The Hainanese people too have their own traditional opera, known as Hainanese Opera (琼剧, Qióngjù). It is a unique form of Chinese opera that originates from Hainan Province, the southernmost island province of China. Like other regional operas, Hainanese opera blends singing, music, dance, and martial arts to tell stories based on historical events, folklore, and classical Chinese literature.
The origin and history of Hainanese opera dates back over 300 years, emerging during the Ming (1368–1644 AD) and Qing (1644–1912 AD) Dynasties. It evolved from Nanxi (南戏, Southern Opera) and incorporated influences from Yue Opera (粤剧, Cantonese Opera) and Qin Opera (秦腔, Shaanxi Opera). Over time, it developed into a distinctive performance art with its own music, dialect, and stylistic features.
During the 20th century, Hainanese opera spread beyond Hainan, particularly to Southeast Asia, where many Hainanese migrants settled in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The features of Hainanese Opera (琼剧, Qióngjù) are our language It is performed in Hainanese dialect (a branch of Min Chinese, similar to Hokkien but distinct). The Hainanese uses traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu (二胡), pipa (琵琶), gongs (锣), cymbals (钹), and drums (鼓). The performance style are expressive facial movements and gestures, acrobatic fighting scenes, similar to Peking opera and elaborate costumes with embroidery and bright colors. The makeup & symbolism is like other Chinese operas, facial makeup colours indicate different character traits such as red - loyalty, righteousness, black - integrity, and courage
White is deceitfulness, and cunning, gold/silver stands for deities or supernatural beings.
Our Hainanese story themes centres on historical dramas from the Tang, Song, and Ming Dynasties with folk legends and tales of famous heroes.
Hainanese opera are romantic and moral tales based on Confucian values.
But it has religious connection like Hokkien and Cantonese opera since Hainanese opera is often performed at temples during deity birthdays and Taoist/Buddhist festivals as a ritual offering to the gods.
Hainanese opera also has cultural significance -a symbol of Hainanese identity. A Hainanese opera is a cultural treasure for Hainanese communities worldwide. It preserves their dialect, history, and artistic traditions.
It is performed in Hainanese temples in China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand where they host opera performances during religious festivals even though Hainanese opera has declined in popularity, but there are efforts to preserve it through cultural programs, stage performances, and even television adaptations.
Like other Chinese dialect groups, the Hainanese people worship a mix of Taoist, Buddhist, and folk deities. Some common gods and sages found in Hainanese temples include:
1. Mazu (媽祖, Māzǔ) – Goddess of the Sea, protector of sailors and fishermen.
2. Tudigong (土地公, Tǔdìgōng) – Earth God, protector of local communities.
3. Guandi (关帝, Guān Dì) – The deified warrior Guan Yu, symbolizing loyalty and righteousness.
4. Baosheng Dadi (保生大帝, Bǎoshēng Dàdì) – God of Medicine and Healing.
5. Xuantian Shangdi (玄天上帝, Xuántiān Shàngdì) – Supreme Emperor of the Northern Heavens, a Taoist deity.
6. Jiutian Xuannü (九天玄女, Jiǔtiān Xuánnǚ) – The Mysterious Lady of the Ninth Heaven, a goddess of wisdom and magic.
7. 108 Brothers (一百零八兄弟, Yībǎi líng bā xiōngdì) – A unique group of deities worshiped in some Hainanese temples, believed to be historical warriors who became protectors of the people.
Since many Hainanese migrated to Malaysia and Singapore, they brought their opera traditions with them. In Malaysia, Hainanese opera is still performed during temple festivals, especially in places like Penang, Johor, and Kuala Lumpur.
In Singapore, efforts are being made to preserve Hainanese opera, with performances staged during cultural events.
Hainanese opera is a vibrant yet endangered art form, rich in history, music, and storytelling. Though not as famous as Peking or Cantonese opera, it remains a cherished part of Hainanese culture.
Hainanese Opera in Malaysia:
Hainanese opera, known as 琼剧 (Qióngjù), has been an integral part of the Hainanese community in Malaysia, serving both as entertainment and a means of preserving cultural identity. Brought over by Hainanese immigrants during the late Qing Dynasty, this art form flourished in regions with significant Hainanese populations, such as Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
Historical Context:
In Malaysia, Hainanese opera was traditionally performed during religious festivals, temple celebrations, and community events. These performances often depicted stories from Chinese folklore, history, and mythology, reflecting the community's values and beliefs. Over time, while facing challenges from modernization and changing entertainment preferences, efforts have been made to preserve this cultural heritage.
Hainanese Deities in Malaysia:
Hainanese temples in Malaysia often venerate a unique set of deities, reflecting their cultural and regional origins:
1. Shui Wei Sheng Niang (水尾圣娘): Known as the "Goddess of the Waterfront," she is a prominent deity among the Hainanese, believed to protect those living near water bodies. Her worship is widespread among Hainanese communities globally, including Malaysia.
2. Mazu (妈祖): The "Goddess of the Sea," Mazu is revered by many Chinese communities, including the Hainanese, as the protector of sailors and fishermen.
3. 108 Brothers (一百零八兄弟): This group of deities, unique to Hainanese belief, consists of 108 sworn brothers who are venerated for their loyalty and righteousness.
Notable Hainanese Temples in Malaysia:
1. Penang Hainan Temple (Thean Ho Keong): Established around 1866, this temple was dedicated to Mazu. Later, it also enshrined Shui Wei Sheng Niang and the 108 Brothers, reflecting the Hainanese community's devotion. The temple has served as a religious and social center for over a century.
2. Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur: Managed by the Hainanese community, this six-tiered temple is dedicated to Mazu (Thean Hou). The main prayer hall houses altars for Mazu, Shui Wei Sheng Niang, and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy), showcasing the syncretic religious practices of the community.
Preservation Efforts:
To ensure the survival of Hainanese opera in Malaysia, various initiatives have been undertaken:
Cultural Performances: Troupes continue to perform during temple festivals and cultural events, aiming to keep the tradition alive and introduce it to younger generations.
Educational Programs: Workshops and classes are organized to teach the intricacies of Hainanese opera, from performance techniques to the cultural significance of the stories portrayed.
Collaborations: Partnerships with cultural organizations and government bodies help in securing funding and platforms for performances, ensuring wider reach and appreciation.
These efforts highlight the community's dedication to preserving their intangible cultural heritage amidst a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
I mentioned in Part 1 when I was a small boy in the late 1950's there was a Buddhist temple called Lim Sz Chong Su Temple is also known as the 'Ma Zor Keng' in Batu Pahat, Johore that has a temple fair every year where there was a Chinese opera crowded with people watching who brought wooden boxes and crates and placed them all day long along the road (Jalan Fatimah) as their 'reserved seats'. Then the road was filled with hawkers selling all kinds of food.
It's heart-warming for me to recall collections of the Lim Sz Chong Su Temple (also known as Ma Zor Keng or 天后宫妈祖庙) in Batu Pahat, Johor. This temple has been a cornerstone of the local community, preserving cultural and religious practices for decades.
Historically, the temple has hosted vibrant annual fairs featuring Chinese opera performances, attracting large crowds. Attendees would bring wooden boxes and crates to reserve their spots along Jalan Fatimah, creating a lively atmosphere filled with hawkers selling various foods.
Timing of the Temple Fair:
The temple is particularly bustling during the Lunar Chinese New Year's Eve, when devotees gather to be the first to place incense sticks at midnight, ushering in the New Year. However, specific information regarding the exact month or date of the annual temple fair with opera performances isn't readily available. Given the prominence of Mazu worship, it's plausible that significant celebrations occur on her birthday, the 23rd day of the third lunar month, which typically falls in April or May.
For precise information about the temple fair's timing, I have in the past reached out directly to the temple's administration. They have previously provided me in the details on upcoming events and any changes in scheduling.
Current Status of Opera Performances:
While the tradition of hosting Chinese opera during temple fairs continues, audience numbers have dwindled in recent years. This decline mirrors broader trends where traditional art forms face challenges in attracting younger generations amidst modern entertainment options.
Attending these events can offer a deeper connection to our heritage and support the preservation of traditional practices.
Sharing experiences and encouraging younger family members to participate can help sustain interest in these cultural traditions.
My personal anecdotes from the late 1950s highlight the rich tapestry of cultural heritage associated with the Lim Sz Chong Su Temple. By re-engaging with these traditions, we can contribute to the enduring legacy of the Hainanese community in Malaysia.
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