Can you believe it? The 15th day of Chinese New Year is on 3 March and officially here!
As the Year of the Horse kicks into high gear, we’re getting ready to wrap up the festivities with a bang. Tomorrow marks Chap Goh Mei, also known as the Lantern Festival, the final spectacular night of celebrations before we say goodbye to the CNY vibes.
What is Lantern Festival?
The Lantern Festival—known as Yuan Xiao Jie (元宵节) or Chap Goh Mei—is the grand finale of the Chinese New Year celebrations. But it’s more than just the last day; it carries the beautiful title of ‘Chinese Valentine’s Day.’ Historically, this was one of the rare nights young ladies were allowed to stroll freely to admire the lanterns, making it the ultimate ‘big dating day’ to meet someone special under the glow of the full moon!
How to celebrate Lantern Festival?
Since Lantern Festival is the big day, here is a practical “How-To” guide for celebrating the Lantern Festival (Chap Goh Mei) in style.
1. Eat Tang Yuan (汤圆)
A must-have tradition for the Lantern Festival is sharing a bowl of Tang Yuan (汤圆) with loved ones. For Chinese families, the perfectly round shape of these glutinous rice balls is a powerful symbol of Family Unity (团圆), representing a circle that is complete and unbroken. By enjoying this sweet treat on the final night of the celebrations, we’re not just ending the festival on a delicious note—we’re inviting a sweet, smooth, and harmonious year ahead as we gallop into the rest of 2026!
2. Orange Tossing: find the right person
Since the Lantern Festival is also Chinese Valentine’s Day, it’s the ultimate night for romance. Single ladies, this is your time to shine! Grab a mandarin orange, write your name and contact info (or even your social media handle) on the skin, and head to a river, lake, or a designated “tossing” spot. As the oranges float away, hopeful guys will be waiting to “fish” for their fate. It’s a beautiful, fun way to see if the Year of the Horse brings you a perfect match!
3. Admire the Final Light-Up Under the Full Moon
The Lantern Festival marks the very first full moon of the Lunar New Year, symbolizing a ‘complete’ and bright beginning. It’s the perfect night to take a stroll and soak in the festive glow one last time. In 2026, let the combination of the glowing lanterns and the brilliant full moon create a magical atmosphere you won’t want to miss before the CNY vibes officially come to an end.
How are you celebrating your last day of Chinese New Year? Before you head out to toss your oranges or grab your Tang Yuan, why not treat yourself to one last festive splurge? Get ready for a fresh start in 2026 by shopping the latest trends on ZALORA! Happy Chap Goh Mei!
