The fifteen day is known as Chap Goh Meh, the last day of festivity falls on 24 February. It is also known to be the Chinese Valentine's Day. This occasion is celebrated with great prominence by the Chinese of the Straits Settlements especially.
In the olden days, young maidens especially the damsels of the rich are not allowed to walk the streets freely, this is the only day where they are allowed to stroll in the street(chaperon of course) to offer prayers in temples and to get noticed. Potential suitors would catch a glimpse of the young maidens and later sent marriage proposal. Tossing oranges on Chap Goh Meh into the ocean is an age old tradition by these maiden too who wish for a good match in life. It is believed that the maidens who threw the oranges will find her future match when her ‘suitor’ picks up her orange. Then, the young maiden hoped her 'suitor' will come knocking on her door or rather parent's door.
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In modern times, a suitor is only a phone call away as long as the modern day maidens remember to write their cellphone number with water proof pens on the oranges that they are throwing, LOL ! . This tradition of tossing the oranges still continues to be preserved until today but its more of having a good time for the young and single and or just to soak in the atmosphere.
As tradition goes by, married daughters are to visit their parents on the 2nd day. We decided to take mom and MIL for Hi-tea at the Grand Seasons. Their spread improved alot from the last time we were there.
On the 8th day, we were in Penang Island to celebrated my Aunt Belinda's 80th birthday. It was a fun filled night with performance from her grandkids and dancing the night away.
In the olden days, young maidens especially the damsels of the rich are not allowed to walk the streets freely, this is the only day where they are allowed to stroll in the street(chaperon of course) to offer prayers in temples and to get noticed. Potential suitors would catch a glimpse of the young maidens and later sent marriage proposal. Tossing oranges on Chap Goh Meh into the ocean is an age old tradition by these maiden too who wish for a good match in life. It is believed that the maidens who threw the oranges will find her future match when her ‘suitor’ picks up her orange. Then, the young maiden hoped her 'suitor' will come knocking on her door or rather parent's door.
In modern times, a suitor is only a phone call away as long as the modern day maidens remember to write their cellphone number with water proof pens on the oranges that they are throwing, LOL ! . This tradition of tossing the oranges still continues to be preserved until today but its more of having a good time for the young and single and or just to soak in the atmosphere.
Crafting wise, I have a secret project finished well ahead of time, so no pictures until then. In the meantime, I am trying to beat my dateline to complete Once Upon A Time series by LHN that I have set for the first quarter of the year.
This is a belated post as we come to the end of February. Thank you for visiting once again, hope you will have a wonderful weekend wherever you may be.
4 comments:
ooOoo! What an interesting post Lillie. Thanks for sharing.
Oh what yummmmy foods!
Looks like a fun time at your Aunt's birthday.
It's always very intersting to read about your traditions and festivities. Your aunt's birthday must have been a great day for her, and for her guests.
Sounds like a wonderful time, and the food looks very yummy :)
Sue
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