Pictures below are two sets of tarnished silver gilt Taoist Eight Immortal figures which were used for the Peranakan family to pin on a bridal wedding headband. They are the protective talismans for the brides, and also a symbol of their virginity. 'Pak Siam', the name used by the Baba and Nyonya of the Malay Peninsula and Singapore for this headdress figures derives from the figures of the Eight Immortals (Ba Xian, 八仙), the legendary figures of Taoist religion, whose particular emblems indicate the special powers of secrets for which they are revered. The Eight Immortals are often accompanied, as in this case, by the God of Longevity depicted as an old man which sewn in between the Eight Immortals.
Similar types of these Taoist Eight Immortal figures were also worn by babies which were sewn on the baby hats as the protective talismans, or the boys on the headdress at their circumcision ceremonies.
Set 1
Set 2
Similar types of these Taoist Eight Immortal figures were also worn by babies which were sewn on the baby hats as the protective talismans, or the boys on the headdress at their circumcision ceremonies.
Set 1
Set 2
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you... Wai Foong Chai....
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