Chap Goh Meh, Chinese Valentine

The Chinese New Year marks the start of a new beginning for the Chinese. For some families, this is the only time of the year when all the family members have a chance to sit down for dinner together and to meet old friends and relatives. However, all things wonderful will eventually come to an end. As the eve of Chinese New Year is celebrated with a big bang, the climax of this festival is also a grand affair.

While it is officially known as the Lantern Festival, many refer to it as the Chinese Valentine’s Day with some who are familiar to the Hokkien dialect, would simple sees it as the 15th night of Chinese New Year.

What to know about Chap Goh Meh

This tradition originated in Penang. In the past, Chap Goh Mei was one of the few occasions where eligible young ladies, transformed into scorching beauties, were allowed out from the confines of their homes.

As in other celebrations, there are many legends and stories about the traditions and celebrations of Chap Goh Meh. According to folklore, during ancient times, young girls were forbidden to go out except on Chap Goh Meh when they could visit temples accompanied by their maids. For the guys, it is the chance for them to catch a glimpse of these lovely maidens. This explains why Chap Goh Meh is also regarded as the Chinese Valentine’s Day.

On the night of Chap Goh Meh, unmarried girls will throw tangerines in the sea or river in the belief that they will be able to marry good husbands.

What to expect

During the celebrations, visitors will see a colourful display of brightly lit red lanterns and lion dances. The Chinese will throng the main temple shrine to offer prayers to the deities and obtain blessings. Besides that, visitors to the temple will also drink ‘holy water’ from the Kuan Yin fountain for good health and good luck. Tourists can take photographs of the dragon-inspired columns and pagoda rooftops. Before leaving the temple, remember to get some souvenirs from the souvenir shops at the lowest level.

In the northern state of Penang, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Chap Goh Meh is a major event. The island is renowned for fine beach resorts, colourful festivals and mouth-watering food. The celebration of Chap Goh Meh can be seen every year in George Town, the capital city of Penang, at the Esplanade, a well-known waterfront promenade that stretches from the hawker stalls at one end to the clock tower at the other. It is located next to Fort Cornwallis, which was built on the site of Captain Francis Light’s historic landing in 1786.

Activities and Entertainments

In Taoism, it is believed that the fifteenth lunar day (Chap Goh Meh in Hokkien Dialect) of the first lunar month is the Taoist god Tianguan birthday. Responsible for good fortune, it is said that Tianguan is a big fan of all kinds of entertainment, which is why followers prepare various types of activities during which they pray for good fortune. Another version is associated with Taiyi Shengshui, the God of Heaven. The belief was that the deity controlled the destiny of the human world.

It was said beginning with Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, all the emperors would order splendid ceremonies each year on this day to gain favour from Taiyi to bring favourable weather and good health to him and his kingdom. However, it was Wudi of the Han Dynasty who directed special attention to this event. In 104 BCE, he proclaimed it to be one of the most important celebrations and the ceremony would last throughout the night with firecrackers and performances around the city.

Read more: Top traditions of Chinese New Year

Love is blind on Chinese Valentine’s day

Today at Esplanade, George Town’s famous waterfront promenade, everyone is throwing oranges. It almost feels that the tradition of single women hoping the sea would bring them love, was replaced by a belief that the sea (or some golden fish living in it?) would make just any wish come true.

Instead of jumping into the sea to gather as many “free” blind dates as possible, the boys of today are also throwing oranges, missing the point entirely. It seems everybody is absorbed by Valentine wishes, so much that they do not realize that they are the ones who can make them come true.

Chap Goh Meh in upcoming years

2019 – February 19th
2020 – February 8th
2021 – February 26th
2022 – February 15th

Source Internet

The unique experiences in Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa is a magical place. The landscape itself is reason enough to make the 7-hour trek from Ha Noi, but this place is much more than just a beautiful landscape. This mountainous town is home to five ethnic minority hill tribes who still dress in traditional garb and speak in their own dialects. Come to Sapa, defeating Fansipan, seeing countless pieces of clouds and green fields. There are many interesting experiences waiting for you in this foggy town.

Observing the world’s most wonderful grained fields

Terrace fields located in Sapa are said to be one of the greatest terraced fields all over the world. Nature’s mother not only gave the locals this significant landscape and perfect weather, but also provided them dexterity in hands. During the period of many years passing, they created masterpieces which are just like stairs heading towards the sky. Wheat harvest in September, when the green fields turned yellow. This is an appropriate time to come to Sapa.

Climbing the highest mountain in Vietnam, Fansipan

The highlight of Sapa has to be the Fansipan Mountain. With an elevation of 3,143m, it is the highest mountain in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and a triumphant embodiment of the ‘Roof of Indochina’. If you are up for a challenge, the climb is doable in a day, approximately within 10 to 12 hours. Most guide treks, however, suggest a two or three-day climb to pace the trek and minimise exertion especially for those who are less physically fit. Trekkers who stay overnight have the opportunity to mingle with other trekkers which makes the experience more uplifting as you share your struggles. The breathtaking view of Fansipan Mountain is one that you should not miss.

Spending a night at a local house

Homestay at a local house, having traditional dishes, getting up in a remote village would be a wonderful experience you cannot forget whenever arriving in Sapa. Homestay services in Sapa are modern, you can absolutely assure about sanitary and food.

Walking and living slowly in the land of Sapa

Wandering in Sapa will gives you unforgettable memories. Sapa is a tourist destination having the longest walking street all over the world. If you come to Sapa, you may walk a dozen of kilometers, from morning to the afternoon, passing over the town and the villages, paddy fields, bridges and small streams. Walking in order to live your life slower, watching and learning more about the life and the local culture of people living here. Some attractive destinations have to be mentioned are Sapa Ancient Town, Village of Cat Cat, valley of Muong Hoa, Ta Van.

Read more: 8 must-see places in Sa Pa in the morning

Taking a leisure stroll near Sapa Lake

Tired of shopping or walking around? Take a breather at the Sapa Lake which emanates a blend of tranquility and marvellous grandeur. You can walk along the stretch of the lake or alternatively enjoy your food at the benches provided and wallow in the repose of your mind.

Exploring the non-touristy side of Sapa

If conquering Fansipan, wandering around the center of the town and villages does not makes you feel fresh, then, there is one corner in Sapa that has no tourist, un-noisy, un-dusty, un-trading, such as villages located in the region of Thanh Kim or Nam Sai. There will be only be you with the peaceful forest, the green fields and magnificent Lien Son ranges of mountains. A normal Sapa which is 2 - 3 km away from the center through ancient road and valley of Muong Hoa.

Source Eastasy

A guide about Vietnam's traditional dresses

With such rich and diverse culture, one will find a unique clothing pattern in the traditional dress of Vietnam. With roughly sixty different ethnic groups, Vietnam has a vast variety of clothing styles, similar only in their affinity to bright, contradictory colours and vibrant patterns.

1. Traditional Vietnamese Dress for Men

The traditional Vietnamese dress for men is known as the Ao Dai. It is a long silk tunic with a conventional looking snug collar and is buttoned down on the left side. The male tunic falls to the knees and is generally worn with loose pants underneath.

In the past, the colour of the Ao Dai in Vietnam indicated a man's position in society. Gold is the colour that represented royalty in ancient Vietnam. The Kings' Ao Dai was embroidered with dragons to represent their strength and might. High Ranking officials wore purple Ao Dai's and the commoners wore various shades of blue.

Today, The Ao Dai is not worn commonly, on an everyday basis. However, The Ao Dai is a symbol of purity and grace and the Vietnamese wear it in large numbers on traditional occasions such as weddings and Tet (New Year).

2. Traditional Vietnamese Dress for Women

The Ao Dai, Vietnam's traditional dress, has a feminine version as well. Vastly similar to its masculine counterpart, the female Ao Dai has one striking difference - this silk tunic flows down to the ankles. The Ao Dai has two major varieties - a four-part variety, which consists of flaps in the front that women button up, and a five-part variety, which consist on an extra flap on the right to secure the Ao Dai.

3. Traditional Thai Dress in Vietnam

The Thai ethnic dress in Vietnam is elegant and demure. It consists of a plain blouse and a long skirt, which are embroidered with motifs of the sun, flowers, and dragons. The costume is accompanied by belts and Pieu scarfs and a few pieces of silver jewellery.

4. Traditional Dress of the Hmong in Vietnam

The Hmong people in Vietnam prefer to dress in a more sophisticated, yet vibrant and colourful fashion, with a bohemian flair to it. Their clothes are made of linen and consist of many colours and embroidered motifs. The outfit is made up of a black shirt, a colourful skirt, leggings, and headgear. The women often attach silver beads and jewellery to their dresses, to add a sense of individuality and spirituality.

5. Traditional Cham Dress in Vietnam

The traditional clothing of the Cham women may not be as colourful or bright as the rest, but it has a certain charm to it. The costume consists of a tight-fitting tunic shirt, a skirt the colour of the shirt and a gorgeous headscarf. The highlight of the costume is the waistband that is tied across the chest and around the waist and is prominently designed with golden iridescent shades and meticulous detail.

In the mountain regions, the most commonly worn costumes include trousers or skirts and indigo vests with motifs of wildflowers or beasts. These trousers and skirts are designed to enable easy navigation through the mountain slopes and to make farming easier. Most of the traditional Vietnamese dresses are made intricately by hand and are often sold by the locals to curious foreigners.

See more: Discover traditional costumes in Asia