Labuan Hokkiens end their big day in colour
Published on: Sunday, February 16, 2020
By: Sohan Das
LABUAN: Kg Sungei Keling had a bust of life as the predominantly Hokkien community there celebrated the 15th day of the new lunar year – Chap Goh Mei – in colour, revelry and worship with an array of delicious food.
Chap Goh Mei is largely celebrated by Hokkiens here and also in Penang. On this day, Taoist devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from the God of Prosperity.
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Among the mouth-watering dishes artistically prepared by the residents were cakes, buns, dumplings, steamed lobsters, crabs and clams.
As this is the lunar Year of the Rat, a rat trapped in a trap made out of icing was an eye-catching item.
The signature event of the day was the carrying of deities on shoulder-supported carts to stroll pass several points and visit neighbouring temples.
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The festival was also dubbed as the Chinese Valentine because on that day in ancient China maidens who were prohibited to leave homes were allowed to join the festival and toss oranges with love messages in the hope of finding a potential suitor and romance.
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But in these modern days where there is greater freedom, this is no longer being practised.