Rediscovering the romance of Chap Goh Mei
Chap Goh Meh in Teochew simply means "the 15th night of Chinese New Year". Aside from being tagged as the last day of the festival, Chap Goh Meh is also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day. On a celebratory point of view, this night sees the gathering of family members as they sit down to a meal together.
Just like Chinese New Year, Chap Goh Meh used to be celebrated with lots of fireworks and firecrackers which are now banned from use. Many homes gaily decorated with red lanterns and bright lights to mark the end of an auspicious occasion. Thanksgivings are held while many people would pray for success and wealth for the coming year. Chap Goh Meh is also regarded as the Chinese Valentine's Day, bringing forth lots of fun and gaiety. Chap Goh Meh used to be a night of courtship and was a forerunner in promoting match-making. On this night, many young ladies would make their way to the Esplanade, dressed in their best, with hope of finding prospective suitors.
One of the fun activities that take place on this auspicious night includes the throwing of tangerines into the sea off the Esplanade by these young maidens. It is without a doubt, the most popular and colorful moment in the celebration of Chap Goh Meh. 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 ladies 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. These are Memories of "The Good Old Days".
What is the Chinese Spring Lantern Festival and how is it celebrated?
Lantern Festival is a Chinese festival that marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. Sometimes, it’s better known as Yuan Xiao Festival or the Spring Lantern Festival – and is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month in the Chinese lunisolar calendar. The festival is usually a time to reconcile, host family reunions and socialise – though things may be different this year.
The Lantern Festival originates from and is celebrated all over China. Big celebrations often take place in Nanjing, Beijing and Shanghai – plus anywhere else in the world that marks the importance of Chinese New Year. In typical times, there would usually be small events happening around the UK.
What happens during the Lantern Festival? There’s a reason the Lantern Festival is also called Yuan Xiao. A big part of the day revolves around eating the traditional dessert, yuanxiao. This sweet rice ball, also called tangyuan, is made of glutinous rice flour and water. It is then either left as is or stuffed with a sweet filling, and is then deep-fried or boiled before eating. Generally, the day is all about reconciliation and coming together: reuniting with family members and socialising with friends. There’s also lantern-lighting in the evening, as well as parades and even traditional lion dances.
- First day - zhengyue, ’Birthday of Chicken’
- Second day - zhengyue, ‘Birthday of Dog’
- Third day - zhengyue, ‘Birthday of Pig’
- Fourth Day - zhengyue, ‘Birthday of Sheep’
- Fifth day - zhengyue, ‘Birthday of Ox, Cattle’
- SIxth day - zhengyue, ‘Birthday of Horse’
- Seventh day - zhengyue, ‘Birthday of Men’
- Eighth day - The Completion Day
- Ninth day - The birthday of the Jade Emperor
- Tenth to the Twelfth Day - More feasting with friends and family
- Thirteenth day - A time to diet a bit after so much rich food
- Fourteenth day, The Lantern Decoration Day
- Fifteenth day, Lantern Festival
