Betel Chewing: a tradition that has seen better days

Practiced for thousands of years, betel chewing was once considered a social necessity in Southeast Asia. The tradition involved gestures and symbolisms embedded within the rich culture and heritage of the region.

While it once served important social and cultural functions, it is rarely seen nowadays though still enjoyed by a few communities.

This old Southeast Asian habit leaves unsightly marks on the teeth and around the mouth, specially the lips. In its most basic form, betel chewing involves chewing a personally wrapped combination of a betel leaf, areca nut, and a lime paste made from the powdered shells of sea corals.

The lime paste is first spread on the betel leaf. Then, shavings or pieces of dried areca nut are laid on top.

The leaf is then folded inwards to contain all the ingredients. Once the lump or quid is formed, it is ready to be chewed.

According to Richard Gan, who teaches history at university level, evidence suggests that betel chewing traditions originated in the region.

“Historical accounts point to the areca nut and betel being indigenous to Southeast Asia. Moreover, skeletons with stained teeth, suggestive of betel chewing, as well as containers for storing lime, were discovered at an ancient burial cave on the island of Palawan in the southern Philippines."

"These pieces of evidence date back to around 2660 BCE,” he said.

Cultural significance

Betel is the leaf of the Piper Betel vine found in Southeast Asia. It is a shiny, heart-shaped leaf with a distinct peppery taste.

“The people of the region traditionally offered it as a symbol of hospitality, especially during such occasions as weddings, festivals, and religious rituals. It was valued for its medicinal properties as well. In Vietnam, betel leaves symbolize unity and harmony in the family."

"In Cambodia, betel leaves are used in traditional ceremonies honoring their ancestors. In Thailand, betel leaves are often included in traditional wedding ceremonies to symbolize love and fidelity,” Richard explained.

“In countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, people use betel leaves in traditional healing practices. In Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, people present betel leaves to guests as a gesture of welcome and goodwill,” he added.

Chewing betel leaf was a common social custom in many Southeast Asian societies, with people serving it as a sign of friendship and hospitality.

While the betel leaf is cherished across the region, there are variations in the use and preparation. In some regions, it is chewed with areca nut and slaked lime. In other countries, it is mixed with tobacco or other spices.

Social grace

For centuries, many people in Southeast Asia enjoyed betel chewing as a social pastime.

According to Richard, chewing betel quid was prominent during the 19th and early 20th centuries, transcending class and gender.

“Although only Chinese migrants and Eurasians in Singapore practiced the habit, many aristocrats, merchants, and laborers in the Indian, Malay, and Peranakan societies enjoyed it. It became a part of social grace and helped in promoting and strengthening social ties,” he said.

The ritual also became part of social and business gatherings during that time. Offering it to guests was a sign of being a gracious host. Declining the offer was deemed impolite and disrespectful.

“In traditional Malay customs, a suitor or one of his relatives would bring a tray of betel quid to the prospective bride’s residence when asking for her hand in marriage,” shared one local.

“As part of wedding traditions, the giving out of a small ceremonial box of betel quid would serve as an invitation. Acceptance of the item, in that social context, implied agreement,” he added.

“Betel chewing has also been a part of the Thai tradition. During the Lanna Kingdom, betel chewing was considered a trend among young adults, when the red-brown stains on the teeth due to the practice of the habit were considered beautiful,” revealed Shada, a university lecturer.

Decline of the habit

The decline of the betel chewing tradition in Singapore reportedly started in the 1950s. Years later, the practice was near extinction and enjoyed only by the elderly.

Soon, the tradition waned in popularity due to modern health concerns associated with its side effects and addictive nature.

“Growing concerns about the unhealthy effects of the habit likely played a part in discouraging the younger generation from practicing the habit. The changing social and cultural attitudes also contributed to the decline."

"In urban areas, chewing betel quid soon became unsightly as some chewers would spit out the colored betel quid juice in public areas,” one local said.

In 1940, Plaek Phibunsonkram’s government of Thailand launched a campaign to discourage citizens from the habit (gin maak in Thai). Betel chewing was banned in government buildings, and this started an anti-betel chewing trend.

“I dare not chew it in the public so I rarely went out,” a senior Thai citizen told Thai PBS World.

Today, the practice only survives among more remote ethnic groups in Southeast Asia, with the exception of Myanmar where betel nut stalls are still present in markets and communities.

Some migrant workers from Myanmar continue this tradition at stalls in communities such as Phrakanong market in Bangkok, and in Samut Sakhon, home to some 200,000 Burmese migrants.

Other than that, in most homes in the region nowadays, betel chewing traditions only live in the memories of those who recall their elderly relatives indulging in the habit.

(This story is part of a series about the vanishing cultural traditions in Southeast Asia.)