Festivals Around The World Questions Medium
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a significant celebration in Malaysia, particularly among the Chinese community. This festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which usually falls in September or October. It is a time for families to come together, express gratitude, and celebrate the harvest season.
One of the main customs and traditions of the Lantern Festival in Malaysia is the lighting of lanterns. People of all ages, especially children, carry and display beautifully crafted lanterns in various shapes and sizes. These lanterns are often made of colorful paper or silk, and some are even shaped like animals or characters from folklore. The lanterns are lit up with candles or LED lights, creating a mesmerizing display of lights and colors.
Another important tradition during the Lantern Festival is the moon-watching activity. Families gather in open spaces, such as parks or gardens, to appreciate the full moon. It is believed that the moon is at its brightest and roundest during this time, symbolizing unity and completeness. People often bring along picnic baskets filled with mooncakes, a traditional pastry made of sweet fillings, to enjoy while admiring the moon.
In addition to lanterns and moon-watching, another custom of the Lantern Festival is the lion dance performance. This traditional dance involves performers dressed in lion costumes, mimicking the movements of a lion. The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. It is a lively and energetic performance accompanied by the beats of drums, cymbals, and gongs.
Furthermore, the Lantern Festival is also associated with the tradition of making and eating tangyuan, a type of glutinous rice ball. Tangyuan is typically filled with sweet fillings like sesame paste, red bean paste, or peanuts. These rice balls are boiled and served in a sweet syrup, symbolizing family unity and togetherness.
Overall, the customs and traditions of the Lantern Festival in Malaysia revolve around the themes of light, unity, and gratitude. It is a time for families to come together, appreciate the beauty of the moon, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate the abundance of the harvest season.