How to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival at home
It's the Mid-Autumn Festival, an important occasion not only in China, but in other parts of Asia as well. Also called the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, the festivities focus on traditions and family.
A lot of families celebrate by eating mooncakes while admiring the view of the moon, as well as other customs. Usually, Mid-Autumn celebrations last for three days in China, Japan, and Korea.
While Mid-Autumn Festival isn't as widely celebrated in the Philippines as in other countries, many communities still observe this special holiday. Here's how you can enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival even while observing social distancing.
1. Reunite with the family
Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families. During this time many people travel back to their hometowns to spend the holidays with their family for the festival. But because of travel restrictions, a Zoom party seems more appropriate.
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2. Enjoy mooncakes
Mooncakes are made of lotus seed paste and salted duck egg yolk. This traditional pastry is commonly sold and eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival after a family dinner. Now, you can have them delivered to your home.
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3. Have a moon-viewing party
Just like in East Asian culture, families find a good place to view the bright, round moon this time of the year. Enjoy moon-watching from your home. It's free.
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4. Hang lanterns
One of the common customs in Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations is hanging lanterns made of bamboo and red paper. It is believed in ancient East Asian culture that hanging lanterns higher, the luckier the family will be.
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5. Give red envelopes.
In ancient times, people offer fruits, mooncakes, and duck to friends and family as gifts during Mid-Autumn Festival. Besides traditional gifts, the holiday is also celebrated by giving money inside red envelopes, which is believed to attract good fortune.
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