Introduction
The Mid Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. In 2021, the Mid Autumn Festival will fall on Tuesday, September 21st.
History of the Mid Autumn Festival
The Mid Autumn Festival has its origins in ancient China, where it was originally a harvest festival. The holiday is said to have been first celebrated during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). Over time, the Mid Autumn Festival became associated with the moon, and it is now one of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar.
Traditions of the Mid Autumn Festival
The Mid Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions and celebrations. Traditional activities include eating mooncakes, watching the full moon, and lighting lanterns. Mooncakes are a type of Chinese pastry that is filled with sweet or savory ingredients. They are typically round or square in shape, and they are often decorated with the image of the full moon.
Watching the full moon is another popular tradition during the Mid Autumn Festival. On the night of the festival, people often gather outdoors to admire the full moon and to make wishes. Lighting lanterns is also a common tradition during the Mid Autumn Festival. Lanterns are often hung from trees or buildings, and they are used to light up the night sky.
The Mid Autumn Festival in Singapore
The Mid Autumn Festival is a major holiday in Singapore, and it is celebrated by people of all ages. In 2021, the Mid Autumn Festival will be a public holiday in Singapore. This means that schools and businesses will be closed, and many people will have the day off to celebrate.
There are many ways to celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival in Singapore. Some popular activities include:
- Eating mooncakes: Mooncakes are a traditional food that is eaten during the Mid Autumn Festival. There are many different types of mooncakes available, so you can find one that you like.
- Watching the full moon: The full moon is a beautiful sight to behold, and it is a popular tradition to watch the full moon on the night of the Mid Autumn Festival.
- Lighting lanterns: Lanterns are a traditional way to light up the night sky during the Mid Autumn Festival. You can find lanterns in many different shapes and sizes.
- Attending a Mid Autumn Festival celebration: There are many Mid Autumn Festival celebrations held in Singapore each year. These celebrations often feature traditional activities such as eating mooncakes, watching the full moon, and lighting lanterns.
Conclusion
The Mid Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions and celebrations. It is a time to enjoy the full moon, eat mooncakes, and light lanterns. The Mid Autumn Festival is a beautiful holiday that is enjoyed by people of all ages.