Singles all eager to toss oranges


Matters of the heart: (From left) Adnes Lee, Ong and Belle Lim practising tossing oranges into the sea at Straits Quay, Penang.
GEORGE TOWN: Not wanting to break with the age-old Chinese tradition, several women are excitedly looking forward to throwing oranges into the sea, hoping to finding love on Chap Goh Meh tomorrow.

According to legend, this celebration, commonly known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, which marks the 15th and last day of the Lunar New Year, used to be a day when single women went out at night in hopes of meeting their “Mr Right”.

Marketing executive Sherlyn Ong, 25, said she would be tossing oranges at Straits Quay tomorrow.

“It’s a fun and colourful affair, and over the years, this has become something that many people do with their friends.

“I hope my future partner is someone who is honest, rich and has a good personality.

“Appearance-wise, I hope he is tall and handsome,” she said jokingly while penning down her contact number on a mandarin orange.

While it is said to be a Hokkien tradition for one to toss oranges into the water to wish for the other half, other dialect speakers and ethnic groups also enjoy the popular activity.

One can soak up the festivities at Penang Celebrates: Chap Goh Meh @Esplanade or Straits Quay’s By-The-Sea celebration tomorrow night.

Student Sylvia Ruth, 22, from Ipoh, said she would likely visit the Esplanade for the celebration.

“I strongly believe in this tradition! It worked for my friend who found a girlfriend during a similar event held at a temple in Ipoh.

“Since I have never been in a relationship, I am hoping for a guy who is smart but quiet. My sunny personality can surely complement my future partner well,” she said.

Business student June Lim, 23, said: “I’ve heard of people finding the love of their life through this event.

“I hope my ‘Mr Right’ will be responsible and mature, a person full of life experience.

“Appearance does not matter to me. As long as we understand each other well, that’ll be fine,” she said.

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Chap Goh Meh

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