5 WAYS TO ENJOY THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL THIS YEAR!
- By Ed Lorenzo
- 8 years ago in TRAVEL
- 1 Comment
Ever wonder why everyone is flying to Macau and Hong Kong this week? That is because these countries are celebrating the traditional and fun Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival.
To the Chinese, Mid-Autumn Festival means family reunion and peace. The festival is celebrated when the moon is believed to be the biggest and fullest. To the Chinese, a full moon is a symbol of prosperity, happiness, and family reunion.
September 15, marks the start of this festival around the world, and most Chinese, consider this celebration, which falls near the Autumn Equinox, the second most important festival after the Chinese New Year.
Many traditional and meaningful celebrations are held in most households in China, and China’s neighboring countries and we have listed down our top 5 must-experience traditions to fully experience Mooncake Festival. Start ticking the boxes, cos you know, it is never too late for you to book a flight going to Hong Kong!
EATING MOONCAKES
This is the most traditional and most common representative of the celebration. People won’t buy or eat mooncakes on a regular day, for they treat it special, but during Mid-Autumn Festival, expect everyone to have this piece of Chinese pastry at every table.
It is made from wheat flour and sweet stuffing, such as sugar and lotus seed powder. It’s a symbol of family reunion, and the cake is traditionally cut into pieces that equal the number of people in the family.
MAKING OF COLORFUL LANTERNS
During this festival, the sky is lighted with colorful Chinese lanterns. Children write good wishes on the lanterns and let them fly up into the sky, with hopes that the Gods will read and grant them.
During this celebration, kids love making colorful lanterns in different shapes and sizes to be hung on trees and houses or floated on rivers. Parks will also hang up colorful lanterns, which provide a beautiful view at night.
Making colorful lanterns is a happy activity between families and children. The lanterns have different shapes and can also resemble animals, plants, or flowers.
WORSHIPING THE MOON
In Chinese beliefs, the full moon is the symbol of a family reunion. Many famous ancient poets wrote poems about the moon and expressed their homesickness. When people look at the moon, it reminds them of their families and homeland.
SALE ALERT!
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, there will be discounted promotions in supermarkets, shopping malls, and online shops, and since the weather is cooling down, there will also be big summer sales in the shopping malls.
Most people take advantage of this season to shop, shop, and shop! ‘cos as you know, there are no taxes in Hong Kong, and when they give out discounts, you’ll be assured that it’ll come in big chunks!
GIVING GIFTS AND DINNER WITH THE FAMILY
Just like here in the Philippines, Chinese people would gather to catch up, eat and enjoy the celebration. Some traditional families would worship the moon by offering fruits and lighting incense.
So fellas! It is never too late for you to authentically experience the Mooncake festival. There are lots of airlines that offer good airfare deals even though it’s considered as peak season in Hong Kong and Macau.
Take AirAsia for example! You can book for as low as Php 1,499 or HKD 244!
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Ed Lorenzo
Edryan Lorenzo, a PR and Marketing practitioner with 13 years of solid experience in the industry of lifestyle, fashion, and e-commerce. I'm into visual arts which includes photography, painting, and sketching. During my free time, I'd prefer to travel to keep my self fueled by different cultures and information. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter at @edryanlorenzo.
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