The Life News Agency
September 26, 2023

On September 24th, at 4 PM, Yuan Tong Temple in Davao, Philippines, hosted a vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival gathering that brought together over 300 people. This event not only celebrated the traditional Chinese festival but also allowed attendees to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and the sanctity of religion.

Students brought the Mid-Autumn Festival story to life. photo／The Life News Agency

The festivities commenced with a captivating storytelling session, where elder Gil eloquently recounted the history of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the origins of mooncakes, and the legendary figures like Chang'e. Through these tales, participants gained a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of this holiday and ignited a genuine enthusiasm for it.

Elder Gil eloquently recounted the history of the Mid-Autumn Festival. photo／The Life News Agency

Following this, a grand lantern parade unfolded as Ven. Zhirong led everyone, holding colorful lanterns aloft, in a procession around Yuan Tong Temple. The parade culminated in a prayer ceremony, adding a spiritual dimension to the celebration and infusing the atmosphere with a profound sense of festivity.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a cultural celebration but also a time to savor delectable mooncakes. Attendees had the opportunity to taste a variety of mooncake flavors, satisfying their palates and fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants.

Yuan Tong Temple organized the lantern painting activity. photo／The Life News Agency

Wong Chiong Lan, the supervisor of the International Buddhist Light Association (IBLA) Philippines Davao Chapter, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. She expressed her delight in seeing many new faces joining the event. Yuan Tong Temple has always been committed to the values of humanity, offering a diverse array of activities that help people gain deeper insights into Buddhist culture.

Under the guidance of Rutha, the head of the Sunday School department, students from the school's singing, dancing, and drama classes brought the Mid-Autumn Festival story to life, allowing attendees to gain a deeper appreciation of the significance of this traditional holiday. This performance not only sparked cultural interest but also filled the air with laughter and applause.

Students performed the story of "Chang'e flies to the moon." photo／The Life News Agency

Following the performance, the festivities moved to the first-floor dining hall, where a series of engaging activities took place, including raffle draws and a vegetarian food sale, catering to those interested in meatless cuisine.

A special highlight of the day was the birthday celebration of one of the performers, Marjorie Ann. The resident monk surprised her with a birthday tribute, bringing tears of joy to Marjorie's eyes. Her parents expressed their gratitude for the thoughtful gesture.

The birthday celebration of one of the performers, Marjorie Ann. photo／The Life News Agency

The entire Mid-Autumn Festival gathering was imbued with warmth, joy, and a sense of unity. It served as a reminder that, regardless of one's background or religious beliefs, people can come together to celebrate this special holiday and appreciate the cultural tapestry it represents.