Full moon lights up family love

Perhaps when we grow up, we no longer sit in front of the yard waiting for the moon to rise like in the old days. But deep in our memories, the full moon is still filled with nostalgia, associated with memories of family reunions. Therefore, despite many changes, Mid-Autumn Festival still carries the same meaning: the full moon night of reunion and happiness with loved ones.

From family to community

In the past, in the Southern countryside, Mid-Autumn Festival was the day that children looked forward to, probably only after Tet. Just hearing the sound of tin drums, seeing star lanterns, carp lanterns made of red cellophane, made their hearts flutter. On the full moon night, the moon was bright and the children chattered as they carried lanterns around the neighborhood. Adults set up moon worshiping trays with all kinds of fruits from their hometown: custard apple, coconut, papaya, mango, and a few moon cakes, sticky rice cakes to worship on the full moon and then share with their children and grandchildren.

In that simple memory, Mid-Autumn Festival is not only about cakes and fruits, but also the happiness of living in the love of grandparents, parents, and neighbors. Every child eagerly waits for the full moon of August to gather together to enjoy the feast, listen to the stories of Hang and Cuoi, be taken by their parents to release lanterns, and watch lion dances.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival. Photo: AFTERNOON SMOKE

Nowadays, the Mid-Autumn Moon is still round, but it seems that the moonlight in the city is no longer as clear as it used to be. City children are often busy with extra classes, burying their heads in their phone screens and playing video games, rather than holding lanterns and running around the neighborhood. Mid-Autumn Festival trays can now be ordered online, and moon cakes come in a variety of modern flavors, with boxes costing millions of dong. The pace of life has changed, habits have changed, but the love of Mid-Autumn Festival has not changed.

Whether the moon shines on thatched roofs or high-rise buildings, Mid-Autumn Festival is still a reminder of reunion and solidarity. In many places, Mid-Autumn Festival has gone beyond the framework of a festival for children, becoming an occasion for community bonding. From North to South, from urban to rural areas, everywhere is bustling with the sound of lion drums and bright lanterns. Neighborhoods and wards often organize "Full Moon Festival Night" with art performances, folk games, and a common feast for children to enjoy together.

Many agencies, businesses and organizations also pay special attention, organizing the Mid-Autumn Festival for children of officials and employees. In particular, many charity programs are organized to bring the Mid-Autumn Festival to children in remote areas, orphans and disabled children. The lanterns and cakes are handed out, not only bringing childhood joy but also lighting up hope and humanity. In those moments, the Mid-Autumn Festival becomes more meaningful: not only a day for children, but also a day of sharing and connecting the community. The Mid-Autumn Festival is an excuse for people to get closer together, to have the opportunity to gather with family, for friends and neighbors to call each other to prepare a feast.

Keep the flame of reunion alive

Modern society brings many conveniences, but also makes the pace of life become hurried. Therefore, the value of gathering during Mid-Autumn Festival becomes more precious. Among the many changes, there are things that still have spiritual value, such as the lantern that father makes for his child; the piece of cake that mother cuts; the moment the whole family sits on the porch watching the moon, telling stories of the past. It is so simple, but it is those things that maintain family love and nurture connection.

Nowadays, many young families still try to maintain the old tradition. On Mid-Autumn Festival evening, no matter how busy they are, they still spend some time together. Some families make moon cakes together; some take their children out to see lions, dragons, and lions; some organize a cozy meal and then break the feast under the moon.

That is the way to make Mid-Autumn Festival not only a “festival”, but also a “memory”, a “warm home”, a strong bond of family in the modern flow. Mid-Autumn Festival reminds us of one thing: maybe children in the future will no longer run around carrying lanterns around the neighborhood, maybe moon cakes are more and more diverse in shape, carrying heavy commercial value, but the value of reunion and gathering will never change.

And every full moon season in August, looking up at the bright sky, people feel warm, knowing that where there is family, there is Mid-Autumn Festival; where there is sharing, there is a strong, humane community. It is from these lasting values ​​that Mid-Autumn Festival will forever remain in the flow of national culture, as a symbol of reunion and affection.

HONG DUONG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/trang-ram-thap-sang-tinh-than-post816397.html