'Chou Chou' (meaning 'stinky' in Mandarin) or 'bantal busuk' ('foul pillow' in Malay) is an object that provides comfort and security. It can be a rarely-washed bolster, a small pillow or a favourite soft toy. The object absorbs years of sweat, tears and saliva, giving it a distinct smell that can only be appreciated by the owner.
Chou Chous are often handmade by mothers or grandmothers of newborns in a family. Filled with sun-dried bean sprout husks, they are lightweight and cool to touch in the tropical heat of Singapore. There are stories of how some people keep their Chou Chous well into adulthood and have never truly outgrown their attachment with the comfort objects.
