Baba-Nyonya community.
- He interviewed individuals ranging from Thai engineers to Malaysian entrepreneurs, Indonesian business owners, Michelin-starred chefs in Singapore, and boutique hotel operators.
2. The Lee Family Connection:
- The book provides insights into how the Baba-Nyonya heritage influenced prominent figures like Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore's founding father) and his family.
- Ota sheds light on why Lee Kuan Yew rejected his Baba-Nyonya roots while his son sought to celebrate this legacy. Lee KY blurring his identity may have a beneficial effect on unifying the people, while in the era of Lee Hsien Long, the Baba-Nyonya legacy has become a cultural heritage which to be proud of.
- Lee Kuan Yew’s grandfather Lee Hoon Leong, worked as a pharmacist and later became a purser at Heap Eng Moh Shipping Line. He once worked with/for Oei Tiong Ham, a rich Baba who lived in Semarang and controlled a lot of sugar plantations and mills. It is said that Oei built his fortune also through trading of opium, as some crazy rich of that era did.
3. Cultural Aesthetics:
- The preference for pink hues in porcelain items is explored as part of the community's aesthetic sensibility. Pink is chosen over red, with a probable cause less eye catching as red.
- The book examines how their artistic choices reflect a blend of Chinese auspicious symbols with Southeast Asian tropical vibrancy.
4. Global Influence:
- The author argues that Baba-Nyonya culture represents an early form of globalization—melding diverse traditions into something entirely new yet universally appealing.
Why Read This Book?
This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in:
- Understanding Southeast Asian immigrant cultures.
- Exploring how cultural fusion can drive economic innovation.
- Learning about historical trade networks between East and West.
- Appreciating the artistry behind Nyonya cuisine, fashion, architecture, and design.
This book delves into the fascinating history and cultural significance of the Baba-Nyonya (also known as Peranakan or Straits Chinese) community. The Baba-Nyonya are a unique cultural group formed by Chinese immigrants who settled in Southeast Asia and intermarried with local populations as early as the 15th century. This fusion of Chinese and Southeast Asian traditions has given rise to a vibrant and distinctive culture that continues to captivate people worldwide.
The Baba-Nyonya culture is characterized by its colorful and intricate blend of Chinese traditions with Southeast Asian influences. The book highlights several key aspects of this culture, including:
1. Art and Design:
- The use of colourful porcelain utensils, vibrant architectural styles, and intricate floral tiles are hallmarks of Baba-Nyonya design.
- Everyday items such as clothing, jewelry, and home décor reflect their love for bright colors and detailed craftsmanship.
2. Cuisine:
- Baba-Nyonya cuisine, also known as *Nyonya cuisine*, combines Chinese cooking techniques with local Southeast Asian ingredients like coconut milk, tamarind, and spices.
- Signature dishes often feature a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, such as pineapple-infused curries and desserts made from pandan leaves.
3. Fashion:
- Traditional attire such as the kebaya (a fitted blouse-dress) and batik fabrics showcase influences from both Chinese embroidery styles and local Malay or Indian patterns. My great grandmother wore that(seen in some photos), my parents wear that, and I also wears batik quite often.
4. Daily Life:
- The integration of local herbs and spices into daily rituals and practices demonstrates how the Baba-Nyonya embraced their surroundings while preserving elements of their Chinese heritage.
Historical Significance
The book traces the history of the Baba-Nyonya community from its origins during the Ming Dynasty's maritime expeditions led by Admiral Zheng He in the 15th century. These early Chinese settlers established trade routes and communities in regions such as Penang (Malaysia), Malacca (Malaysia), Singapore, and parts of Indonesia. Over time, they became integral to Southeast Asia's social and economic fabric.
However this book doesn’t tell a story about how or when Chinese settlers came to Medan (my birthplace), which is of my personal interest, but I assume it is about the time when the European plantation companies need to introduce a lot of workforce in their Netherland Indies estates.
The Role of Baba-Nyonya in Trade
- During the Age of Exploration in the 16th century, when European powers began expanding their influence in Asia, the Baba-Nyonya emerged as key intermediaries in trade. In Indonesia, some of them are also given right to collect taxes on indigenous peoples.
- Their multilingual abilities and deep understanding of both Eastern and Western cultures allowed them to bridge gaps between European traders and local markets.
- They played a pivotal role in industries such as spice trading, tin mining, and rubber plantations, earning them the title "commercial aristocrats."
- Small clashes also happens between different ethnic groups, one notable example is the Hai Shan Society and Ghee Hin Kongsi on mining area, postage and remittances.
Cultural Innovation
The book emphasizes that Baba-Nyonya innovation stems not from advanced technology but from their ability to adapt to consumer needs. By blending diverse cultural influences—Chinese, Malay, Indian, and even Western—they created unique products that resonated with people across cultures.
Modern-Day Relevance
Ota Yasuhiko explores how Baba-Nyonya culture continues to thrive today:
- In Singapore, efforts have been made to revive interest in this heritage. For example:
- Former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew famously distanced himself from being identified as Baba-Nyonya, yet his son Lee Hsien Loong has actively promoted its cultural revival.
- Singaporean Michelin-starred chefs have elevated traditional Nyonya dishes into fine dining experiences.
- In Malaysia and Indonesia, Baba-Nyonya communities maintain a delicate balance between preserving traditional customs (such as ancestor worship) while integrating into modern society.
Key Highlights from the Book
1. Uncovering Hidden Stories:
- Ota Yasuhiko conducted extensive research across Southeast Asia—visiting Penang, Bangkok, Singapore, and more—to uncover lesser-known stories about the Baba-Nyonya community.
- He interviewed individuals ranging from Thai engineers to Malaysian entrepreneurs, Indonesian business owners, Michelin-starred chefs in Singapore, and boutique hotel operators.
2. The Lee Family Connection:
- The book provides insights into how the Baba-Nyonya heritage influenced prominent figures like Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore's founding father) and his family.
- Ota sheds light on why Lee Kuan Yew rejected his Baba-Nyonya roots while his son sought to celebrate this legacy. Lee KY blurring his identity may have a beneficial effect on unifying the people, while in the era of Lee Hsien Long, the Baba-Nyonya legacy has become a cultural heritage which to be proud of.
- Lee Kuan Yew’s grandfather Lee Hoon Leong, worked as a pharmacist and later became a purser at Heap Eng Moh Shipping Line. He once worked with/for Oei Tiong Ham, a rich Baba who lived in Semarang and controlled a lot of sugar plantations and mills. It is said that Oei built his fortune also through trading of opium, as some crazy rich of that era did.
3. Cultural Aesthetics:
- The preference for pink hues in porcelain items is explored as part of the community's aesthetic sensibility. Pink is chosen over red, with a probable cause less eye catching as red.
- The book examines how their artistic choices reflect a blend of Chinese auspicious symbols with Southeast Asian tropical vibrancy.
4. Global Influence:
- The author argues that Baba-Nyonya culture represents an early form of globalization—melding diverse traditions into something entirely new yet universally appealing.
Why Read This Book?
This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in:
- Understanding Southeast Asian immigrant cultures.
- Exploring how cultural fusion can drive economic innovation.
- Learning about historical trade networks between East and West.
- Appreciating the artistry behind Nyonya cuisine, fashion, architecture, and design.
January 14, 2025
《發現峇峇娘惹: 推動近代東南亞發展的神祕商業貴族》的作者為日本人， 太田泰彥(Yasuhiko Ota)。 太田是日本經濟新聞社(日經新聞)特派記者， 於2015年派駐新加坡時， 因當時的新加 坡政府大力推廣峇峇娘惹文化而接觸到這個獨特文化， 進而對這個神秘的高業貴族及影響力產生 高度好奇心而深入探討。 這本書是太田尋訪東南亞各地的峇峇娘惹， 探討這族人的前世今生， 歴史傳承與文化的起伏後， 所結集之作。
也許從一位外國(日本)人來訪問報導， 立場會比較中， 少一些本位想法及偏見。 這可以從太 田不只聚焦在英國海峽殖⺠地的馬六甲， 檳榔城及新加坡， 他還依線索找到了曼谷， 茂物及普 吉島上繼續以傳統，或者隱藏版修飾版的峇峇娘惹文化生活的族群。 不過同時也因為作者派駐在 新加坡， 所以書的內容描述新加坡的峇峇惹娘人家事物也比馬六甲及檳城這兩個較早有峇峇娘惹 的海峽殖⺠地多。 遺憾的尤其檳城的著墨相對更少。
在書中，作者透過訪問新加坡的幾位峇峇， 了解了新加坡峇峇娘惹對自己的日常文化的覺醒， 從對瓷磚瓷的色彩， 多層次豐富香料的料理， 整理出峇峇娘惹的根源，及在歷史中的脈絡。 這 函蓋了在大航海時代的香料貿易中角色， 在十九世紀及二十世紀初時期所經歷的殖⺠政府， 二 次大戰及東南亞各國建期間的影響等。
這其中作者討論了他筆下的商業貴族， 包括馬六甲億萬富翁之街的敦陳禎祿家族， 前印尼「糖 王」黃仲涵家族及他的生意夥伴李雲龍(李光耀祖父)家族， 近期才意識到自己為峇峇娘惹， 卻可能是世上最多峇峇娘惹聚落的泰國普吉島， 跟隨萊佛士移居開發新加坡的大慈善家陳篤生 家族， 及其開枝散葉到泰國曼谷且深刻影響泰國的政經界的子孫， 以及在印尼茂物重生， 並在 對華族文化較不友善的環境之下的生存之道的峇峇娘惹。
作者也用了一個章節來描述日本對峇岑娘惹文化的影響， 這包括了提供娘惹珠繡工藝用的小玻璃 珠子， 色彩繽紛的瓷磚， 以及酒器， 壺杯等等， 對峇峇娘惹的藝術美感貢獻不少。 身為日本 人， 作者也很公誠的寫出新加坡/馬來亞人不願回想的過去， 對日本人也不是愉快的話題， 日筆 在二戰時期佔領了新加坡後， 向峇峇娘惹的領袖林文慶施壓， 透過林文慶並成立「對華人協 會」， 勒索五千塊萬美元。這使到戰時沒有現金資金的峇峇娘惹只得變賣家產， 進而沒落。 同 時還有肅清大屠殺， 雖然是針對曾經金援中華⺠國政府抗日的人， 及受過高等教育的華人， 卻 也把許多峇峇娘惹歸同一類殺害。 除了被殺害， 許多年輕娘惹也因認為已婚女性比較不會被強 暴而急急忙忙結婚; 這也卻壞了自身群體內部通婚的傳統。 峇峇娘惹的黃金時代也因為日軍的 入侵而受破壞。
新時代的峇峇娘惹又怎麼面對自己的文化呢? 作者訪問了從事娘惹料理創新， 峇峇娘惹服飾創 新， 峇峇娘惹古厝改造復古的的⺠宿旅館的業者。了解這些人對自己的文化的態度， 對於延續 文化或創作的堅持與執念。
整體而言， 能透過這本書， 以第三者， 沒有本位立場來看峇峇娘惹， 讓我們對這個族群有更廣 一些的認知。 二戰日軍佔領期間的事故，以及李光耀總理隱藏本身峇峇身份的討論， 解開了我 對這個在一個世紀前有着政商影響力的高業貴族， 為什麼在現今的馬來⻄亞或新加坡顯得勢落的 部分問題。
本書譯者為台灣人葉靜嘉。 文筆流暢，非常容易讀。
也許從一位外國(日本)人來訪問報導， 立場會比較中， 少一些本位想法及偏見。 這可以從太 田不只聚焦在英國海峽殖⺠地的馬六甲， 檳榔城及新加坡， 他還依線索找到了曼谷， 茂物及普 吉島上繼續以傳統，或者隱藏版修飾版的峇峇娘惹文化生活的族群。 不過同時也因為作者派駐在 新加坡， 所以書的內容描述新加坡的峇峇惹娘人家事物也比馬六甲及檳城這兩個較早有峇峇娘惹 的海峽殖⺠地多。 遺憾的尤其檳城的著墨相對更少。
在書中，作者透過訪問新加坡的幾位峇峇， 了解了新加坡峇峇娘惹對自己的日常文化的覺醒， 從對瓷磚瓷的色彩， 多層次豐富香料的料理， 整理出峇峇娘惹的根源，及在歷史中的脈絡。 這 函蓋了在大航海時代的香料貿易中角色， 在十九世紀及二十世紀初時期所經歷的殖⺠政府， 二 次大戰及東南亞各國建期間的影響等。
這其中作者討論了他筆下的商業貴族， 包括馬六甲億萬富翁之街的敦陳禎祿家族， 前印尼「糖 王」黃仲涵家族及他的生意夥伴李雲龍(李光耀祖父)家族， 近期才意識到自己為峇峇娘惹， 卻可能是世上最多峇峇娘惹聚落的泰國普吉島， 跟隨萊佛士移居開發新加坡的大慈善家陳篤生 家族， 及其開枝散葉到泰國曼谷且深刻影響泰國的政經界的子孫， 以及在印尼茂物重生， 並在 對華族文化較不友善的環境之下的生存之道的峇峇娘惹。
作者也用了一個章節來描述日本對峇岑娘惹文化的影響， 這包括了提供娘惹珠繡工藝用的小玻璃 珠子， 色彩繽紛的瓷磚， 以及酒器， 壺杯等等， 對峇峇娘惹的藝術美感貢獻不少。 身為日本 人， 作者也很公誠的寫出新加坡/馬來亞人不願回想的過去， 對日本人也不是愉快的話題， 日筆 在二戰時期佔領了新加坡後， 向峇峇娘惹的領袖林文慶施壓， 透過林文慶並成立「對華人協 會」， 勒索五千塊萬美元。這使到戰時沒有現金資金的峇峇娘惹只得變賣家產， 進而沒落。 同 時還有肅清大屠殺， 雖然是針對曾經金援中華⺠國政府抗日的人， 及受過高等教育的華人， 卻 也把許多峇峇娘惹歸同一類殺害。 除了被殺害， 許多年輕娘惹也因認為已婚女性比較不會被強 暴而急急忙忙結婚; 這也卻壞了自身群體內部通婚的傳統。 峇峇娘惹的黃金時代也因為日軍的 入侵而受破壞。
新時代的峇峇娘惹又怎麼面對自己的文化呢? 作者訪問了從事娘惹料理創新， 峇峇娘惹服飾創 新， 峇峇娘惹古厝改造復古的的⺠宿旅館的業者。了解這些人對自己的文化的態度， 對於延續 文化或創作的堅持與執念。
整體而言， 能透過這本書， 以第三者， 沒有本位立場來看峇峇娘惹， 讓我們對這個族群有更廣 一些的認知。 二戰日軍佔領期間的事故，以及李光耀總理隱藏本身峇峇身份的討論， 解開了我 對這個在一個世紀前有着政商影響力的高業貴族， 為什麼在現今的馬來⻄亞或新加坡顯得勢落的 部分問題。
本書譯者為台灣人葉靜嘉。 文筆流暢，非常容易讀。
June 23, 2025
After reading this book, I just feel like — I really hope that one day the Peranakan communities in Nanyang will stop seeing their roots as simply "China," and instead recognize them as Fujianese, Minnan/Lanlang, Hakka, Cantonese, or Hainanese. When their ancestors came to Nanyang, there wasn’t even a "China" yet, and they didn’t speak Chinese either. Holding on to the wrong identity will only make this culture disappear even faster.
この本を読んで思ったのは、いつか南洋のババ・ニョニャの人たちが、自分たちのルーツを「中国」じゃなくて、福建とか閩南/咱人とか客家とか広東とか海南だって自然に思えるようになるといいなってことです。祖先が南洋に来た頃は「中国」なんてなかったし、中国語も話してなかったんだよね。間違ったアイデンティティにこだわると、かえってこの文化が早く消えてしまう気がする。
この本を読んで思ったのは、いつか南洋のババ・ニョニャの人たちが、自分たちのルーツを「中国」じゃなくて、福建とか閩南/咱人とか客家とか広東とか海南だって自然に思えるようになるといいなってことです。祖先が南洋に来た頃は「中国」なんてなかったし、中国語も話してなかったんだよね。間違ったアイデンティティにこだわると、かえってこの文化が早く消えてしまう気がする。
September 13, 2024
鄭和下西洋開啟了峇峇娘惹。
文中輕鬆了解李光耀與李顯龍世代的不同。
峇峇娘惹瓷磚的緣由，1910-1930英、比利時+麻六甲等設計。
曾亨利：baba nyonya heritage museum 故事。
菜餚有多種香料，述說殖民史。胡椒、丁香、肉荳蔻。
林文慶：橫濱正金銀行向當地勒索的故事。
麻六甲當地有億萬富翁之街Ja lan tun tan cheng lock，陳淑珠，18世紀，United Malacca 董事長，橡膠供應鏈。palm oil. 陳禎祿（祖父）有蘇丹賜的拿督、爵士稱號。Datin Paduka 陳淑珠這樣稱呼對方。MCA
普吉島的峇峇娘惹多，佔70%，1980重要的錫礦產，馬口鐵。英國海峽殖民地、東印度檳城。
Raffles 讓很多峇峇娘惹移至新加坡。
Thiravudh khoman 泰國峇峇娘惹～陳篤生。陳金鐘。Phraya Anukun Siamkit 泰王賜名。車牌8
爪哇島上穆斯林的峇峇娘惹。娘惹糕。
Chris Ong 王禮強 seven terraces -George town heritage hotels
文中輕鬆了解李光耀與李顯龍世代的不同。
峇峇娘惹瓷磚的緣由，1910-1930英、比利時+麻六甲等設計。
曾亨利：baba nyonya heritage museum 故事。
菜餚有多種香料，述說殖民史。胡椒、丁香、肉荳蔻。
林文慶：橫濱正金銀行向當地勒索的故事。
麻六甲當地有億萬富翁之街Ja lan tun tan cheng lock，陳淑珠，18世紀，United Malacca 董事長，橡膠供應鏈。palm oil. 陳禎祿（祖父）有蘇丹賜的拿督、爵士稱號。Datin Paduka 陳淑珠這樣稱呼對方。MCA
普吉島的峇峇娘惹多，佔70%，1980重要的錫礦產，馬口鐵。英國海峽殖民地、東印度檳城。
Raffles 讓很多峇峇娘惹移至新加坡。
Thiravudh khoman 泰國峇峇娘惹～陳篤生。陳金鐘。Phraya Anukun Siamkit 泰王賜名。車牌8
爪哇島上穆斯林的峇峇娘惹。娘惹糕。
Chris Ong 王禮強 seven terraces -George town heritage hotels
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