Oranges & Wishes

ORANGES & WISHES



It seems like cupid has been working overtime and his popularity might get him to be on the top 5 list of favorite mythical personality (maybe after Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny).



Valentine Day has come and gone and so has the 'Chap Goh Meh'. What's that? Well, the 'Chap Goh Meh' is the practice of tossing Mandarin oranges into the sea or river by unmarried women, hoping that the fruits will reach some young men who would then become their husbands. Basically, the Chap Goh Meh falls on the 15th and last day of the Chinese New Year (which is also known as the 'Lantern Festival' in China and Taiwan).



As all traditions goes, this started in the old, old days, where girls do not get to go out and socialized as and when they want. They are supposed to stay at home and learn to cook, sew and do housework. Chap Goh Meh is the only time they have to go out and to be seen by eligible young men also in search of partners. So, this is where love stories and affairs started. Romantic setting kan? :)



Someone was asking why do people still do this when we have all the modern technology available in dating services or finding a partner: Myspace, FB, Websites, Ads, Magazines and etc?



Firstly, it's a fun tradition and event.
Tradition: It's not everyday that you get to throw an orange over a bridge, or in the river, or at someone (oppss..crossed that out) or anywhere else! It's also the chance to watch hundreds of people throwing oranges (it's as if the sky is raining with them.. for a few minutes..hehehe).

Fun event: because Malaysia being Malaysia, everyone joins in when there's any festival regardless of your race.



Secondly, well...it's about human nature. It's almost the same case as when you see a wishing well. You would say out loud, 'Rubbish', 'Nonsense', Don't Believe in all that stuff'..but then you would still throw a coin in when no one is looking. Just in case.. :p..

Btw..nowadays, if you picked up an orange on that day, you'll see a phone number, e-mail address encrypted on it. That will be the girl's number. The guys are also joining in the fun..by throwing bananas. That is the only bit of modern technology that is incorporated into the tradition.



Hmm..this reminds cat of a friend's story where they waited until midnight in winter at the town square till no one is around.. and went into a wishing fountain ...collecting coins that were thrown inside. Hehehe..oppss..that is certainly not related to the orange story.. :)