The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, will light up the night on Sept. 17, 2024 with a blend of ancient traditions and contemporary celebrations.
Celebrated for over 3,000 years, the festival has deep roots in Chinese history and culture.
The origins of the festival can be traced back to ancient China, where it began as a royal ritual honoring the moon and marking the harvest season.
People believed that worshiping the moon would ensure a fruitful harvest and good fortune for the year ahead.
Today, the festival’s significance has evolved from agricultural roots to a celebration of family unity and well-being.
In Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, the Mid-Autumn Festival becomes a vibrant celebration of Filipino-Chinese culture. The neighborhood buzzes with activity as lanterns and colorful decorations transform the streets.
Filipino-Chinese associations across the Philippines also host their own gatherings and celebrations for the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Baguio City, the festival is officially recognized as an annual event under Ordinance 90, s. 2023.
Central to the festivities are mooncakes, round pastries that symbolize completeness and harmony. Traditionally filled with sweet or savory ingredients such as lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk, mooncakes are more than just a treat—they are a symbol of togetherness.
During the festival, mooncakes are exchanged among family and friends as tokens of good wishes and unity.
Local bakeries offer inventive mooncake flavors like ube, mango and leche flan, showcasing a delightful fusion of Filipino and Chinese culinary traditions. Several well-known local brands and bakeries that offer mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival include the renowned Kamuning Bakery, Eng Bee Tin, Far Eastern Mooncake and Polland Hopia.
Lanterns are also a festive highlight of the festival. From traditional lantern-making to lively public displays, they add a magical touch to the celebrations.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is associated with the legend of Chang’e, the moon goddess who is said to live on the moon with her rabbit companion. In honor of this legend, families set up tables with mooncakes and candles, hoping that Chang’e will grant their wishes.
Among Filipino-Chinese, a unique activity during the festival is the dice game called Pua Tiong Chiu. Players roll dice to win mooncake prizes, with rolling ‘fours’ or five-of-a-kind bringing the biggest rewards. The game, which originated in Fujian Province, China, adds a fun and competitive element to the celebrations.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, it’s a great time to enjoy traditions and modern practices that bring people together. From sharing mooncakes and admiring lanterns to festive games, the celebration offers a chance for families and communities to unite and wish for prosperity.
The mix of old traditions and new practices not only enriches lives but also supports local businesses, making the festival’s cultural richness shine for everyone.
