Wishes or couplets to utter in Hokkien when throwing fruits on Chap Goh Meh, according to Sifu Sabrina

“Chap Goh Meh is coming!” Sakura Siew enthuses. “I want to go throw oranges in Port Dickson beach, with a couple of friends.” She is garbed in a red cheongsam which emphasizes the folds of fat on her waist. “Our names and phone numbers will be written on the oranges.” Her carmined lips curl in a smile – a smile of lost-youth and sweetness,  that discloses a dimple in her cheek.

“Great idea!” Sifu Sabrina replies, stuffing her face with red bean-paste pancakes. “Remember to utter a couplet to get results.” She takes a sip of her pu’er tea and gives the lanterns in the Chinese diner they’re sitting in a once-over.   

Sakura crimps her penciled arched brows. “Like what?”

“In your case, you should say,
Tim Ho Kam (Good Oranges I Throw)
T’an Ho Ang (A Good Husband Will Follow)
Tim Leng Geng (Dragon’s Eyes I Throw)
Ho Boay Keng (A Good Life to Follow)"

“For my male friends?”

“He should utter:
Tim Ping Ko (Apples Here I Throw)
T’an Ho Bo (A Good Wife Will Follow)
Other auspicious couplets can include:
Tim Chioh Thau (These Stones I Throw)
Khi Ang-Mo Lau (Bungalow I Build)
Tim Ang Cho (Dates We Cast Away)
Ban Soo Ho (Good Things Come Our Way).”

“Great advice!” Sakura raises a pudgy hand. “High five!” Sifu Sabrina slaps it.

 /end