Mid-autumn night is traditionally regarded by the Chinese to be an auspicious and joyous night whereby family members travel home for family reunion.

Than Hsiang Temple, in upholding its four convictions of creating an environment for : the young to learn, the strong to serve, the aged to be taken care of and the deceased to find spiritual solace, has annually organize a gathering for its members and friends to celebrated the occasion. The festival fell on 14th September 2008 this year and a chanting session was scheduled to commemorate the festival.

Though the celebration was scheduled at 8.00pm, the temple was already crowded with parents and children who were dressed in their colourful costumes and ornaments , adding a glimpse of cultural flavour to the night. The size of the vibrant crowd indicated that the attendance for this year was definitely better than last year.

The programme of the night began with Amitabha name recitation to accrue blessings for all sentient beings and tofree them from suffering.

Ven. Wei Wu, the abbot of Than Hsiang Temple was happy to see both the young and elderly gathered at Than Hsiang to celebrate the moon cake festival. He explained that in the Chinese tradition, the full moon day symbolizes coming together for a reunion; when the moon is nearest to earth manifesting its utmost brightness and roundness.

In fact, Shifu further reiterated that the lives of farmers are closely link to the weather. Autumn is the month of harvest. Likewise, in Buddhism one is taught to plant good seeds ( do good) in order to reap good fruits( the good result of good actions).

Legends about mid-autumn festival are abound in Chinese folklore. Many are being incorporated into Chinese Buddhism. For instance, August 15th is the day commemorating the birthday of Moon- light Bodhisattva . In the Ksitigarbha Sutra, there were mentions of the Moon- light Bodhisattva and Sun-light Bodhisattva, the former being the embodiment of compassion, the latter, wisdom.

In Chinese literary works, moon light scenes are commonly used to describe cool and refreshing atmosphere. The famous Chinese monk, Ven. Hong I , composed a lyric using moon light signifying purity and clarity. Before concluding his dharma talk, Shifu wished that all present would be endowed with merits and wisdom.

Finally, the moment which the children had been waiting for the lantern procession, led by the resident sangha members and the senior inmates of Wan Ching Yuen Centre. The kindergarten children displayed all assortment of lantern , home-made as well as market-bought , with lighted the traditional wax candles or LED candle flickering in the twilight. The children were the happiest of the lot and it is most heartening to see the happy faces of the senior citizens indulging in the joyous atmosphere.

After taking part in the procession round the temple, the participants helped themselves to the various delicacies like fried bee-hoon, nyonya kuih, moon cakes, noodles, tidbits and an assortment of drinks, prepared by participants and volunteers. It is most heart warming to watch people eat and chat among friends and strangers alike, instilling the atmosphere with an air of friendship and sensibility.

Any moon cake festival would not be complete without the lantern making competition, lantern riddles, stories telling, singing and last but not least – eating moon cake with Chinese tea. Credit should be given to the Than Hsiang youth for organizing the entertainment programmes coming up with the novel idea of naming the corridor in front of Ta pei tian –“Than Hsiang Street” well lit with beautifully decorated DIY( from recycled materials) lanterns which were hung from the ceiling. Coupled with a story telling antique and Stores displaying moon cakes, fruits and moon cake festival delicacies were set up at one corner of the “street”, the tradition setting of the “street” undoubtedly brought one down the memory lane of ancient days.
Rendering of numerous sentimental songs related to the moon light and the festival by the talented young singers brought the night to a climax.

The festivities came to close at around 10pm. Everyone wished each other a very good night and with hopes and promises to meet again during the next moon cake festival.