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Chinese paper cutting art from YeinJee's Asian Journal

Peranakan refers to descendants of foreign immigrants (primarily Chinese) who assimilated with the Nusantara community during the 15th & 16th century and created a unique culture of their own. Chinese-Peranakan is often referred to as Baba (male) and Nyonya (female).

The BIG Bibik & The Little Nyonyas revolves around a Peranakan grandmother teaching her grandchildren and friends on the art of cooking Nyonya dishes. Below are the first four (of eight) webisodes…

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The BIG Bibik & The Little Nyonyas from YeinJee's Asian Journal

Notice how huge Antarctica was portrayed back then; global warming lol?

[more Japanese antique maps at Joel's blog]

Japanese antique world map from YeinJee's Asian Journal

Devotees say no babies were injured during the ritual, which is practised annually by Muslims and Hindus in a village in western India’s Solapur district for 500 years.

Speechless.

[video via eltelbarker@Youtube]

Bizarre baby throwing ritual in India from YeinJee's Asian Journal

Philippines roasted pig parade from YeinJee's Asian Journal

The above video [credits to garyjpn@youtube for the upload] is probably from Hiroshima in 2009; there are other slightly different format in other places, including in Tokyo where some real sumo wrestlers were involved.

Nakizumo – Japanese baby crying festival from YeinJee's Asian Journal

There’s a huge video collection of Rogge during his stay in Japan and Hong Kong from 1949 to 1961, which I absolutely adore… it’s a valuable cultural heritage imo. You can check all his works on his Youtube channel.

Michael Rogge – Old Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from YeinJee's Asian Journal

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Vintage Formosa – historical photos of Taiwan from YeinJee's Asian Journal

Falconry demo by the Kyrgyz (Image from Xinhuanet)

Falconry (hunting with eagles/falcons) has a long history in the region; Kyrgyz nomads have been hunting with golden eagles for thousand of years. The eagles are known as Berkut in local language, and the activity is called Berkutchi.

Falconry Festival, Xinjiang, China from YeinJee's Asian Journal

Hina Ningyo, Japanese ornament dolls (Image by Shigemi)

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Hina Matsuri – Japanese Girls’ Day and Doll Festival from YeinJee's Asian Journal

There’s one problem though, as some other restaurants are riding on its fame with similar name and menu to take advantage of naive foreign travellers, and I was one of the fallen prey of the conspiracy during my Hanoi trip in July 2008…

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Cha Ca grilled fish, Hanoi, Vietnam from YeinJee's Asian Journal

Koreans in traditional Hanbok to celebrate Seollal (Image via Korea.net)

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Seollal – Korean New Year from YeinJee's Asian Journal

A Seijin Shiki (成人式; coming-of-age ceremony) is normally held in the morning at local city offices where politicians and academicians will give speeches reminding the new adults of their social responsibilities. The Shin Seijin (新成人; new adults) would often visit a shrine after the ceremony to make their wishes and go for parties later on.

Young ladies are often seen in traditional Furisode on the day, while guys in business suit or traditional Hakama. Sharing a few 2009 pics by Dannychoo the Stormtrooper in Tokyo; obviously a paradise for photography geeks…

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Seijin no Hi – Japanese Coming of Age Day from YeinJee's Asian Journal

Fukubukuro (Image by Nathan)

According to Wiki, Fukubukuro was originated from Ginza’s Matsuya Department Store in late Meiji period (1868-1912) and has since become a widespread custom in Japan. The practise was probably first used to offload excess merchandises, but has now evolved into marketing and branding campaigns.

The items in the Fukubukuro is not quite as random compared to early days… lots of the lucky bags these days are themed accordingly (gadgets, apparels, toys etc) and sometimes offered by a particular brand. The shoppers have a good chance of getting what they want, or at least not totally unwanted items.

Fukubukuro – Japanese lucky New Year bag from YeinJee's Asian Journal

Tomb for the rich and high ranking people in the Cotu society

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Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi – outdoor exhibits from YeinJee's Asian Journal

I am not sure if geisha is the right word to describe the postcards though… most of those ladies look like ordinary people (including some westerners) wearing traditional Japanese kimonos instead of real geishas. The pics are pretty neat nonetheless.

Vintage geisha postcards from YeinJee's Asian Journal