****
Photo credit to Singapore Tourist Board
When:
Oct 2008 (annual)
Where:
Chinatown
Cost:
Free
Opening Hours:
After dark
Originally a full moon celebration of the harvest in ancient China, the lovely Mooncake Festival is a time for feasting and rejoicing. Children show off their paper lanterns against the night sky while adults relax with tea and mooncakes, filled with exotic fare like melon seeds and yam, Singapore's Chinatown comes alive for the occasion.
Advertisement
Mooncakes occupy a special place in Chinese hearts for another reason, based on the legend of 14th-century rebels. In their revolt to overthrow the tyrannical Yuan Dynasty, the rebels communicated by embedding messages in mooncakes and smuggling them to their allies.
Other festive foods you might see at Zhong Qiu Jie, or Mid-Autumn Festival, include pomelos, a local citrus fruit, and pastries galore. Mooncakes have a very pleasant sweet taste, which depends on the filling used. Red bean paste is the most common, but more adventurous types might try preserved ducks eggs or lotus paste.
Elderly Chinese people still believe in the legend of Chang Er and her pet rabbit, who may be seen residing on the moon, if one looks closely enough. This festival provides a perfectly bright and full moon for such a pursuit. A paper lantern, tea and mooncake might just encourage Chang Er to reveal herself at last.
Other festive foods you might see at Zhong Qiu Jie, or Mid-Autumn Festival, include pomelos, a local citrus fruit, and pastries galore. Mooncakes have a very pleasant sweet taste, which depends on the filling used. Red bean paste is the most common, but more adventurous types might try preserved ducks eggs or lotus paste.
Elderly Chinese people still believe in the legend of Chang Er and her pet rabbit, who may be seen residing on the moon, if one looks closely enough. This festival provides a perfectly bright and full moon for such a pursuit. A paper lantern, tea and mooncake might just encourage Chang Er to reveal herself at last.
Event details can change.
Please check with the organisers that the event is happening before making travel arrangements.
© Copyright 2008 Whatsonwhen Limited - All Rights Reserved