Bulan dan Perayaan
The moon marks the passage of time in China, laying the flow and pattern for agriculture and rites of passage. As the Chinese migrated outside of the land, including to Southeast Asia, they carried this consciousness with them.
The phases of the moon marks certain periods of time and rituals related to them - one of them is the two weeks celebration of Lunar New Year. The beginning of year is marked by new moon. If you look up to the night sky and see the slight smirk of the moon, that’s when you know that it’s Purnama Tilem or New Moon. Later on, after fifteen days, the moon comes in full circle, that we know as Purnama or Full Moon. This full moon marks the celebration called Cap Go Meh (in Hokkien), which literally means the fifteenth night.
On the fifteenth day, the lanterns are hang, Lontong Cap Go Meh or Tang Yuan are devoured, and Tatungs - the intermediary (between Gods and humans are out in the streets to parade and repel bad spirits to make anew for the new beginning of the year.
Cap Go Meh is essentially the peak of Lunar New Year, where the celebration takes place in the temples and streets. It’s a parade that brings everyone together; in their best attire, in their happiest feeling.
The full moon brings out the excitement of celebrations, everything new, every unmapped possibility, and new colors of life. Next time you look up to the sky, make sure to see the moon; whether it has a slight smirk or a full round smile of a moment worths celebrating.
