During Chap Goh Meh in George Town, it is believed that tossing a mandarin orange into the sea may lead to finding a suitor the following year. To uphold this tradition, the state held its annual festivities on Saturday night at the Esplanade, where mandarin orange-tossing was a common sight.
Participants were seen enthusiastically tossing oranges into the sea, with hopes of attracting a potential suitor. Some even took the opportunity to write their names on the oranges before tossing them into the water.
One participant, 26-year-old rhythmic gymnastics coach Koay Chia Li, shared that although she already had a boyfriend, she decided to join in the fun by tossing an orange. She mentioned that due to her busy schedule, she usually does not have the chance to participate in Chap Goh Meh celebrations.
The state-level celebration at the Esplanade featured a variety of activities including a multicultural drum performance, a Chinese orchestra, a Dondang Sayang performance, a live band, fire juggling, an LED Dragon dance, and a fireworks display.
Chap Goh Meh, which translates to “the ending on the 15th” in Penang Hokkien, marks the conclusion of the festivities. On this day, young people gather to toss mandarin oranges into bodies of water in hopes of finding true love, symbolizing the Chinese New Year celebration’s 15th day.
With origins dating back over 2,000 years, the tradition of throwing mandarin oranges into the sea to seek love has evolved. Nowadays, children and men also participate by tossing oranges with their wishes written on the fruits.
This year, the Esplanade is expected to be filled with both tourists and locals taking part in the tradition of tossing mandarin oranges into the sea in hopes of finding love.
