The festival started in China about 3,000 years ago. Many legends were associated with the celebration, but looking past the legends, the one meaning that stood out in the celebration, for me, is the celebration of a bountiful harvest. On this day when the moon is supposedly the biggest and brightest, (science has proven that is not so) families gathered around to give thanks, and moon appreciation. The full bright moon is symbolic of completeness and light. There will be plenty of food, mooncakes, games and merry making.
“Lanterns of all size and shapes, are carried and displayed – symbolic beacons that light people's path to prosperity and good fortune. Mooncakes, a rich pastry typically filled with sweet-bean, yolk, meat or lotus-seed paste, are traditionally eaten during this festival.” - Wikipedia
“Making and sharing mooncakes is one of the hallmark traditions of this festival. In Chinese culture, a round shape symbolizes completeness and reunion. Thus, the sharing and eating of round mooncakes among family members during the week of the festival signifies the completeness and unity of families.” - Wikipedia
Generally, it is a time to relax and enjoy some quality time with the family. A time of merry making, appreciation and be thankful.
In present day high rise apartments in Singapore, celebrations are a bit different, and very simplified. Now, the festival is reduced to the gifting of mooncakes. I am sure the significance of the festival is lost on the younger generation.
Nowadays, bakers are coming up with all sorts creative ideas and creations for mooncakes. The festival, like most festivals celebrated now are very commercialized. The spirit with which the festivals are celebrated is lost.
Usually, there will be organizations celebrating the festival. There will be games and eating of mooncakes and drinking Chinese tea. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, such programs are cancelled, muted or carried online.
For those celebrating the Mid-Autumn festival, Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to you! 中秋節快樂! Enjoy your celebration.
This is the original mooncake packaging. A roll of four pieces of mooncake. Later on, they came in a box of four.
Now, much attention is paid to the packaging as well as creative mooncakes. All very commercialized. A change of the times - I guess.
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