One for every woman: Women joining a kebaya flash mob to celebrate the iconic traditional clothing’s heritage in this file photo. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: For someone who takes long strides when walking, nurse Law Huey Yen knows it is not easy doing so when wearing a kebaya.
The 22-year-old from Kelantan said “those who wear it must take small steps and be ladylike”.
Law, who was seen striking various poses in her kebaya during a photoshoot here, said she loves trying on different traditional attires.
“I make it a point to look for something new to try and knew that I wanted to wear a kebaya when I visit Penang.
“So, I thought that it would be great to rent a kebaya and have some photos taken and at the same time, experience the Peranakan culture,” she said.
The kebaya, a long-sleeved upper garment traditionally made from a variety of fabrics and often adorned with intricate embroidery, is popular in South-East Asia. It became fashionable at the turn of the 20th century.
Law said she was happy to know that kebaya has been officially added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (Unesco) list of intangible cultural heritage.
Intangible cultural heritage refers to traditions or living expressions that are inherited and passed on between generations, such as performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events.
“This is how a culture is preserved. Usually we only hear about buildings and other heritage items making it to the list, having an outfit included is nice,” Law added.
Decked in traditional kebaya with trinkets to compliment the attire, Mariko Murata and her childhood friends were a colourful sight.
Mariko, 49, originally from Japan but who now lives in Penang, was immersing herself in the local Peranakan culture with her friends who were visiting from Japan.
“I have many Japanese friends who wear kebaya during dinner events and other functions, so it is something I have always wanted to try.
“This time, when my friends came over from Japan, we decided to try it out and have our photos taken.
“Although it is not similar to the kimono (traditional Japanese garment and the national dress of Japan), it does have similar patterns,” said the housewife when met at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion in Church Street here.
Mariko said the kebaya being officially added to the Unesco list proved that recognising different cultural garments is equally important.
Mariko’s friends Ayako Furuta and Nanae Fujita, both 49, said it was a fun experience for them to try out the kebaya and learn about another culture.
“It is not as comfortable as expected but it is pretty. It is nice to try something different and cultural.
“For us, it is a fun activity to do together,” said Ayako.
Pinang Peranakan Baba Nyonya Association president Datuk Lilian Tong said she was thrilled with the recognition.
“It is not just about it being a Baba Nyonya outfit but the fact that it is shared by many cultures, the Nusantara (Indo-Malaysian archipelago) and more.
“So many people and cultures use the kebaya and for it to be recognised is something that further binds us together regardless of us being from different nations or racial background,” she said.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the recognition of the kebaya is a proud milestone for Malaysians.
“The Nyonya Kebaya of Penang symbolises the Peranakan culture that is deeply rooted in Penang’s identity.
“This recognition not only highlights our cultural heritage but places Malaysia on the global stage.
“It opens opportunities for tourism growth, celebrates our multicultural harmony and ensures that this precious heritage continues to be appreciated and preserved for future generations,” he said.
Wong said in Penang, the kebaya is more than an attire, it is a testament to the state’s history, artistry and the harmonious blending of cultures.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage while fostering unity and pride among Malaysians.
“The passion for Penang’s culture is greatly valued and we will continue our efforts to ensure our heritage thrives both locally and internationally,” he said.
Kebaya was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity category by Unesco following a joint nomination by Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Thailand, according to a statement from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry on Wednesday.
It was announced during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage taking place until Dec 7 in Asuncion, Paraguay.
