Arising from a period in the mists of time when the moon and sun were worshipped the Mid Autumn Festival has now taken on a more family friendly aspect. It is usually celebrated between September and early October when the moon is judged to be at its fullest. It was considered a women’s festival and was said to reflect the feminine principles of yin. It was also linked to celebrations associated with the end of the harvesting season among Chinese people and is associated with many Chinese myths particularly that of Chang E the moon goddess of immortality dwelling on the moon who is said to get together with her husband Houyi who dwells in the sun during mid autumn thereby contributing to the brightness of the moon during this time. It is also known as the moon cake or lantern festival as these items feature largely in the activities surrounding the festival. Red lanterns are everywhere as it is considered a propitious colour. 

The festival is a time when families and friends get together and share food outside under the light of a big bright moon and lovers pray to be together. The balmy weather during this time of year is conducive to this sort of activity. Absent relatives and friends are very much on the minds of the celebrants and greeting cards and electronic messages fly to all corners of the globe during this period. 

In Singapore the festival is celebrated in China Town which is decked out in fairly lights and red lanterns strung across its narrow alleys and there is a definite electric buzz in the air. The occasion is enlivened by street markets, lantern walks in the Chinese Garden, giant lantern displays, Chinese opera performances, puppet shows featuring the tale of Chang E, fire dragon dances, burning incense before the moon goddess, planting mid autumn trees and lighting lanterns on tall bamboo poles among other activities and ending in a fireworks display. Singaporeans also take to the river in a specially decorated boat to eat moon cake and drink Chinese tea whilst enjoying the moonlit scene before them. 

The most well known aspect of the festival is moon cakes in rectangular, square or round shapes filled with ground lotus and sesame seed, sweet bean paste and salted egg yolk. Among the host of moon cakes with extraordinary combination of flavours and shapes are some of the current favourites such as durian, green tea, chocolate, coffee, strawberry, orange and ice cream fillings giving it a contemporary touch. Not only are these cakes eaten they are also given as gifts. Several other types of celebratory food is associated with the festival in different parts of China such as eating food made from pumpkin in areas south of the Yangtze river, eating dishes made from river snails in Guangzhou, making celebratory dishes from taro and duck in Fujian Province, drinking wine fermented with osmanthus flowers and enjoying smoked duck in the Sichaun Province.  

Stay at the La Residenza Serviced Suites, a prominent option among Singapore apartment hotels that offers a selection of contemporary and comfortable one, two and three bedroom apartments, the ideal choice for business and leisure travelers and families for long or short stays. As well established serviced apartments Singapore, guests are offered modern amenities and facilities that make a stay in the busy city a pleasure. Combined with its attractive location, excellent service and the fact that it is part of a five star hotel, these serviced apartments are an excellent choice for guests looking for an independent lifestyle supported by all modern conveniences.