Chap Goh Mei, also known as the Lantern Festival. Falling on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Chap Goh Mei marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities with a crescendo of lanterns, tradition, and community gatherings.
Chap Goh Mei has deep roots in Chinese culture and folklore. Legend has it that during ancient times, maidens were not allowed to leave their homes freely, except on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year. On this auspicious day, they would stroll in the gardens, adorned in their finest attire, hoping to find love or a suitable partner. This tradition evolved into what is now commonly referred to as the Chinese Valentine’s Day.
In Malaysia, for instance, Chap Goh Mei is celebrated with the tossing of mandarin oranges into rivers, symbolizing the casting away of bad luck and ushering in good fortune. Meanwhile, in Singapore, the iconic River Hongbao event sees thousands of colorful lanterns illuminating the night sky, accompanied by cultural performances and fireworks.
At the Buddhist Maha Vihara on this day is the continuous blessings offered to devotees. From the break of dawn until dusk, monks and nuns lead prayers and rituals, invoking blessings of prosperity, health, and happiness upon the congregation.
As the sun begins to set, the temple grounds come alive with the soft glow of oil lamps. Lighting these lamps is symbolic of dispelling darkness and ignorance, illuminating the path towards enlightenment.
At 7:30, devotees gather for the Full Moon Puja, a sacred ceremony invoking blessings for peace, harmony, and prosperity.
Following the Puja, the vibrant beat of drums signals the commencement of a traditional lion dance performance. The majestic lions leap and twirl amidst a backdrop of colorful lanterns, captivating the audience with their graceful movements and symbolic gestures. The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits, ushering in a year filled with prosperity and harmony.
As the festivities continue, families gather to partake in the tossing of Yee Sang, a symbolic ritual believed to bring abundance and prosperity in the coming year. With each toss of the colorful ingredients, wishes of wealth, happiness, and longevity are fervently whispered, carrying the hopes and dreams of generations past and present.
