TODAY, the Chinese community will congregate in celebration of the last day of the Lunar New Year, known as Chap Goh Meh – a Hokkien word which simply means 'the 15th night' of the Chinese New Year.
On this day, prayers are offered, sometimes on a grand scale, while families gather for a special dinner to wrap up the celebration.
On this day, prayers are offered, sometimes on a grand scale, while families gather for a special dinner to wrap up the celebration.
Chap Goh Meh is synonymous to its age-old significance .....as the Chinese version of Valentine's Day.
In the olden days, this night was one of the few occasions when eligible young women, were allowed out of their homes. Virgin girls often had strict curfews. ...and these damsels would grab the opportunity to come out on this auspicious night of Chap Goh Meh.
However, the men folks could only watch the dolled-up damsels from afar.
The women would then cast oranges into the sea in the hope of finding a prospective suitor or husband. .........Make a wish before you throw the orange.
The women would then cast oranges into the sea in the hope of finding a prospective suitor or husband. .........Make a wish before you throw the orange.
I was in Pg this afternoon...and noticed that there would be a mini concert of sort along a few streets on the island. The chinese community here had came up with this cultural gatherings..with the hope that the younger generations would not forget the significance of this auspicious day. Happy Chap Goh Meh ....and may those oranges that you deposit into the sea... bring you the best returns.
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