Chap Goh Meh Malaysian Hokkien Festival
Chap Goh Meh Malaysian Hokkien Festival
Remember the day where the Chinese throw mandarin oranges into rivers, lakes and seas? That is Chap Goh Meh and simply means the fifteenth lunar day in Hokkien. The uniqueness of Chap Goh Meh Festival is it is believed originated by the Malaysian Hokkien communities back in 19th century.
There are many versions of stories about the origin of Chap Goh Meh and all mostly pointed back to a custom created by Hokkiens in Penang during the 19th century. Actually I didn’t know it is a Hokkien thing until my friends told me back then.
In traditional Chinese culture, the full moon, under which the festival is celebrated, also symbolises a joyous union. “Some well-known Tang and Song poems describe how young people could meet and find their lovers on that day.”
The tradition of tossing mandarin oranges into rivers, lakes, or seas, however, is a custom that, Chan says, started on Malaysian shores and is unique to the Chinese Hokkien community in the Muslim-majority country, who migrated from Fujian, China long ago.
According the Chan, throwing mandarin oranges into water is believed to bring good luck and help young couples to find their destined person soon. So what they used to do is, to write their name and phone number. Maybe now you should write your name with your social handles?
I did throw mandarin oranges when I was in college in Klang when I was single back then. If not mistaken, I was with my friends back then. Anyways, it is a custom and it will be a miracle someone will actually contact you from the mandarin orange.
“Oranges are an auspicious fruit for [Chinese people], and the homophone for it is ‘good luck’,” Chan explains. “There is a Fujian folk song which says that throwing tangerines can help you find a good husband,” the professor added.
As I am writing this on Chap Goh Meh, it is raining heavily in some part of Kuala Lumpur. I am not sure whether it is a great idea to throw mandarin oranges during rainy night but if you are desperate for love, why not?
Good luck everyone and lets have an awesome Dragon 2024!
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