Powers of Influence

When you visit Penang you can see all the influence that has come to pass by the varying cultures that it supports. Like America, Penang is a virtual melting pot of traditions and influential powers. Penang was first settled by the Chinese. But the late 1780 Englishmen so inhabited Penang in exchange for protection. It soon became the second British Empire. Though the British did not keep their part in protecting Penang from their enemies it was soon turned into a free port for trading by the British. Because of this many settlers from all over came to Penang. The selling of spices in Penang drew more and more Chinese to the area. However, during WWII Penang was under cruial Japanese rule. Because of this many records during this time were destroyed making a full history of Penang difficult. In the end Britian reclaimed Penang on 5 Sept 1945, to which they called British Malaya. Penang gained independence in 1957. Even before the British settled into Penang is was already culturally diverse, having Arab, Japanese, Filipino, Burmese, Parsee, Sumatran people just to name a few. There were also Jewish people in Penang though the number is very low now.

Religiously you can see the influence of both Islamic traditions and Buddhist traditions in traditions and clothing. Holidays from both Major religions are celebrated as well as others. Some of the public holidays that are celebrated in Penang include New Year’s Day, Thaipusam, Chinese New year, Labour Day, Aidifitri, Deepavali, Christmas, and Wesak Day. Western culture has also influenced music in Penang as it holds to major orchestras call Penang Philharmoic and Penang Symphony Orchestra.

 

Penang Clothing Line

Penang is a grow metropolis of many cultural traditions and backgrounds. There are many stills of clothing within Penang to include those of western influence. Depending on where you are and the age group you will see some skimpy clothing as well as traditional clothing. However, most women in Penang and in Malaysia wear head coverings called Massaash. This is due to the heavy Islamic presence in the country. Religious beliefs also play an important role in what people wear in Penang. But even with all the modern clothing introduction people in Penang still wear traditional clothing. Traditional clothing can be seen a number of ways to include festivals, weddings, or special events. Traditional clothing you not normally worn on a day to day basis due in part to how elaborate everything is. The types are clothing are sold in traditional stores but are of cheaper quality. Most groups also wear what are called kebaya (is a traditional blouse-dress combination), saree (female garment that consists of a drape of varying length that is typically wrapped around the waist, with one end draped over the shoulder, baring the midriff), but how it is worn depends on your nationality. Many people in Penang also wear what is called a sarong (is a length of fabric, often wrapped around the waist and can be worn by women and men). Sarong can be made from cotton, songket (hand-woven silk that is patterned with gold or silver thread) and brocade (decorative shuttle-woven fabrics made of colored silks with or without gold/silver threading). Because of the mixed culture lots of these traditional pieces are mixed and matched. Men can also wear these items about their dress are also challenged by the nationality. An example of this is Malay men wearing samping (is about half the size of a normal sarong ) over their trousers and Chinese women wearing samfoo (consists of ankle (or slightly above) length trousers worn with a blouse which are fastened by toggles. Also most of the women wear long dresses with a shawl to cover up.

 

Because there are so many cultures and tourist is will not be difficult to figure out what to wear in this country. Younger less traditional nationals and tourists are usually seen wearing jeans, shirts, and sneakers. Visitors are not expected to adhere to religious practices that are not their own. Example foreign women don’t have to cover their hair.

 

Everyday clothing can be broken down into the three main cultures of Penang which are Malay, Chinese, and Indian for everyday wear. Malay men wear baju melayu, a loose tunic over trousers, wrapped in a sarong. The men also may wear a songkok (cap) when dressed. The Chinese women wear the cheongsam or dress with a high collar and diagonal clasps to keep it closed. Well respected Chinese women wear the samfoo. Chinese men wear short sleeved shirts with trousers and sandals. Malay women wear baju kurung, a knee length, long-sleeved blouse over a long skirt. This is also adorned with a headscarf, though not always. Finally, Indian, both men and women, wear the sarees. For a more traditional wear a Lungi, this is a short length of fabric that is worn around the thighs like a sarong. Most of the clothing is made from silk, linen, or cotton, due to high temperatures in Penang.

 

Penang...why no cultural symbols?

How life and death are treated varies by what religious belief you hold within Penang. It is actually really difficult to find cultural symbols in Penang. It is because of the diversity that the selection of an official symbol for anything has been difficult. There are varied symbols mostly Muslim and Buddhist but nothing singular. The culture actually uses natural icons, such as the hibiscus flower over symbols.

It is because of its varied religious background that I will focus only on the two major religions of this country. Though Buddhism (36%) is consider the main religion of those living in Penang it is second behind Islam (45%) which is considered the official religion of Penang. Many people of Chinese decent celebrate what is call Tomb Sweeping or Ching Ming. Though there are many religious beliefs in dealing with death one thing is common the is a large amount of support from the community and lots of prayer.

The symbol of both life and death for Buddhism is the wheel. Buddhist believe that we are born, die, and then are born again, completing a continuous circle or wheel.

 

Buddhist practices for funeral services motivate individuals to talk about death by encouraging family members to preplan for death and funeral arrangements.. Buddhist funerals are also said to be practical and not overly flashy. Money is usually donated to a charity of the deceased. Offerings are made to the deceased with flowers, fruits, joss paper, old clothing. Buddhist embrace death to the point that children are encouraged to help clean and prepare the body before it is laid to rest, this is called filial piety. The body is then taken to a quiet hall, where an altar is set up with a portrait of the deceased and an image of Buddha. These funerals usually last for about 3 days through the nights. Bodies are usually cremated after the service and spread across nature. Final respects are given by bowing at the altar. Buddhist also believe that there is a rebirth/reincarnation after the body dies and positive meditation by family members and monks helps loved ones to be reborn in a better life. Sometimes the family wears white but black is also acceptable. Incenses are also burned to make the air smell sweet.

 

The most common symbol of Islam is the star and crescent moon. There are really no other symbols that represent life or death outside of this symbol.

 

Muslims burial wastes no time as it should be as close to the time of death as possible. The body is called jenazah and should always be handled with care. The body is then washed but can only be washed by family members of the same sex and covered (those body parts that should be hidden are covered first). Once bathed the body is covered in a white cloth called kafan and then taken to the mosque to be prayed over. The body is covered again with batik cloth. Once prayer is over the jenazah is taken to be buried directly into the ground without a casket. There is no option for cremation as this is forbidden. The grave is aligned perpendicular to the direction of Mecca. Once in the grave three soil balls are placed in the grave by a male next of kin. At the end of the ceremony a wood grave stone is place temporarily until a stone one is created. Loud wailing is prohibited. The weeks following the ceremony have various religious devotions and family and friends visiting the family to pay their respects. Those friends and family also donate their money to charities and funeral expenses.

 

So I decided to make Penang stir fried flat noodles. Penang is know for its food. This is a nayional loval food that has humble beginnings as it was given to labourers. No matter where you go "Penang Hawker food" or street food is a must try in Penang. Char Kuey Teow is made from chinese sausage, eggs, bloody cookles, shrimp, chives, bean sprouts, red chilli paste, and flat rice 🍜 wok fried on soy sauce and tallow (beef fat). Its one of the top three must try foods in Paneng.
I have read that the Char Kuey Teow is the best in Penang. Many from all over Asia travel far and wide to taste the Penang version. It is said that the secret is in a well seasoned, very hot wok refered to "wok hei". I hot my recipe from Rasa Malaysia online. I also purchased the freshest ingredients from Chinatown Supermarket on NW 27th street.
I enjoyed cooking the meal. To me it tastes like a fancy stir fry. My version didnt consist of egg. Though that is commonly used like in most other stir fries. It was originally given to fisherman as it was cheap and easy to make.

Red dot!! Penang style

So for class I made

Char Keuy Teow. In that recipe are a type of clam called "Bloody Cookles". They every cute white looking clams. But once you open them they are bloody red. Thos picture doesnt do them justice. Enjoy!

But But...my Toy is red

So I found this red dot in my ex-professors off. It's a snow globe from a kids movie. I believe the movie was called Frost. I loved that movie and I'm always playing with this globe when I go visit. It seems fitting sonce the holidays are around the corner.

Top of the morning

Here is the top of my breakfast...it was yogurt...yum...