Fifteen days after Chinese New Year, Chap Goh Mei is celebrated to mark the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Chap Goh Mei is a Hokkien term that means the 15th night of the new year, which is why it’s celebrated on the 15th and final day of Chinese New Year. In Mandarin, it’s called Yuan Xiao Jie, which means Prime Night Festival.
The Chap Goh Mei festival is celebrated with a massive prayer ceremony, where large plugs will be burned and a big meal will be held with the family. Fireworks and lanterns are lit to celebrate Chap Goh Mei.
Chap Goh Mei is also considered the night to find a partner, where beautifully dressed girls visit Wat to pray for a suitable partner. There is also a practice of throwing oranges into the sea or river with prayers for a mate.
Chinese cultural performances will be held in the evening to mark the Chap Goh Mei festival such as lantern parades, dragon or lion dance, Chinese opera, and the “Chingay” flag.
