What is Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore?

What is Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular observance in Singapore amongst those of ethnic Chinese heritage. It is not a public holiday, but malls nevertheless decorate and sell special food items at this time of year.

What is the famous story about the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The central legend associated with Mid-Autumn Festival concerns the goddess Chang’e. This tale tells of how, long ago, the Earth had 10 suns, the heat of which ravaged the world with a terrible drought. At the request of the Emperor of Heaven, the great archer Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns, saving life on Earth.

Why does Singapore celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival?

The festival is a time for families to bond together while consuming mooncakes, pomelos, and tea, while children often play with lanterns. The Mid-Autumn Festival is likely to have origins in ancient worship practices of the moon, and served as a harvest festival to express gratitude to the gods.

Is Mid-Autumn Festival and Mooncake Festival the same?

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated in Chinese culture. Similar holidays are celebrated in Japan (Tsukimi), Korea (Chuseok), Vietnam (Tết Trung Thu), and other countries in East and Southeast Asia.

When did the Mid-Autumn Festival start?

In the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), the 15th day of the 8th lunar month was established as the “Mid-Autumn Festival”.

How long does Mid-Autumn Festival last in Singapore?

The Mid-Autumn Festival at Gardens by the Bay is back with stunning lantern sets being displayed at its outdoor gardens. Over 2,000 of these are specially hand-painted and coloured by various community groups. Happening from 15 September to 3 October, the event will see lanterns lit daily from 6 to 10pm.

Why is a rabbit a symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The three immortals were moved by the rabbit’s sacrifice, and decided to make the rabbit an immortal, sending her to live in the Moon Palace with Goddess Chang E. Therefore nowadays when Chinese people decorate Mid-Autumn Festival, they would use rabbit as one of the decorations.

When did the Mid-Autumn Festival first start?

Where did Mid-Autumn Festival start?

Originated in the Zhou Dynasty (1045 – 221 BC) The term “Mid-Autumn” first appeared in the book Rites of Zhou (周礼), written in the Warring States Period (475 – 221 BC). But at that time the term was only related to the time and season; the festival didn’t exist at that point.

Is the jade rabbit a God?

The Jade Rabbit is a character from Chinese folklore, who lives on the moon with Chang-e, and is always seen preparing the elixir of life for the immortals. He is a noble and benevolent creature to whom offerings are often made during Mid Autumn Festival.

What is the Jade rabbits name?

The name of this story in Chinese is 玉兔, or 月兔. The Jade Rabbit, also called the Moon Rabbit, is a rabbit that lives on the moon. In Chinese folklore, it is often portrayed as a companion of the moon goddess Chang’e, constantly pounding the elixir of life for her.

Who made mooncakes?

Like many Chinese customs, the origins of the mooncake lie in ancient times, in this case a time of social and political triumph – the overthrowing of the Mongol dynasty. After many attempts to invade China, the Mongols succeeded in the 13th Century, with Kublai Khan establishing the Yuan dynasty.

When did the Mid-Autumn Festival become a public holiday?

2008
Became a Public Holiday since 2008 On May 20, 2006, Mid-Autumn Festival was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritages. However, it was not until 2008 that Mid-Autumn Festival was listed as a holiday. There is a one-day holiday for Mid-Autumn Festival.

Is miDmiD-Autumn Festival a public holiday in Singapore?

Mid-Autumn Festival is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday, September 27, 2015 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in Singapore.

What to do during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore?

Be spoilt for choice as over 300 festival stalls will offer a dazzling variety of festive treats like moon cakes, pomelos, lanterns, handicrafts, tea and more. Gather around for the nightly performances at Kreta Ayer Square during the Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.

What is the Mid-Autumn Festival @ Gardens by the Bay?

The Mid-Autumn Festival @ Gardens by the Bay lights up with a dazzling display of elaborately handcrafted lantern sets that celebrate the natural world. See the different spaces around the Gardens come to life with a kaleidoscope of light and colour, as you enjoy a host of performances by local artistes.

What is the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is all about spending time with the family, parading lanterns and of course, gorging on mooncakes. Held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Lunar Calendar, this year’s festival falls nicely on a Sunday, 27 September 2015.