Happy Chap Goh Meh!

For the humans, today (2nd March) is the last day of their Chinese New Year.  It's actually the fifteenth day of the lunar new year or Chap Goh Meh (the fifteenth night) as it is popularly known. There is a lot of activity in the temple as devotees come to pray to Lord Buddha but for us cats, it's just another day.



Ning asked me, "Do you know why the humans, in particular the young girls, throw oranges into the sea tonight?"

"Well, yes,"  I replied.  "I believe they want to get a good husband."

Ning laughed.  "Silly, isn't it?  I'm glad we guys don't do anything like that."


Well, I don't know whether Ning is right in thinking it's a silly tradition. But if it's going to keep the girls happy, why not?  Personally, I believe it's a matter of karma, whom you meet and marry. When I was very young, I had a girl friend too but then I got lost, ended up at the temple and we never met again.  That is my destiny.  To become a cat monk.

"And what do you think is my destiny?"  asked Ning, as though he had read my thoughts.

"Hmmm .... difficult to say ..... maybe you'll settle down some day or maybe you'll become a sailor and roam the world but definitely NOT a cat monk!"  I replied, grinning.

Ning laughed and gave me a hug.

"Happy Chap Goh Meh, Da!" he yelled.

"Happy Chap Goh Meh, Ning!"  I replied.

Happy Chap Goh Meh, everyone!

Happy Chap Goh Meh, Ning!