Chou Chou (臭臭）
It’s a deeply personal childhood comfort object—such as a small bolster, worn pillow, blanket, or soft toy—that a person keeps and sleeps with for emotional security, often well into adulthood. In Singlish, it literally translates from Mandarin as "smelly thing". Many are traditional hand-sewn bolsters filled with dried bean sprout husks given to newborns to prevent them from startling in their sleep.Over years of hugging, sweating, and washing, the object develops a distinct, irreplaceable scent and worn-out shape that brings comfort and nostalgia. A past local study found that over half of Singaporeans still sleep with their childhood chou chou.P.s/ (Saw another fellow Singaporean posted ChouChou as their cultural keepsake and just wanted to share an image of mine - it looks a little different than usual.. please brace yourself..)
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