The Mid-Autumn Festival is the 2nd most important festival to the Chinese Community worldwide. It is celebrated in gratitude for a bountiful harvest back in China in the midst of Autumn which falls on the 15thday of the 8th month in the Lunar Calendar. As per the Chinese lunar calendar, the 15th day of each month is the time when the moon is at its brightest and fullest.

The Chinese community is the 2nd largest community here in Malaysia. And though this festival is not celebrated with as much gaiety as the Chinese New Year, nevertheless it’s importance and significance is certainly no less important.

This festival is also popularly known as the Lantern Festival and also Mooncake Festival. There are plenty of legends and myths surrounding on how mooncakes originated.

1st story- very mythical – these are where fairy tales are made

· Tyrannical king – who didn’t really take care of his subjects. As he is always

· On the lookout for a longevity elixir so that he can continue his rule which he finally got.

· But wife wasn’t’ in favor of his deeds and didn’t want him to have it the elixir. Because the longer he is in power, the more his subjects will suffer.

· Stole elixir.

· When the king discovered that it was stolen by her, he tried to shoot her with an arrow as she ran towards the direction of the moon.

·  This was happening on the 15th day of the 8th month

· She managed to escape and she became the spirit of the moon

· Remembered by subjects – on this 15thday/8th month – in form of mooncakes

2nd story- this sounds more logical

· Chinese history – only 2 times Dynasty ruled by Non-Chinese – Mongols (Yuan) Manchurians (Qing- last Dynasty)

· Yuan Dynasty- Mongols ruled China

· The Han Chinese was oppressed and heavily guarded

· Coordinated an uprising by sending messages inside the fillings of mooncakes

· On designated date, all the Han Chinese united and overthrew the Mongols

· Ending the Yuan Dynasty

· Mooncakes eaten to remember and celebrate the occasion

At least a month before the actual day, companies would be aggressively marketing their moon cakes speciality either focusing on the fillings inside the mooncakes or their unique package that comes together with it. So whereever you are, if there is a substantial Chinese community there, look out for these mooncakes promotions. If you have not tasted any of them, take this opportunity to give your taste buds a new adventure. Share your experience with me and also how the mooncakes are promoted at your location. I would love to hear about it! Oops: I need to make a correction- the date of the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Sept 21 and not 24th.My sincere apologies for the slipup

Taking this opportunity to wish all of you a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival- a time of reunions, of togetherness and a time of Harmony. May the beauty of the moon blessed and unite us even though we are thousands of miles apart!!

Connect with me via my email: dosesofmalaysianstories @ gmail.com

Or you could join my Facebook group under the same name:

www.facebook.com/groups/dosesofmalaysianstories .

Thank you once again for spending your time with you and take care! Looking forward to be with you in a fortnight’s time. Selamat Tinggal and Bye !!