THE Mid-Autumn Festival is more than a celebration of mooncakes and family reunions; it is a time for sharing, caring and showing empathy towards those facing difficult times, says Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim.
He said the spirit of sharing was closely linked to the festival’s roots in China’s ancient farming communities, where the autumn harvest brought abundance after months of hard work.
The harvest period was traditionally a time for communities to celebrate and share the fruits of their labour, he added.
The practice of sharing is eventually becoming an important part of Mid-Autumn celebrations.
Sim hoped Penang would continue to foster such a culture of caring and sharing, where people help others in times of need.
“When someone needs a hand in Penang, that someone is not alone.
“People will step forward, come together and help each other through trying times.
“This is a feature of Penang society that is both vital and endearing. We each need to help keep this virtue alive,” said the Bukit Mertajam MP during a visit with other elected representatives to The Star office in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town.
The same spirit was evident when Sim helped organise a concert to raise RM100,000 for blind street musician Robert Maidin, whose wife is undergoing cancer treatment.
The fundraiser in Bukit Mertajam, which brought the community together to enjoy Robert’s performance, reflected the empathy and solidarity central to the festival, said Sim.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, which fell on Sept 25, is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
The festival has evolved over centuries into a celebration of family, gratitude and sharing.
Mooncakes, which are traditionally exchanged among family, friends and communities, remain one of its most recognisable features.
