The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is an enchanting traditional East Asian holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Lunar calendar. Typically it falls in September or early October on the Gregorian calendar. This year, the luminous festivities grace us on the 29th of September. Widely observed in countries such as China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore, and cherished among diverse Chinese communities worldwide, this festival boasts profound cultural and historical significance. It's a time when cherished traditional arts and crafts come alive, casting a vibrant tapestry of heritage.

At the heart of this radiant festival lies the captivating tale of the Chinese Moon Goddess, Chang'e, and her devoted husband, Hou Yi, a masterful archer. They lived a happy life where ten suns crossed the sky one by one, until one day, all ten suns appeared in the sky at the same time. They were powerful and bright orbs of relentless heat that dried up the rivers, destroyed crops and burnt people. The Emperor of Heaven summoned Hou Yi to shoot down nine of the suns and with precision, he subdued nine suns, reinstating harmony in the land. Hou Yi was rewarded with the elixir of immortality. Yet, Hou Yi's heart yearned to remain with Chang'e, and he chose not to consume the elixir. Instead, he entrusted it to his beloved, Chang'e.

Hou Yi's fame soared after his heroic feat, and he took on students, although not all possessed noble intentions. One such disciple, Pang Meng, harboured sinister designs on the elixir. One fateful day, Hou Yi set out on a hunting expedition with his students, unaware of Pang Meng's deceitful ploy. Seizing the opportunity, Pang Meng confronted Chang'e, demanding the elixir. Faced with an unyielding adversary, Chang'e drank the elixir. When Hou Yi came back, he found that his wife had been lifted to Heaven. Chang'e decided to live on the Moon because it's closest to the Earth. Hou Yi looked up at the moon and put the foods Chang'e used to love in the garden as a sacrifice. Thus, people started admiring the moon on this day. 

Much like other Chinese festivals, the Mid-Autumn Festival serves as a sacred occasion for family reunions, exemplifying its profound significance. On this celestial night, the Chinese believe the moon shines its brightest and fullest, coinciding with the bounteous harvest of autumn. Lanterns of myriad shapes and sizes illuminate the way, serving as symbolic beacons guiding people toward prosperity and good fortune.

Mooncakes reign supreme as the festival's culinary icon. These circular pastries boast an array of fillings, from velvety red bean paste to lotus seed paste and savoury salted egg yolk, often adorned with intricate designs. You can find a wide variety of mooncakes at your local Asian grocery stores. Our beloved Tangmama in Docklands is also crafting special mooncakes for the festival – explore their creations via Instagram at www.instagram.com/tangmama_melbourne

In essence, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of jubilation, gratitude, and contemplation, an ode to the moon's luminous beauty and the irreplaceable bonds of family.

For those seeking special Mid-Autumn Festival events in Melbourne:

• 23rd – 24th Sep at Queen Victoria Market (free event): Immerse yourself in a sensory journey featuring traditional mooncakes, sizzling street food from both local and international cuisines, and a dazzling array of treats. Cultural performances, live music, and interactive activities await.

• 27th or 30th Sep – Moon Cake making class: Delve into the art of crafting mooncakes in an immersive class experience. Discover the secrets behind these delectable creations and create your own mooncakes. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/moon-cake-making-class-tickets-707678143377?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.