Moon Festival Activity

On a cool crisp evening on September 18, with an almost full moon, over 110 branch members, family members, and friends gathered at the Kentlands Chapel.  The event began promptly at 6pm with the sharing of a potluck dinner.  An hour later, the program began.  Brother Haoming Guo delivered the theme of the activity by speaking about the history of the Moon Festival and how it relates to the gospel.  Children and their parents sang Home Sweet Home in Chinese.

Then the audience was favored with a play about the princess Chang E who floated up to the moon after eating a double dose of the potion of eternal life.  However, this version of the story ended with a unique LDS twist by having the princess reunited with her husband with the help of two heaven-sent missionaries who bring Houyi to the temple and join with Chang E through the ordinance of eternal marriage.  You have to see the play!

After the play, the audience enjoyed a session of stretching exercises to invigorate the soul.  The children and adults learned the secret of making paper lanterns.  A small electric lamp was placed inside the lantern.  The lantern bearers then used a chopstick to carry the lanterns in a parade around the back parking lot and the chapel.  After the closing prayer, moon cakes and fruit of different varieties were enjoyed by all.

All who attended will agree that the activity was a fun way to meet with old and new friends, enjoy food and crafts, learn about the background of the Moon Festival, and appreciate the full moon.  Also, the activity ended on time, so we had plenty of time to talk and socialize.  We thank Li-Fang Tsai for masterminding the event and conducting the program.  Happy Mid-Autumn Moon Festival to everyone.




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