BUKIT MERTAJAM: It’s a celebration that began more than 2,000 years ago.
So despite the rise of modern-day online shopping, many parents are taking their children to old-school shops to buy lanterns made the traditional way for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
“Purchases are increasingly driven by online promotions, but the experience of bringing the kids here to choose their own lantern is really something else,” said Kelvin Fong, a third-generation owner of a lantern shop that has been operating since 1958.
The thrill of being able to see, touch and handle the lanterns remains part of the attraction, he said.
“There was no social media in the past. Everything was more traditional. Children would go with their parents to choose lanterns, sometimes with friends and neighbours,” said Fong, 52.
He said his shop had chosen not to sell online.
Most people, he said, would end up buying lanterns from him when they passed by his shop.
“They like that they can check out the different designs,” he said, adding that some customers continue to buy directly from his shop despite cheaper options available on e-commerce platforms as they had been disappointed with the quality of lanterns bought online.
“Here at the shop, they can see the lanterns and feel the material.”
Fong said the classic cellophane lantern remained a favourite alongside newer designs, including lanterns that could be assembled into dumpling-shaped or rattan-basket designs and other creative forms.
Ordinary designs are priced between RM1 and RM25.
A lantern seller in Butterworth, Tan Kok Leong, said some children already knew which designs they wanted based on what they saw online.
“But when they step into the shop, they often change their minds after seeing other lanterns,” said Tan, 58.
“That is why I believe physical shops still have a place.”
Another lantern seller Lim Mei Ling said it was nice to see different generations choosing lanterns together.
“Traditional lanterns will never disappear because older customers still look for the designs they remember from their childhood.”
Younger customers prefer lanterns with bright colours, cartoon characters or unusual shapes, said Lim, 45, whose shop is in George Town.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is observed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.
This year, it falls on Sept 25.
Its roots lie in the ancient rituals of worshipping the moon and giving thanks for the autumn harvest.
Traditionally a time for family dinners, the festival is marked by gatherings to enjoy food and mooncakes.
Lanterns are particularly popular among children, who would carry them during evening walks and processions.
