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The Last.

It's been a while since I've pulled up a word document not for the purposes of writing an essay or assignment. It's refreshing. Before the night officially ends I'd like to wish my fellow Chinese friends out there a happy mid-autumn festival!

Mid-autumn is a traditional Chinese festival with a history that dates back to more than 3,000 years in celebration of an abundant corp season. This happens to coincide with the night where the moon is believed to be the brightest and fullest all year round (August 15th on the lunar calendar). As such, traditions typically consist of cooking and sharing an abundance of food with family and loved ones, as well as watching the moon together. Of course, eating mooncakes has also become a festivity that is not to be missed.  

This is one of my favourite festivities to celebrate growing up (close behind Chinese New Year) since it is a time for family to gather and enjoy each others' presence (and because mooncakes are yum, too). The process of cooking up dishes in the kitchen with my mother, one of the rare days I don't mind company in the kitchen - with ingredients spawled all over the place, the sound of the rangehood overwhelming the music playing in the background, and the smell of different dishes mingling together. The sounds of chatter and happiness at the dining table followed by indulging in the mooncakes that I've restrained myself from eating all day. These are the moments that I find so precious. 

This year, with life and all its unpredictable changes, the day came with an undertone of melancholy. It's the first time that my family hasn't all been together and it makes me feel some kind of way not knowing when the last time we had celebrated together was, and when the next time will be. I suppose it is the natural progression in life where 'the kids' all grow up and have a life of their own - and sometimes that means not getting to spend every festivity with your family. 

I am especially grateful for the family I did get to celebrate with this evening, and that extends to friends who feel like family, too. I am grateful for the health and wellness of all those I care deeply about near or far, and for the technology that helps connect us no matter where we are. Lastly, I have become particularly fond of the moon for we all look up and see the same moon regardless of where we are tonight. There is some unexplainable beauty in that. 

I'm sending love and good vibes to those who couldn't be with (any or all) family today. Still treat yourself to some mooncakes and yum food, please. 


Much love, 

C xx


P.S more like a disclaimer but the historical background is just what I've been told/learned as a kid so IT MAY NOT BE CORRECT in which case I would appreciate anyone who would like to shed their wisdom on this matter. TYVM. Peace and love! 🦋

Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 23, 2021 at 5:37 PM

    5th paragraph hit different

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cluelesscarleySeptember 23, 2021 at 10:30 PM

      something there was very enlightening for me too, and I've got a special friend to thank for that! :)

      Delete

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