News article 3

Published: Sunday September 30, 2012

Younger generation in tune with Mid-Autumn fest tradition

GEORGE TOWN: More of the younger generation are joining in the Mid-Autumn Festival tradition, with many making last-minute preparations to spend quality time with their families.

For student Celine Fong, the Mid-Autumn Festival which falls today is just like another Chinese New Year a time to be spent with family.

“It's the time for my family members to gather for a reunion,” said the 18-year-old.

“After the dinner, we will go outdoors to enjoy the scenery while feasting on mooncakes and lighting up lanterns together.”

Sweet delights: Saw (left) and Fong admiring the mooncakes at Tai Tong Restaurant in Lebuh Cintra, George Town.

Fong and her friends, Saw Phaik Yean, 23, and Lee Zi Qi, 21, were spotted purchasing lanterns and mooncakes at the Tai Tong Restaurant in Lebuh Cintra yesterday and were spoilt for choice with the various designs and colours.

The restaurant's manager James Lee said lanterns had become very popular this year.

“We've sold more than 5,000 lanterns already, with the dragon and Angry Birds ones proving to be a hit among customers.

“I have tourists coming from as far as China, Hong Kong, Canada, the United States, Australia and Britain to buy my lanterns in bulk,” he said, adding that he had also sold some 8,000 mooncakes over the past month.

The festival also known as the Mooncake or Lantern Festival marks the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar.

Since the Shang Dynasty over 3,500 years ago, the eighth lunar month in autumn was deemed the most auspicious day for celebrating the harvest and families would venture out to admire the moon.

During the Yuan Dynasty when China was ruled by Mongolians, legend has it that rebels would pass messages hidden in mooncakes.

There will be a Mid-Autumn FestoRama in Beach Street today from 10am to 10pm, featuring various events such as Creative Lantern Competition, Creative Mooncake Competition, a parade, games and contests.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/30/nation/12105147&sec=nation

Summary
The younger generation are taking part in the Mid-Autumn Festival tradition, many making last-minute preparations to spend quality time with their families. Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Mooncake or Lantern Festival. It marks the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Since the Shang Dynasty, the eighth lunar month in autumn was the most auspicious day for celebrating the harvest. Families would go out to admire the moon. During the Yuan Dynasty, when China was ruled by Mongolians, legend said that rebels would pass messages by hiding them in mooncakes.

Opinion
It is good to see that the younger generation is taking part in traditional festivals. Since the younger ones lives a more 'modern' life, it is quite difficult to have them participate in traditional festivals like this. By taking part in festivals like this, younger ones can leanr more about the culture and tradition. Besides, it is a good time for family to bond. This can also make families grow closer to each other.