IPOH: Most children these days are glued to their smartphones or gadgets, but come this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, they should be encouraged to hold a lantern.
Aaron Chen, who runs a shop that sells prayer paraphernalia and lanterns here, said culture and traditions need to be preserved to ensure they are not forgotten in the future.
Chen, in his 40s, said he felt that not many young parents are teaching their children about the festival and its tradition.
“It is still up to the grandparents or the older generations who are buying the lanterns for their grandchildren, while the younger adults hardly think about it.
“I feel that young parents need to take on the responsibility and continue with the tradition to preserve it,” he said when met at his shop here.
“Slowly, the culture could disappear if the younger generation does not keep up with it,” he added.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, lanterns symbolise family unity, good fortune, and lighting the path to prosperity.
Folklore also says that it is used to drive away evil spirits and bring safety for the coming year.
Chen lauded Chinese associations or non-governmental organisations that are helping to preserve the tradition.
“Many are still holding activities for children to carry lanterns.
“We hope that they continue for many years to come,” he said, adding that several associations have bought lanterns in bulk from them for their respective celebrations.
When asked about the type of lanterns that are more popular nowadays, Chen said the ones with LED are preferred.
“Many do not want their children to play with fire, afraid that they could get hurt or would burn something down.
“It also depends on the location, as some are staying in high-rise properties,” he said.
“The traditional ones lit with candles are mostly bought by folk from new villages,” he added.
Echoing Chen’s remarks, a housewife, who wanted to be known only as Lim, 76, said her two grandchildren were not really keen to play with lanterns.
“They would hold the lanterns for a while, and then lose interest.
“They, however, love to play with the ‘pop pop’ firecrackers,” she said.
“I remind my children not to forget our customs and traditions from time to time, so that their children will remember them when they grow up,” she added.
