All these legends are just as popular today as ever, only that
now they are regarded as fairy tales, the stuff dreams are made
of. People no longer make offerings to the moon, but the myths
and legends are often taken as themes for children’s picture
stories and dance dramas. The Moon Festival is a family event.
The moon at its fullest and roundest symbolizes the complete
circle of the family. Every member of the family, the oldest to
the youngest, is part of that circle. It is therefore essential
that everyone be present regardless of how far from home he
lives. The Moon Festival today provides a welcome opportunity
for people to sit outside, enjoy the company of friends and
relatives, watch the moon and eat moon cakes. These are a
favourite delicacy among Chinese and are on sale the month
preceding the festival. Here in Mauritius, moon cakes were
traditionally home-made. It is unfortunate that today most
people have lost the art of making them and have to buy moon
cakes from shops and restaurants instead. T