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".
Lantern Festival: the Chinese celebration & traditions
The festival marks the climax of the Chinese New Year
So, what is the Lantern Festival, what are its origins - and how is it usually celebrated?
Here is everything you need to know:
- Chinese New Year celebrations can last for up to 16 days, with seven days being a public holiday.
- The festivities reach a climax with the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first Chinese lunar month.
- Over the years, the festival has developed multiple meanings.
- It celebrates family reunions, socialising and freedom, while also featuring ancient spiritual traditions.
- Usually, families reunite on New Year’s Eve and visit in-laws on the 2nd day of the new year.
- Stores reopen on the 5th day, and the celebrations gradually die down.
- But on the 15th day of the new year, the Lantern Festival, everyone takes to the streets to celebrate and light lanterns.
- Some regard the festival as the “true” Chinese Valentine’s Day, rather than the traditional day of Qixi.
- That’s because, in Ancient China, when women often weren’t allowed out of the house, on the Lantern Festival they were able to celebrate freely, joining in traditions and interacting romantically with men.
- Despite its importance, the Lantern Festival isn’t a national holiday, so there are no days off for celebrations.
The 15-Day Celebration of Chinese New Year
- First day - zhengyue 1, ’Birthday of Chicken’
- Second day - zhengyue 2, ‘Birthday of Dog’
- Third day - zhengyue 3, ‘Birthday of Pig’
- Fourth Day - zhengyue 4, ‘Birthday of Sheep’
- Fifth day - zhengyue 5, ‘Birthday of Ox, Cattle’
- SIxth day - zhengyue 6, ‘Birthday of Horse’
- Seventh day - zhengyue 7, ‘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
