Happy Chap Goh Mei!

On the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year, technically the final day of the festival, is a day known as Chap Goh Mei. Means "the 15th night of Chinese New Year". Aside from being tagged as the last day, Chap Goh Mei is also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day.

One of the fun activities that take place on this auspicious night includes the throwing of oranges into the sea by these young ones. It is without a doubt, the most popular and colorful moment in the history of Chap Goh Mei. It is believed that by throwing tangerines into the sea, these young girls would find themselves a good husband. For many, the act of throwing tangerines into the sea also signifies that these women are available for marriage. It is also said that if someone else who sees the floating tangerine in the water and picked it up, that generally means that the single who threw it would be able to find a good spouse.


Funnily, while many of us may have imagined that such a tradition is passed forth from China, it is strangely not. In fact, this interesting practice originated from a little Malaysian island known as Penang. This took place some time towards the end of the 19th century. On top of that, tangerines are sold at an exorbitantly high price but then again, who says romance is cheap? Hehehe :)

Anyhow...Happy Chap Goh Mei to all :)

Wong Siew Lian

Clarity