The Mid-Autumn Festival may have evolved from simple lanterns and family gatherings into elaborate modern celebrations, but its spirit of togetherness remains unchanged. From childhood memories in Kuching to a dazzling celebration at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, the festival continues to bring people together beneath the same moon.
Rooted in family, traditions and togetherness
WITH every passing era, the Mid-Autumn Festival evolves with new commercial ideas and contemporary ways of celebrating. As a child, I was told that there was a lady living on the moon. Of course, when the first space missions reached the moon, there was no mention of finding either a lady or a rabbit!
Yet the ancient story of Chang’e, the woman who flew to the moon and was said to live there with a rabbit, remains part of the memories of many older generations.
One of my fondest memories of the festival is of my grand-auntie, Fung, who was once teased by a group of children in Main Bazaar as she carried her offerings from her shop in Bishopgate Street to the Kuching Waterfront to pray during this auspicious occasion.
Those were different times.
As children, we were simply delighted to carry our colourful lanterns and walk around the neighbourhood. Families would gather in their gardens or on balconies, enjoying Chinese tea and mooncakes while admiring the full moon glowing in the night sky.
Today, the celebration has become far more elaborate, but the essence of Mid-Autumn remains rooted in family, tradition and togetherness.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival or Lantern Festival, is one of the major celebrations among the Chinese community in Malaysia. It falls annually on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, the festival falls on September 25.
Recently, I joined members of the media at Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur to explore its Moon Light Glow Experience, with yours truly the only writer from Sarawak among the invited media.
The mall has transformed its spaces into a luminous Mid-Autumn celebration running from September 10 to 27, featuring festive installations, cultural performances, hands-on activities and a three-day carnival celebrating tradition and togetherness.
For the media, it was an opportunity to experience the festival through the senses, particularly sight and taste, while interacting with the participating brands and taking part in the various festive activities.
At the heart of the celebration is Moonlight Pavilion at Centre Court, Level 2, where visitors are welcomed by immersive festive installations, including a dazzling display of 88 LED rabbits, a lantern tunnel and numerous photo-worthy settings for families and friends to capture their festive moments.
The glowing rabbits were particularly enchanting, creating a magical atmosphere that was a far cry from the simple paper lanterns we carried around our neighbourhoods as children.
Complementing the visual spectacle is the Mid-Autumn Marketplace, which brings together more than 30 local and
international brands offering an extensive selection of mooncakes, festive treats, beverages, fashion and lifestyle products.
Naturally, the mooncakes were one of the highlights.
At Mizicor, which exports its mooncakes to China, I could not resist trying the Musang King durian mooncake. For a durian lover, it was almost like eating the fruit itself, with its rich and unmistakable flavour.
Then came a completely different experience at Le Méridien Petaling Jaya. Its Ribena and lychee mooncake offered a lighter and more refreshing flavour, with a texture that almost reminded me of ice cream.
The variety reflects how the traditional mooncake has evolved. While classic flavours remain popular, contemporary creations now cater to younger generations and more adventurous palates.
Among the brands featured are Grand Harbour, Hong Kong Bay, JYNNS, Baker’s Cottage, CasaHana, Duria, Durian Baby, First Class Durian, Hoong Yuung Bakery, Huat Huat, JDX, Le Méridien Petaling Jaya, Lovely Key, Mizicor®, Tai Thong, Tong Ah, Yi Jia Pastry and Yong Sheng.
There was much more than mooncakes to discover.
Visitors could browse fashion offerings from Oriental Noble and Gisselle Liu, enjoy tea from Yu Yan Tea, try their hand at a fish-scooping game at Bear It, watch traditional Dragon Beard Candy being made, select festive lanterns from Fine Star Lanterns and explore a variety of snacks and festive treats.
I stopped at the Dragon Beard Candy booth and watched Leong, a third-generation maker originally from Ipoh, skilfully
prepare the traditional confection. It was delightful to watch the quintessential sweet being spun into delicate, silky strands, dusted with flour and wrapped around crushed peanuts.
We also tried a new minty flavour, which left a refreshing sensation and a pleasantly cool aftertaste.
For those who want a more interactive experience, Pavilion Bukit Jalil has also introduced Weekday Spend Rewards.
From Monday to Friday, shoppers who spend RM200 at the Mid-Autumn Marketplace can present their proof of purchase at the Redemption Counter at Centre Court, Level 2, to receive a Journey Card.
The card allows them to embark on a series of hands-on festive experiences, including crafting a traditional-inspired lacquer hand fan, tasting Dragon Beard Candy, enjoying a Mixue soft-serve and receiving a lotus flower to release at the Make-A-Wish Pond.
Limited to the first 50 shoppers each day, the Journey Cards are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
It is a modern interpretation of an ancient celebration, giving visitors the opportunity not merely to shop, but to participate, create and experience some of the traditions associated with Mid-Autumn.
Walking through the glowing installations, sampling mooncakes and seeing families taking photographs together, I found myself thinking about those childhood evenings in Kuching.
Our lanterns were much simpler. There were no dazzling LED rabbits, elaborate installations or endless varieties of mooncakes. Yet perhaps that is the enduring magic of Mid-Autumn.
Whether celebrated around a family table, in a neighbourhood garden, along the Kuching Waterfront or inside a contemporary shopping mall, the festival continues to bring people together beneath the same moon.
And perhaps somewhere up there, if we look closely enough, that little rabbit is still keeping the lady company.
