Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days to usher in the lunar new year. It is a time to get together, seek forgiveness from each other and pray for a prosperous year ahead. Family reunion dinners, lion dances, firecrackers and open houses are part of the tradition. The two main events that form the celebration are Th'nee Kong Seh (9th day) and Chap Goh Meh (15th and final day).

According to Song Dynasty legend, Th'nee Kong Seh (Jade Emperor's Birthday) is observed by the Hokkien community to honour the Jade Emperor who rules the heavens. The Hokkiens were viewed as a threat to the unity of Imperial China. The Emperor ordered their annihilation and out of fear and desperation, the Hokkiens hid in the sugarcane fields, imploring for divine intervention. As fate would have it, lethargy set in and the Imperial troops gave up their search on the Jade Emperor's birthday. In gratitude, the Hokkiens made sugarcane offerings to the Jade Emperor.

Chap Goh Meh (Chinese Valentine's Day) is a time for young maidens (and their chaperones!) to ride along the scenic Esplanade in trishaws, seeking out their soul mate. The women would throw oranges into the sea while wishing for a good husband. If she happens to catch the eye of an eligible bachelor, his family would then approach hers to “negotiate” a possible union.