It is more than just about savouring the latest mooncake flavours or creating your own lanterns. The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节), also known as the "Mooncake Festival," also holds a number of insights and lessons for the family - because of all the stories behind its origins.
You might have noticed rabbits as part of the Mid-Autumn Festival's celebratory visuals. What connection do these fluffy animals have with the festival?
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th Lunar month every year and, this year, it is on 29Sep. This year, along with enjoying the plethora of palate-seducing treats, celebratory events, and activities lined up for the family, also embrace the story behind the festival and perhaps you and your kids will soak in the festivities in a new light.
The Story Of Hou Yi And Chang Er
Legend tells of the love story between a brave warrior, Hou Yi, and a kind and gentle, Chang Er, who—in attempt to prevent the elixir of eternal life from being snatched by Hou Yi's disciple—downed the concoction and ascended to the heavens as an immortal.
It was the great love that the two shared which drew her to the Moon, the nearest place to the Earth in the heavens.
Upon discovering what happened to his wife, Hou Yi was overwhelmed with emotions and shouted fruitlessly for Chang Er. He started offering Chang Er's favourite food as a sacrifice and built an altar to pray to her. Since then, the folk people would offer sacrifices to Chang Er to pray for peace and good luck... and the custom of praying to the Moon started.
This informative video comes in useful when explaining the story of Hou Yi and Chang Er to your children.
Who Is Jade Rabbit?
The story goes like this: Three immortals were reincarnated into three old and poor folks and begun begging food from a fox, a monkey, and a rabbit. The fox and monkey managed to find food and offered them to the immortals, but the rabbit was unsuccessful.
Unexpectedly, the rabbit offered himself to the immortals and said “You can eat me” and jumped into the fire. This gesture touched the hearts of the immortals and they sent the rabbit to the moon to become an immortal Jade Rabbit.
Since then, the selfless Jade Rabbit has been residing in the Moon Palace, accompanying Chang Er. He is believed to pound immortal medicine for those living in the heavens.
That explains why a cute rabbit motif is sometimes present on those pretty mooncake boxes too!
Who Celebrates The Mid-Autumn Festival?
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a harvest festival, which occurs annually around the time of the main harvest of the region. This is marked by the 15th day of the 8th lunar calendar month.
Predominantly, the ethnic Chinese celebrate this festival. It is also a holiday celebrated in Vietnam, Taiwan, mainland China, and Hong Kong.
What Does The Mid-Autumn Festival Symbolise?
Since the Tang Dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been regarded as an event of family togetherness. The Full Moon also adorns the sky like a bright white symbol of union, giving families and loved ones a wonderful opportunity to sit down together to bask under the moonlight.
According to traditions and customs, the Chinese saying “月圆人团圆” is directly translated as “Round (full) Moon, People Reunite (or come together).” In Chinese tradition and literature, a round full moon symbolizes completeness and is associated with family reunion.
Besides enjoying mooncakes and tea, how can we join in the Mid-Autumn Festival Singapore celebrations with our family?
Celebrating The Mid-Autumn Festival In Singapore 2023
When the Sun sets, it's time to appreciate the soft moonlight.
In Singapore, we typically indulge in mooncakes (food, of course, what else!) paired with freshly brewed Chinese tea. Every year, restaurants, hotels, and bakeries tickle our taste buds with fancy creations—from traditional baked mooncakes to snow skin ones, there is an interesting mix of fillings to please everyone.
This year, here are some places to take your family to and to discover more about the traditional Chinese customs and traditions. Don't forget to bring your camera to snap some memory shots too!
1. Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 at Gardens by The Bay
- Date: September 15th - October 1st, 2023
- Time: 6pm - 10pm daily
- Venue: Gardens by The Bay
Families and friends can gather at the Gardens by The Bay to enjoy enchanting lantern displays that illuminate the evenings. The event also features weekend fringe activities, live outdoor stage performances, and a bustling marketplace, creating a lively atmosphere for celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
2. Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 Official Light-up
- Date: September 15th, 2023
- Time: 7pm – 10pm
- Venue: Kreta Ayer Square, 21 Banda Street
Chinatown unveils a new street light display, inviting families to participate in the official light-up and opening ceremony at 7 pm. Witness the stunning lights illuminating the streets of Chinatown.
3. Chinatown Mid Autumn Festival 2023 Lantern Painting Competition
- Date: September 10th, 2023
- Time: 9am – 1pm
- Venue: Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Road
For kids, the Lantern Painting Competition at Chinatown promises a fun-filled Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 event for the entire family, organized by Kreta Ayer CC and the Chinatown Festival Committee.
4. Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2023
- Date: August 29th - October 1st, 2023
- Time: 10am – 9pm daily
- Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Produced by Taiwan’s Kai 3D Art Studio in collaboration with the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, "Celestial Bodies" is an outdoor installation featuring spherical lanterns depicting five characters: Moon, Earth, Sun, Saturn, and Mercury.
Mid Autumn Festival Traditions in Singapore
In Singapore, where the majority of the population has Chinese roots, many Mid-Autumn Festival customs align with those in China, but there are unique Singaporean traditions as well.
1. Hanging Lanterns
Singaporean children traditionally hang lanterns during the festival, with colorful displays appearing across the city in the weeks leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Singapore River hosts a renowned lantern fair during this period, creating a magical nighttime spectacle unique to Singapore.
2. Sending Colorful Mooncakes
Expressing gratitude through mooncakes is a cherished tradition, especially among office workers. Homemade mooncakes, lovingly crafted and shared with friends, family, and colleagues, are a heartfelt gesture during the festival.
3. Seashore Party
Thanks to its coastal location, some Singaporeans celebrate with moon-appreciating parties on the beach. These gatherings feature dazzling LED lantern displays and mooncakes. The sight of a full moon rising from the sea is truly breathtaking.
4. Wandering Bazaars
Every Mid-Autumn Festival, bustling bazaars and carnivals light up the main streets, particularly in Chinatown. These events offer a wide array of items, including traditional and modern mooncakes, decorative ornaments, preserved fruits, and more. The Mass Lantern Walk, accompanied by lively performances, adds to the festive spirit.
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore is a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture, marked by lantern displays, mooncakes, beach parties, and lively bazaars. Whether you're a local or a visitor, experiencing this festival in Singapore is an opportunity to witness unique traditions and join in the joyful festivities. Mark your calendar for September 29th, 2023, and immerse yourself in the magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival in this charming city-state.
How will you and your family be celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival? What are some of your favourite mooncakes flavours? Share them with us in the comments below!
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