The Legend of my MANDARIN

In the Picture: Sunshine Anecito,Me and Kuya Jonathan Galvez during Chap Go Meil Malaysian Chinese 
Traditon.

Sept. 12,2008 Advise for the day from Mr. Yap Meng Chong
Mr. Yap: Joy, go and get a boyfriend and make him plan (the marriage)
Joy:  Sir, as if it's easy to get one
Mr. Yap: Start looking then
Joy: I do not have time
Mr. Yap: Make time! Come with us.
Joy: Where?
Mr. Yap: You will throw Mandarin in the river so that you will find your happy one!
Joy: Hmmmp.. How?
Mr. Yap: tell the stories about Chap Go Mei.


Legend:Originated from Penang towards the end of the 19th century, this interesting ritual involves single women tossing mandarin oranges into the sea. It is commonly believed that the ritual does not only serve to signify the availability of the ladies, but also help them to find good husbands. The belief also holds that if the floating orange is being picked up, the person who threw it would be blessed with a good spouse.

In the past, when community life was still very much bound by tradition, Chap Goh Mei was highly anticipated as it is the only day when the young women could leave the house and the singles are allowed to mingle and socialise. Although this is not the case anymore in today’s world, the unique ritual is still widely practised, adding excitement to the annual festivity.

In Penang, a huge crowd gathers at the Esplanade every year to toss oranges into the sea. The biggest form of the Chinese Valentine’s day this year was held at Taman Tasik Permaisuri in Kuala Lumpur by CHENG PAI EVENTS on February 21, 2008, involving 2,500 participants. The hopeful singles threw their mandarin oranges into the lake, witnessed by 15,000 bystanders.

Chap Goh Mei is graced by cultural performances like lion dances, dragon dances, and musical bands; and in some places like Penang, the Chingay parade becomes the highlight of the festival. The elaborate display of lanterns is hardly missed, since the festival is also celebrated as the Lantern Festival. To those celebrating Chap Goh Mei, the rituals observed have both religious and cultural significance, but to spectators and other community members, it is a vibrant celebration loaded with colours and sounds.

Joy:After 2 years finally natagpuan ko rin ang aking pinakamamahal na Mandarin. Akala ko before sina MVP,