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Burning Lanterns, BBQ and 7 Other Ways To Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival

DISCLAIMER: Please do not try any of these at home without adult permission and supervision.

By Tang Ruxyn — 25 Sep 2015, 05:02 PM — Updated over 8 years ago

Cover image via Oasis Damansara Blog

Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Lantern or Mooncake Festival, is typically celebrated by the ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese people on the night of a full moon during the 8th month in the Chinese Calendar. Though celebrations for the festival has diminished over the years, some rituals and traditions are still observed today with a modern twist. Here are some examples:

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1. Playing lanterns!

By playing, what you really do is just holding your lantern(s) and walk around with it.

You certainly played with one of these...

Image from Downtown East
Image via Downtown East

...and you can't go wrong with these timeless glass paper lanterns!

But these days you'll find that kids are playing with the battery-operated ones

Image from Carousell
Image via Carousell

2. Hang lanterns in every place you can think of, like the laundry line...

… On the balcony fence...

… And even on trees!

3. BBQ!

It’s a great excuse to invite family and friends for a get-together.

4. Play with leftover firecrackers from Chinese New Year. Most likely Pop Pop or sparklers.

Image from Reuelwrites
Image via Reuelwrites

5. Light up a lot of candles and put them everywhere, like in a box...

Image from DaGrits
Image via DaGrits

... At open spaces

… And finally resort to using the gate when they run out of space

Image from Escape 2
Image via Escape 2

6. Okay, do not try this at home, but some people actually play with candles. “Playing” means lighting up the candles and watching them melt...

… Or arranging them nicely to form words or patterns

Image from Cony Writing
Image via Cony Writing

Those who feel particularly creative may start creating their new masterpiece with some melting wax

Image from SAYS
Image via SAYS

7. Burn something. Paper lanterns rarely survive the night...

… And once you’ve run out of things to light up, even leaves would do. Again, PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.

Image from Wang Minyoung
Image via Wang Minyoung

8. After all the outdoor excitement, it’s time to stuff your face full with mooncakes… and maybe share some with your family and friends.

9. Chill out for the rest of the evening with some moon-gazing. It’s traditional!

Image from @alvincheungmd
Image via @alvincheungmd

However, with the ongoing haze in our country lately, we reckon you won't be able to have a good view of the full moon this time around.

Speaking of Mid-Autumn Festival, have you tried any of these funky mooncake flavours?

21 Funky Mooncake Flavours You Probably Didn't Know About (And Now Must Try)

There's a mooncake for everyone. Pick one!

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