Tiger and the Peranakans

Baba Norman Cho sheds light on the significance of the tiger in Peranakan culture

The Tiger, the symbol of strength, courage and honour, is the third animal in the Chinese zodiac sign. It is an animal that both the Chinese and Malay cultures are familiar with. The Chinese Tigers (panthera tigris amoyensis) can be found in Amoy, South China, a region in the Hokkien province where the migrant forefathers most Chinese Peranakan originated. Closer to the present homeland, the Malayan Tigers (panthera tigris malayensis), were commonly sighted the jungles of Singapore and Malaysia up till the early 1900s. The Malays called it Harimau while it is known as Arimo in Baba patois. Have you ever heard about the legend of how Singapore got its name? A prince from Palembang, Sang Nila Utama, spotted a prancing beast on the ancient island of Temasek and was quickly told that it was a lion. Captivated by its magnificence, he named the island, Singapura (singa means lion, pura means city). We know that the lion has never been a native creature in this part of the world.Therefore, it would mean that he had probably seen a tiger! Shouldn’t Singapura be then more accurately known as Arimopura (tiger city)?

The Peranakan culture is rich in its references to the tiger – a creature that is much respected and yet feared. While white tigers are rare, it is thought to bring bad luck. The Peranakans frowned upon girls who were born in the Year of the Tiger, especially if they were born at night. As night is the time when tigers are out on the prowl, it was believed that these women would makan laki (eat the husbands). This meant that the husbands would have very short lives and would not outlive their wives. Before the turn of the 20th century when infant mortality rate was high, Peranakan children were made to wear tangkals (amulets) that encased a pair of tiger-claws. These were usually encased in silver-gilt frames that formed a pair of dragon-fish. It was thought that the claws from such a ferocious animal had the protective qualities that could dispel evil and avert misfortune in order to keep the young ones safe. The Peranakans were probably inspired by similar tiger-claws amulets used by the Indians.

In the Baba-Malay translated version of the ancient Chinese literary work, Swui Hnoh (Water Margin) that was published between 1899 – 1902, Chan Kim Boon, re-acquainted the Peranakans with the tale of a drunken hero who fought and killed a ferocious tiger with only his bare fists. Talking about drunken hero, reminded me of the many Babas in the olden days who would get intoxicated over bottles of Tiger Beer at the local cabarets they frequented. Watching stage- performances was a common leisure activity for the Babas back then. For those who suffer from nasty headaches, tummy-aches and runny-nose, Tiger Balm was the multi-purpose medicated balm that was commonly used. Incidentally, the founder of Tiger Balm, Aw Boon Haw took Penang nyonyas as wives. He was also the one who built Singapore’s earliest theme park in 1937 and named it Tiger Balm Garden (also known as Haw Par Villa). It featured numerous images depicting the myths and legends from ancient China. It was one of the favorite places of interest for the Peranakans. Nyonyas would often bring their children to view the famous 18 chambers of hell in order to instill morality upon them.

It was also a very lovely venue for a weekend picnic.

Tiger motif was also known to have been applied to kebaya embroideries and beaded clutch-bags. However, I have yet to come across beaded footwear depicting the tiger. These objects were likely used by nyonyas who were either born in the Year of the Tiger or who were celebrating the Year of the Tiger. Even the batik sarongs or embroidered slippers, occasionally featured the tiger together with a menagerie of other zodiac animals.

In the past, wild-game hunting was another recreational activity for the Babas. Common game animals included the deer, the tiger and the bat. During her teenage years, my paternal grandmother was introduced to tiger’s meat while on a trip to Muar to visit relatives. Tiger meat was thought to be nourishing and had the ability to warm the body. Grandmother was tricked into eating the meat which she thought was venison. She said that the meat was barbecued and it tasted like pork, except that the flavour was richer. After the meal, she shuddered upon being told that she had just consumed a man-eating tiger!

Tiger is used in Baba idioms and phrases to express thoughts. Arimo semunyit kuku (the tiger hiding its claws) is used to describe someone who is concealing his capabilities. Another expression, arimo sua jadi kambeng (the tiger has turned into a lamb) is used to describe someone who has been humbled. When someone tells you that arimo tak makan anak (the tiger does not eat its cubs), it means that even the cruelest person will not harm his child. Finally, arimo buat bantal (using a tiger for a pillow) means that you are keeping dangerous company.

Next time when you see a tiger, remember that the Peranakan culture is filled with affiliation to this enigmatic creature. Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Year of the Tiger, badan boleh kuat macham arimo (strong like the tiger)!