The mid-autumn festival is also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival. It is one of the most important holidays in the Chinese Calendar. The Mooncake Festival is actually the celebration of the end of the summer harvesting season. Read on to know more information about the Mooncake Festival.
History of Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore
According to legends, a Mooncake festival is a tribute to the Moon Goddess Chang'e. According to tradition, Change'e was an immortal who lived with her immortal husband around 2170 BC, in the reign of the legendary emperor Yao. It was said that Chang'e was lifted up to the moon by overdosing on an immortality pill. There's also an account saying that the Mooncake festival was actually a commemoration of the uprising in China against the Mongol rulers in the 14 the century. As an effect, the Mid-Autum Festival was celebrated on the national level.
Festival highlights and activities
During the Mooncake Festival, families gather together and admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon, and eat pomelos and mooncakes together. Carrying brightly lit lanterns is also part of the tradition. Performing Fire Dragon Dances, planting mid-autumn trees, and burning incense are part of the customs of the Mooncake Festival.
The Mooncake Festival showcases various traditional Chinese customs and traditions. And it is an event celebrated not just in mainland China and in Singapore, but also in the countries where there are Chinese communities. In some countries, even non-Chinese are celebrating the Mooncake Festival and performing all the traditions and customs that come with it.
