Held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival – also known as Mooncake Festival – was traditionally a ritual to worship the Gods. Today, the event is widely celebrated by Chinese communities all over the world and is even a public holiday in China. It is also during this period where the moon is the brightest and roundest.

The Mid-Autumn Festival has evolved tremendously over the years; it is now a cultural norm for businesses to exchange mooncakes and these sweet treats are available in numerous colours, flavours and shapes. From the significance of the celebration to the legends behind it, here is a brief guide on What Mid-Autumn Festival Is And Where To Celebrate in Singapore.

THE STORIES BEHIND IT

While there are many myths and legends behind the origin of Mooncake Festival, the most famous legend would definitely be the one about Chang Er and her husband, Hou Yi. Even so, there are still various stories behind the couple – but most of them revolve around the fact that Chang Er had downed the elixir of immortality and eventually ascended to the moon, forever.

The practice of celebrating Mooncake Festival actually dates back to more than 3,000 years. According to historians, offering sacrifices to the moon was popularised during the Song Dynasty and had since then become a social custom amongst the Chinese. In addition, the tradition of eating mooncakes is also a way to commemorate the uprising against the Mongols.

SIGNIFICANCE OF MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

The Mid-Autumn festival is closely tied to the following concepts, namely prosperity, reunion and thanksgiving. Large families in China have seized this occasion since ancient times to reunite, where they would gather together and admire the moon at its finest whilst eating mooncakes. Fun fact: The traditional round mooncakes are symbolic of unity due to its shape.

The tradition of exchanging mooncakes in present day is exceptionally popular in Singapore. In fact, the practice of gifting mooncakes to families, friends and/or business partners is seen as a way of maintaining personal and professional relationships.

While the inherent meaning has transformed, it is still heartwarming to see an age-old ritual integrated in modern society.

WHERE TO CELEBRATE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL IN SINGAPORE

CHINATOWN

Head over to Chinatown during the Mid-Autumn Festival period and get ready to be blown away by the beautiful lantern display which features thousands of lit lanterns at nightfall.

Visitors can anticipate cultural dance performances along the streets as well as a bustling bazaar which sells a splendid selection of delicious mooncakes. This year, there is even a Mooncake Blind Tasting Contest held at Kreta Ayer Square on Saturday, 04 September 2016.

Nearest Station: Chinatown

CHINESE GARDEN

The tranquil Chinese Garden located in the west side of Singapore will awake from its slumber during the Mid-Autumn Festival and transform into an enchanting whimsical playground. Entrance tickets start from S$12 per adult and S$8 per child. Watch out for calligraphy demonstrations, lion dances, lantern crafting workshops, mooncake sales and whatnot.

Nearest Station: Chinese Garden

Read: Guide to the best mooncakes in Singapore for Mid-Autumn Festival 2016.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

September means Mid-Autumn Festival is round the corner.

Besides indulging in mooncakes and tea, the occasion should also be quality time with family and friends.

If you have not made any plans to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival yet, there are several events and displays all around the island. Here are 5 Events Happening In Singapore During The Mid-Autumn Festival.

Photo Credit: Gardens by the Bay

#1 MID-AUTUMN @ GARDENS BY THE BAY

There will be a total of ten lantern sets around the gardens depicting traditional Mid-Autumn folklore such as Chang Er, the Old Man Under The Moon, and more. There is also the Colonnade of Lights display, featuring a magnificent sight of 4,000 lighted lanterns.

Interesting activities will be held within the gardens from time to time, such as the Interactive Lantern Procession – which allows visitors to light their own “smart lanterns” with their phones.

When: Saturday, 03 September 2016 to Thursday, 18 September 2016, 7pm – 11pm

Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Drive
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6420 6848

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Photo Credit: Esplanade

#2 ESPLANADE’S MOONFEST

Esplanade has activities for both the young and the young at heart. You can choose from a variety of free events such as the Lantern Walkabout by the waterfront, traditional Chinese opera performances by the outdoor stage and more.

Ticketed programmes include a parent-and-child snowskin mooncake-making workshop, a guzheng recital, and skits such as The Magic Lantern (recommended for children aged 5 and above).

When: Friday, 09 September 2016 to Sunday 11 September 2016

The Esplanade
1 Esplanade Drive
Singapore 038981
Tel: +65 6828 8377

Photo Credit: chinatownfestivals.sg

#3 CHINATOWN MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL 2016

What’s a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration without the yearly light-up along Chinatown? There will be lanterns hung up on the streets of South Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, and New Bridge Road from 7pm to midnight every day for the entire month of September.

The Festive Bazaar will happen along Pagoda Street, where you can look forward to over 300 stalls offering mooncakes, pomelos, handicrafts, teas, and lanterns.

When: Friday, 02 September 2016 to Friday, 30 September 2016

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Photo Credit: Event Nook

#4 SCHOOL HOLIDAY PICNIC AT JURONG CENTRAL PARK

Families for Life! picnics are held throughout the year, but the Mid-Autumn Festival’s edition will prove to be an engaging one. Some of the event highlights include lantern walkabouts, lantern-decorating, and even a screening of the movie ‘Minions’!

There will also be musical performances, bouncy castles, and more activities that are splendid for families.

When: Saturday, 10 September 2016, 5pm – 9.30pm

Jurong Central Park
Junction off Jalan Boon Lay & Boon Lay Way
Singapore 609961
Tel: +65 1800 471 7300

#5 WAN QING WEEKEND AT SUN YAT SEN NANYANG MEMORIAL HALL

The memorial hall will be presenting life-sized lanterns that resemble the old playgrounds in Singapore, such as the iconic Toa Payoh dragon playground. They would make for amazing photo opportunities with family and friends!

Besides the lanterns, other free activities such as lantern-making, lantern riddles, storytelling sessions and more await you during the Mid-Autumn Festival weekend.

When: Saturday, 10 September 2016 and Sunday, 11 September 2016

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
12 Tai Gin Road
Singapore 327874
Tel: +65 6256 7377

Read: Mid-Autumn Festival 2016 – Guide to the best mooncakes in Singapore.