In conjunction with the 60th Merdeka celebrations and the Baba Nyonya Mid-Autumn Festival, the interior and exterior of Quill City Mall KL has been decorated with giant patriotic decorations and Baba Nyonya lanterns for the annual ‘Quill City Mall KL And China Press Mid-Autumn Carnival’, adding up to the atmosphere of mid-autumn festival.
The birth of Malaysia’s unique Baba-Nyonya heritage dates back to 15th century when Chinese immigrants married the locals and adopted the local ways of living. Baba Nyonya community retains many Chinese festivals and the Lantern Festival is one of the important days celebrated by the Baba Nyonya. At Quill City Mall KL, there are various mooncakes and related festive items will be featured throughout the event.
Every time Mid-Autumn Festival comes around, Baba Nyonya has its unique sambal spice as the filling for moon cakes which are wrapped in its golden texture while the Baba Nyonya song and dance takes place in the background.
In order to make this campaign a success, Quill City Mall KL’s East Concourse, Ground Floor has been transformed into a ‘Baba Nyonya Mid-Autumn Festival’ theme consisting of the Baba Nyonya Street, lanterns, colourful tiles and accessories. Customers can also purchase a wide range of mid-autumn gifts on Baba Nyonya Street, including the major brands of moon cakes and tea, durian flavoured moon cakes, attractive lanterns, four treasures of the study, Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Gallery and Baba Nyonya food.
I have always thought that the genesis of Paranankan culture and cuisine began when Admiral Cheng Ho came back to Malacca with a Princess from Emperor Yang Le to marry the then Sultan of Malacca who has previously agreed that Malacca would accept China’s protection. The Princess arrived with 100 hand maidens. They were allocated to houses built for them in Bukit China. Over time, the 100 hand maidens were encouraged to inter married locals.