Today's the 15th and last day of the Chinese New Year also known as Yuan Xiao [元宵节]. The Hokkiens call this day Chap Goh Mei, and it simply means the 15th night of the Chinese New Year in the Hokkien dialect. The day's also supposed to be the Chinese Valentine's Day. Legend has it that young unmarried women are supposed to throw tangerines into the sea in the hope of finding a good husband. I guess I should head to the nearest supermarket to buy a crate of tangerines and dump them into the Singapore River. Oh but then, I would probably get fined by the authorities. heh.
Chap Goh Mei is also supposed to be a night for family members to get together for dinner, like a second reunion dinner of sorts. Go here for a more detailed write-up on the celebrations that take place on the 15th night of the New Year.
Tang Yuan (汤圆 sweet glutinous rice balls) are usually eaten on this night to symbolize peace and unity within the family. I love eating Tang Yuan! It usually comes with those filled with sesame paste, red bean paste and peanut powder paste. The latter is my favourite. Served with a bowl of sweet soup, TangYuan makes for a delicious dessert.
Go here to read more about TangYuan.
I usually buy the frozen ones from the supermarket. Unfortunately for me, I haven't stocked up on any TangYuan so there'll be none for me tonight. Wwaaaaahhhh!!!!
Posted by DSD at February 5, 2004 10:54 AM