Chap Goh Mei is not an official public holiday in Malaysia & Singapore. Instead it is simply a very popular festive date marked by many of Chinese descent. It is known by many as the Chinese version of Valentines’ Day.
‘Chap Goh Mei’ itself means the 15th night of Chinese New Year in Hokkien, which also marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration.
The day is celebrated similarly to the day before Chinese New Year is celebrated –with much joy and festivity. During Chap Goh Mei, families gather over a grand meal which includes Yuan Xiao (glutinous rice balls) and homes are beautifully lit with red lanterns. At the temples during Chap Goh Mei, people offer prayers to the God of Prosperity to bless their family with good fortune for the coming year.