How to Celebrate Mid Autumn Festival with Flowers and Mooncakes
Mid Autumn Festival (ä¸ç§‹èŠ‚ zhong qiu jie) in Chinese, also known as the Moon Cake Festival or Moon Festival, is one of the most significant and joyous occasions celebrated by millions of people across Asia, particularly in China, Vietnam, Taiwan and as well as in Malaysia. It is a time for families to come together, appreciate the full moon, and share delicious mooncakes. Although the festival has its roots in ancient Chinese traditions, it is celebrated in various ways across different countries and cultures.
Why on this festival is it associated with family gathering? Because the shape of the full moon is round and complete. Hence, the ancient Chinese people saw it as a symbol of reunion and the days for the family to gather around.
As a seasoned flower shop with experienced florists and years of expertise in crafting exquisite flower bouquets, White On White is excited to share how you can elevate your Mid-Autumn Festival celebration with flowers and mooncakes. This guide will provide you with expert advice and trustworthy tips to help you create a memorable and elegant celebration that captures the spirit of this special occasion.
- Do you know that during Hari Raya Haji, people decorate their homes with colorful decorations including flowers?
- READ MORE: Everything You Need To Know About Hari Raya Haji
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The Significance of Mid Autumn Festival
Before diving into the celebration ideas, it is essential to understand the significance of the Mid Autumn Festival. Traditionally, this festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in September or October. This year, the festival takes place on 17 September 2024 according to Malaysian calendar.
The Mid Autumn Festival celebrates the harvest season and the full moon. Originating during the Tang Dynasty in China, this festival is associated with various legends, including the story of Chang’e, a goddess who flew to the moon to escape her husband. As a result, today, the Mid Autumn Festival serves a time for families to reunite, express gratitude for the harvest, and share blessings for the future.
The Legend of Chang'e in Mid Autumn Festival
The story of Chang’e is a captivating Chinese myth that has been passed down through generations. While there are variations depending on the storyteller, the central theme remains consistent: a tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of the moon.
According to one version of the myth, Hou Yi, a legendary archer, was tasked with saving the world from 10 suns that were scorching the earth. He successfully shot down nine of the suns, and the Queen Mother of the West, impressed by his skill, rewarded him with an elixir of immortality.
However, Hou Yi’s wife, Chang’e, became envious of his newfound power and secretly drank the elixir, which granted her eternal life. As a result, she ascended to the moon and became the Moon Goddess. Heartbroken by her departure, Hou Yi placed offerings of mooncakes and fruits on the altar to honor her and express his longing.
Another version suggests that Chang’e was forced to drink the elixir to save her husband from a jealous rival. In some tales, she is depicted as a loyal and devoted wife, while in others, she is portrayed as a selfish and impulsive figure.
Over time, the story of Chang’e evolved and took on different forms. While the story may vary from one storyteller to the next, the underlying themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of the moon remain timeless. The legend also continues to captivate audiences and inspire countless works of art and literature.
Common Traditions during Mid Autumn Festival
The Mid Autumn Festival is rich with traditions and folklore. Here are some common traditions associated with the festival:
- Sharing Mooncakes: Mooncakes are essential part of the celebration. These round pastries are filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, including lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and salted egg yolks.Â
- Worshiping the Moon: In ancient times, people would worship the moon and offer sacrifices to the Moon Goddess, Chang’e. Today, some people still observe this tradition by setting up an altar with offerings of fruits, flowers, and mooncakes. The full moon on this night is believed to be the brightest and roundest of the year, symbolizing completeness and family unity. So, families often gather outdoors to admire the moon, which represents prosperity and good fortune.
- Telling Folktales: There are many folktales associated with the Mid Autumn Festival, the most famous one being the legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. It is customary to tell these folktales during the festival, especially to children.
- Lighting Lanterns: Lanterns are a symbol of the Mid Autumn Festival. It is customary to light lanterns and hang them around the home, garden, or public spaces to create a festive atmosphere.
- Traditional Foods: Besides mooncakes, other traditional foods enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival include taro, sweet potatoes, and pomelos. These foods are believed to bring good luck and are often included in the celebratory meal.
Celebrating with Flowers
Flowers play a significant role in adding beauty and festivity to the Mid Autumn Festival celebration, making them a perfect complement to the mooncakes that are central to this holiday. In Chinese culture, flowers symbolize beauty, love, and good fortune. During the festival, it is customary to decorate homes and public spaces with flowers such as chrysanthemums, osmanthus, and orchids. These flowers are believed to bring good luck and positive energy to the celebrations. Here are some creative ways to celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival with flowers:
- Flower Arrangements: Create beautiful flower arrangements using seasonal flowers like chrysanthemums, osmanthus, and orchids. You can also add other elements like lanterns or decorative ornaments to enhance the beauty of the arrangement.
- Flower Lanterns: Lanterns are an essential part of the Mid Autumn Festival. Create unique flower lanterns by incorporating fresh flowers into the design of your lanterns. Hang them around your home or garden to create a festive atmosphere.
- Flower Gifts: Give the gift of flowers to your loved ones during the Mid Autumn Festival. A bouquet of fresh, seasonal flowers is a thoughtful and meaningful way to express your love and good wishes.
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Expert Floral Tips for the Mid-Autumn Festival
Choosing the right flowers is crucial to creating a festive and harmonious atmosphere. As an expert florist, we recommend:
- Chrysanthemums: These are a traditional choice for the Mid-Autumn Festival. They symbolize longevity and are prominently featured in autumn arrangements.
- Osmanthus: Known for its fragrant, tiny blossoms, Osmanthus represents abundance and love, making it a meaningful addition to your décor.
- Autumn Hues: Incorporate flowers in rich, autumnal colors such as gold, orange, and deep reds to reflect the season and enhance the festive mood.
After you have selected your desired flowers, you must create a welcoming atmosphere. As an expert in floral design, we emphasize the importance of a warm and inviting atmosphere such as choose soft, ambient lighting as it can create a cozy setting for your celebration. Consider using lanterns or candles to enhance the festive ambiance.
- Which flowers can bring prosperity and a must for your household?
- READ MORE: The Power of Lucky Flowers To Magnify Good Fortune
Celebrating with Mooncakes
Mooncakes are the most iconic food associated with the Mid Autumn Festival. These sweet pastries are traditionally filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or other sweet fillings, and often have a salted egg yolk in the center, representing the full moon.The round shape of mooncakes represents unity and completeness. They are commonly shared among family members, friends, and business associates. This exchange serves as a way to express love, gratitude, and good wishes, making it a gesture of goodwill and celebration. Here are some creative ways to celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival with mooncakes:
- Homemade Mooncakes: Making mooncakes at home can be a fun and rewarding activity. Gather your family and friends and have a mooncake-making session together. You can experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your unique mooncakes.
- Mooncake Gifts: Gifting mooncakes is a traditional way to express good wishes during the Mid Autumn Festival. Consider giving mooncakes to your loved ones, neighbors, or colleagues as a way to share the joy of the festival.
- Mooncake Tasting Party: Host a mooncake tasting party at your home. Invite your friends and family and have a variety of mooncakes for everyone to taste and enjoy. You can also have tea or other beverages to complement the flavors of the mooncakes.
Outdoor Activities for the Mid Autumn Festival
Spending time outdoors is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the full moon and the natural surroundings during the Mid Autumn Festival. Here are some outdoor activities you can enjoy during the festival:
- Moon Viewing Party: Host a moon viewing party in your garden or at a local park. Set up a telescope for a closer look at the moon and invite your friends and family to join you. You can also have some light snacks and beverages to enjoy while moon gazing.
- Lantern Parade: Organize a lantern parade with your friends, family, or neighbors. Everyone can bring their lanterns and walk together around the neighborhood, park, or garden. It is a fun way to spend time together and create beautiful memories.
- Picnic: Have a picnic in a local park or garden. Pack some delicious food, drinks, and of course, mooncakes, and enjoy a meal under the full moon. Don’t forget to bring some flowers to decorate your picnic area.
FAQs
Can muslims eat mooncake?
Yes, why not? As long as it is halal, Muslims can eat mooncake. Nowadays, it is not that hard to find halal mooncake as many bakery shops in Malaysia serve halal mooncake for Muslims to enjoy the celebration along with Chinese people.Â
When should you eat mooncake?
They can be eaten at any time because they last a long time like kuih raya during Hari Raya Aidilfitri. However, this mooncake is usually eaten around the time of the Mid-Autumn Festival. We at White On White usually receive whole boxes from our friends, so it would be tiring to force ourselves to eat them all in the same day. Therefore, we will eat in the following days until it runs out.
Do you offer same-day delivery if I want to purchase the flower bouquet for my home decor?
Yes, of course! Make sure you place your order before 4.00pm then we will deliver your fresh flower bouquet right in front of your doorstep in the same day. Read to order now? CLICK HERE.
Conclusion
Celebrating the Mid Autumn Festival with flowers and mooncakes is a delightful and meaningful way to share the joy of the festival with your loved ones. From making flower arrangements and homemade mooncakes to hosting a mooncake tasting party or a moon viewing picnic, there are many ways to make the festival memorable and enjoyable. Don’t forget to spend time outdoors, appreciate the full moon, and share folktales with the younger generation. Happy Mid Autumn Festival!Â
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