After watching the Singapore blockbuster drama Little Nyonya, all I can tell to myself is I am indeed very LUCKY! If I were to be one of the Nyonyas born during or before the World War II, will my fate be similar as Juxiang? Women at that time did not go to school. The most important skills they had to have was to be a good Peranakan cook and at the same time good at sewing, embroidery and making beaded shoes!

Or will I choose to live like Yueniang whose character was admired by many? Yueniang lost both her parents at the age of 8. One of the most touching scenes that girl had portrayed was to persistently request for her father's body from Japanese soldiers. She kept repeating 'Please return my father to me!' so that she could buried both her parents together. Kudos to the Little Nyonya team for coming up with such a fantastic story line, selection of characters, shooting locations and most importantly incorporating the rich Peranakan culture.

Picture: Courtesy of Singapore Media Corp TV

What strikes me to watch this drama in the first place was the Peranakan dishes. I was told about 'Babi Ponteh' and 'Ayam Buah Keluak' featuring in this drama by a friend. Then, I was teasing this friend to prepare these dishes for us since he is good at cooking. Guess I must be missing my grandmother's Nyonya cooking a lots especially Bubur Cha Cha, Nyonya kuihs (sweet desserts in a bite size) and Nyonya biscuits e.g. Kuih Bangkit, Kuih Bahulu, Kuih Kapit during Chinese New Year. Her secret was simple, there is never a thought of 'shortcut' or 'speedy' in her cooking dictionary. Being patience and passionate, the cuisines she prepared were always awesome!

This drama somehow brings me back to my old good days! Seeing the Huang's Baba in their pyjamas reminds me of my late grandfather. Exactly the same kind of attire for bed - a singlet on top with a checkered sarong. Watching it is like getting to know my own root better. In fact, this message was conveyed in a few scenes, whereby Yueniang was kneeling and being beaten at their ancestral hall. Instead of focusing on the pain, she memorized two Chinese characters on a plague hung above the hall which later won Madam Chen's heart during Chen Xi's bride selection.

Picture: Courtesy of Singapore Media Corp TV

Even though Yueniang has never attended formal school like her step cousins, her courage and determination to become English literate eventually paid off. Yeuniang takes a path that is less traveled by most women of her era and that's what make her so special, different and sucessful! 

If you wish to learn more about Peranakan Culture like marriage ceremony or Nyonya culinary arts and Peranakan Architecture, this is the drama for you. Or if you wish to take life in your own hands, this is also a good drama for you!

I leave the title: LITTLE NYONYA and the wonderful story with you to explore! Hope you enjoy!!!

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Comments (1)

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written by QuaChee , September 13, 2009

modern times are indeed in a way luckier. anyway, the show is interesting for its thematic concept

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