While Lantern Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival are used interchangeably by Singaporeans; did you know that in parts of the world, the Chinese also recognise the 15th and last day of Chinese New Year as Yuan Xiao Jie (Lantern Festival)?
Today, the Chinese will observe Chap Goh Mei (or Chap Goh Meh), a festival that’s celebrated just as heartily as Chinese New Year. While this year’s event will be a little subdued, much like Chinese New Year celebrations, owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Chinese community is still enthusiastic about upholding its age-old traditions with much joy and festivity.
Let's take a look at the origins of Chap Goh Mei and the different ways it's celebrated.
(Related: Chinese New Year 2021: An Expert's Astrology Tips for the Year of the Ox)
1. What it is
Chap Goh Mei literally means the 15th night of Chinese New Year in Hokkien, a dialect originating from Southeastern China. However, it’s not only celebrated by the Hokkiens.