THE CULTURE AND CUSTOM OF THE CHINESE PERANAKAN IN PENANG ISLAND: WEDDING CEREMONY

The wedding ceremony of the Chinese Peranakan portrays a lot of the colorful Chinese heritage traditions that are similar to the Malay customs.

The customs include the use of the betel leaf container that symbolizes the bride-to-be's purity and the dowry that needs to be handed to the bride-to-be's parents as recognition of her well-preserved purity. Included too are the exchanging of the ring ceremony of the couple, the marriage gifts that are gifts presented to the bride from the groom and vice versa, and the use of scented flower potpourri and incense. The ceremony is also adorned with the song Dondang Sayang sung in Malay and danced by the guests during the reception.

The wedding ceremony of the affluent Chinese Peranakan is held for 12 days continuously, while the normal is celebrated on the first day and the twelfth day only.