A Window to the Peranakans of Penang

Baba Emeric Lau reviews Once Upon a Kamcheng, an anthology of narratives by writers from the Pearl of the Orient.  

Once Upon a Kamcheng, edited by Lillian Tong and Jewel Tan, is a heartwarming collection of stories and biographies celebrating Peranakan (Baba Nyonya) culture, first published in 2020. The 183-page book, featuring contributions from various authors, captures the rich, intimate heritage of the Straits Chinese through vivid anecdotes, photos, and insights into family life and traditions.

Similar to its Hokkien namesake, the book explores the deep, emotional bonds—”kamcheng”—within Peranakan families.

The stories range from the opulent lifestyles of wealthy Babas to the everyday lives of Nyonya matriarchs, including tales of folk medicine, festive occasions, and traditional rituals. While there are perhaps one too many recollections on the passing of matriarchs and their funerals, the reader will nonetheless find a good variety of engrossing content. Writer Pat Lim, for instance, recalls that her grandmother was “adept at jampi, the magic art of incantations and chants”, using it to treat bee stings, eliminate fish bones stuck in one’s throat, and even enhance a woman’s beauty! Jewel Tan writes about how she came to don her great-grandmother’s gold chiam ma hairpins, albeit with her plaited hair resembling Princess Leia’s coiffure from Star Wars. For leisure and recreation, Tan Kean Teong documents his youthful experiences at the movies and the island’s fanaticism for Badminton, a sport he honed at every opportunity, finally representing Penang at the national-level Agong’s Cup where his team won silver medals.

Published in conjunction with the centennial of the State Chinese (Penang) Association, these short stories act as a record of an often-sidelined, unique culture, bridging the past and present. The book is enhanced with beautiful photographs and collages that provide a glimpse into the decadent and traditional Peranakan lifestyle. 

Once Upon a Kamcheng is a recommended read for those looking to immerse themselves in the stories behind the gilded interiors of the ornate Baba Nyonya homes of Penang.