Chap Goh Mei

Chap Goh Mei is the day where the Chinese celebrate the ending of the Chinese New Year, which is on the 15th night of Chinese New Year calendar where normally there will be a full moon. However, it is also a celebration where people celebrate the Chinese Valentine's Day. It is also known as Lantern Festival and Yuan Xiao. On this day, the young unmarried women would throw tangerines into the sea with the hope of finding a good husband. However, as time goes by, the men get to throw bananas too into the river or lake with the same intention.

This year, I got the chance to participate one of the event held at Taman Permaisuri Lake, sponsored by Magnum and host by the Chinese Radio Station, 988. Taman Permaisuri Lake is quite a spacious park where people normally jog around in the mornings and evenings. There is also a big playground where you can see many kids playing there. In the middle of the park, there is a lake and that's why people call it Taman Permaisuri Lake. This event actually is held for every year.


Some stalls were there, selling food and some little souvenirs for the visitors. Out of the blues, there is a big booth, selling entry tickets to the event. By paying RM15, you are entitled to received a bag containing two oranges (for the girls) or two bananas (for the guys), along with a marker, sweets and some brochure in it. Crossing the stalls and not much further, another small booth can be found at the entrance to the event.

the booth selling tickets

behind the booth, people preparing the bags, which contains oranges/bananas and pens

For others who don't have the interest to participate the event or not willing to pay RM15 for it, the visitors can still enter the place by paying RM2. The visitors will only be allowed to watch the whole event, not able to participate in their games and activities.

So, how this event actually go? According to the tradition, on this day, the single ladies would write their names on the tangerines and threw it into the pond, or lake and make their wishes.

At the beginning of the event, the MC would ask the people to surround the pond. The ladies on one side and the gentlemen will be on the opposite of the ladies. The ladies, would then write down their names and telephone numbers on the tangerines. As this is a 21st century era, some of them would even write their Facebook account. On the other hand, the gentlemen would do the same thing on their bananas. The event would go on with the MC's interview on the participants randomly and also some activities. At certain time, the MC would announced the moment for the ladies to throw their tangerines into the pool and the men would get themselves down into the pool to collect the tangerines.

the stage

the people crowding beside the pool

time for the males to collect the tangerines/oranges

the people hushing in the pool for the tangerines/oranges

The evolution of tradition, now even the guy can directly try their luck. Many had started practicing giving out bananas on this day. Besides collecting the tangerines, the gentlemen can directly gave their bananas to the ladies of their choice. It was a nice and entertaining throughout the event as they had also invited some artists along with many interactive games for the people there.

The celebration ended at about 11p.m..

BY: ELAINE KUM SZE LIN