Photo: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The vibrant display of colourful paper lanterns adorning shops and eateries is proof that the Mid-Autumn Festival is very much alive.
For over a decade, the lively display of traditional and modern lanterns has lit up the festive season.
Restaurant manager Jack Lai, 36, said between 3,000 and 4,000 lanterns, made of traditional folded paper and modern wire frames wrapped in glass paper, are being hung this season.
“Besides attracting diners, this setup is meant to heighten the festive spirit and promote lanterns as part of our culture.
“Children are especially delighted by the sight.
“We hope this can instil the spirit of togetherness among families and allow them to dine in a cherished mood,” he said.
Lai said each lantern is priced between RM14 and RM35, with 70% of them made from glass-paper variants.
“These modern lanterns often feature colourful and fanciful designs, such as cartoon characters, which appeal to children.
“Adults, however, still prefer the more traditional folded paper types to decorate their homes,” he added.
Among those spotted at the restaurant was Sherine Tan, 59, who said the colourful displays raised her spirits.
“For me, it’s about family reunion, and we’ll celebrate it at home with our children and other relatives,” she said.
Nine-year-old Ethan Lim, who came with his parents and younger sister, excitedly pointed at the rows of cartoon-shaped lanterns overhead.
“I like the Pikachu lantern the most because it looks so bright and cute.
“It feels like the whole restaurant is having a big party,” he said.
Traditionally, lanterns were crafted with bamboo or wire frames and covered with red paper or other auspicious colours.
They can come in the form of animals, flowers or characters beloved by children.
In recent decades, more modern styles have emerged, incorporating glass papers, wire frames and even LED lights instead of candles for safer illumination.
The festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival or Lantern Festival, is observed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.
This year, it falls on Oct 6.
The festival originated as a harvest celebration in China over 3,500 years ago and gained popularity during the Tang Dynasty.
It became a time for family reunions, with people gathering to admire the moon at its fullest.
The festival is also associated with the legend of the lunar deity Chang Er, who swallowed an elixir of immortality to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
She chose to live on the moon to remain close to her husband on Earth, who, in turn, laid out mooncakes as offerings to honour her sacrifice.
