Chap Goh Mei

Chap Goh Mei is held at the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year. It is often marked as the closing chapter of Chinese New Year celebration. In the Hokkien dialect, Chap Goh Mei literally means "the 15th night of Chinese New Year".

Just Like during the eve of Chinese New Year, during the eve of Chap Goh Mei the family members will gather and eat a meal together. Chap Goh Mei is also celebrated with lots of fireworks and firecrackers.

Many Chinese household decorate their abode with red lanterns and bright lights to mark the end of an auspicious occasion.
In some parts of town, there will be cultural performances held by the Chinese community. The performances include lantern displays, lion dances and the famous Chingay procession.

Chap Goh Mei is also coined as the Chinese Valentine's Day. During the Chap Goh Mei night, the single Chinese ladies would dress nicely and go to the temples in hope to find their prospective suitors. They also have a tradition of throwing the oranges into the sea because they believe it would help them find themselves a good husband.

Image by: Arul Irudayam

Where to go?

Almost all Chinese Temples in Kuala Lumpur celebrate Chap Goh Mei. So the visitors can drop by at the nearest Chinese temple in their location during the day of celebration to experience it.

Time

There is no fixed date for Chap Goh Mei. It is usually celebrated fifteen days after Chinese New Year Celebration.

Admission

There is no specific entrance free for the celebration. Donation to the Chinese Temple is often welcomed.