Social networking: Lim (left) and Kung (in red) among the group that tried their ‘luck’ at tossing mandarin oranges into the sea on the eve of Chap Goh Meh at Persiaran Karpal Singh. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Although you may have a better chance of finding your soulmate through social media than throwing a mandarin orange with your name and number scrawled on it, a group of friends here is not letting the tradition fade away.
Even Evonne Lim, 38, who is married, wants to join in on the frolic. Instead of hoping for soulmates, she penned a different wish on the mandarin orange.
“I wish that everyone will find their dream home.
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“Clients have been giving me feedback of their budgets and preferences, and I foresee improved sales this year.
“In the past, people struggled to afford a home of their own, many are now buying to invest. So I hope it will get better,” she said at Karpal Singh Drive yesterday.
Her colleague Shereen Kung, 28, tossed mandarins into the sea with her contact details for the first time.
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She said although social media has become the be-all for networking and connecting with others, the tradition of orange tossing is something she will always cherish.
“Social media has taken over for us to meet new people but traditions are something we need to preserve.
“The practice of orange tossing needs to be continued for the younger generations to remember.
“My wish for everyone is to have good health,” she said.
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They were among a group of five who turned up at the promenade to toss oranges into the sea ahead of Chap Goh Meh, which in Penang Hokkien means “the ending on the 15th”.
Chap Goh Meh is the last day of Chinese New Year and it is particularly important for Chinese Hokkien in Malaysia, especially in Penang, Klang and Sarawak towns where there are more Hokkiens.
This auspicious day is also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day.
Traditionally, young single women write their names and phone numbers on oranges before throwing them into ponds, lakes or rivers, in hopes of finding a boyfriend or husband.
In the long past, young Chinese women were barred from wandering on the streets and Chap Goh Meh was the only evening when they could step out and dress in their best and throw oranges in the river.
Bachelors would eagerly wait on the opposite side of the riverbank to collect the floating oranges.
