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6 Things You Might Have Wondered About The 2021 Mid-Autumn Festival In Singapore

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Faruq Senin •  Sep 20, 2021

The Mid-Autumn Festival 2021 is just around the corner and you might be familiar with it as the time when you can enjoy halal mooncakes or make lanterns. But what does the mid-autumn festival celebrate and what's the story behind it? Where can you revel in the festivities in Singapore? Well, here are 6 things you might have wondered about the Mid-Autumn Festival!

When is Mid-Autumn Festival 2021?

Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar. This corresponds to somewhere in between mid-September and early October on the Gregorian calendar. This year, it falls on 21 September 2021. This is also typically the day when the moon is at its brightest and fullest.

Credit: Visit Singapore on Facebook

What does the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrate?

Known as the second most important festival in China after Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival traditionally celebrates a successful harvest and is a time for family reunions. Though the festival had its roots in ancient practices of worshipping the moon, today, it has evolved to become a cultural celebration and is mostly about gatherings with loved ones and thanksgiving.

There have also been many myths surrounding the festival. One of the most popular is the story of Chang Er, the wife of a merciless king who drank the elixir of immortality which he had wanted to drink, to save her people from his tyrannical rule. Legend has it that she ascended to the moon due to her selfless act and that's why she's known as the Moon Goddess to the Chinese.

Who celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival?

Besides the Chinese, Mid-Autumn Festival is also celebrated by other cultures in Asian countries like Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, India and Myanmar. However, traditions differ and the stories and myths behind the festival are also different from the Chinese.

P.S. Read how one of our HHWT community members experienced Mid-Autumn in Seoul!

Can Muslims celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival?

Yes, Muslims can celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival as it is largely a cultural activity rather than a religious one. Similar to other festivals like Chinese New Year or Christmas, Muslims can join in the celebrations as long as they don't participate in religious rituals or profess words or actions that might be against the basic Islamic creed. Some of the common activities that are done on Mid-Autumn are eating mooncakes and pomelos and playing with lanterns.

Credit: Gardens by the Bay on Facebook

Where to experience Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore?

During Mid-Autumn Festival, it is common to see children playing with brightly lit lanterns although the origin of this is uncertain. Today, mid-autumn events will have lantern decorations and colourful displays. Here are some events that you can look forward to in Singapore:

Credit: Gardens by the Bay on Facebook

Where to get halal mooncakes in Singapore?

Eating and sharing mooncakes is a highlight of Mid-Autumn Festival as its roundness signifies completeness and family reunion. Fortunately, there are many places selling halal mooncakes in Singapore! Though many places have sold out their mooncakes, you can still get them from places like Butter Studio, Fullerton, PrimaDéli, Four Seasons Durians and more. Check out our article on halal mooncakes in Singapore to find out more. Do note that most of them close orders on 21 September 2021, which is Mid-Autumn Festival itself.

Credit: @heirazbakery on Instagram

So, if you've always had a friend who wanted to know more about Mid-Autumn Festival, SHARE this with them! Don't forget to enjoy some mooncakes and play with lanterns!