Moonlight of Memories

In that moonlight, there are the innocent faces of children from years ago, and also the figures of adults today, as if reflecting on their childhood in the moonlight of a bygone era.

Children in Thai Nguyen joyfully celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Back then, the Mid-Autumn Festival didn't have as many mooncakes or as lively as it does now. Lanterns shaped like stars were made from bamboo strips, covered with colorful cellophane paper, and the flickering candlelight illuminated the innocent and happy faces of the children. Sometimes, the Mid-Autumn lantern was just a plastic box, with a thin bamboo stick threaded through its sides, and a small candle attached to it.

The flickering candlelight in the wind filled the children with both apprehension about the wind blowing out the candles and delight. It was a simple joy, but that day was complete. Now, Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns are battery-powered, music is loud, and all kinds of sweets and treats are readily available and more beautiful. But it seems that, somewhere, the moonlight of memories has inadvertently faded in the hustle and bustle of life.

Mid-Autumn Festival is traditionally a children's festival, but it's also an opportunity for adults to reflect on themselves. In the hustle and bustle of work and the overwhelming flow of information on social media, we sometimes forget to put down our phones, sit with our children for a while, listen to them talk about school, or watch the full moon rise from the end of the street.

Sometimes gifts are exchanged quickly through a few text messages, or through extravagant presents, but behind the child's smile, there's a lack of parental gaze and embrace. The moon remains full in the sky, but sometimes, in the hearts of adults, there's a void of peace.

Fortunately, however, with each moonlit night, that gentle light still reminds us of something truly pure. It's the feeling of being loved, of returning home, of reliving a part of childhood. Moonlight doesn't discriminate between rich and poor, city and countryside. It shines on everyone, softening everyday worries, making people want to be closer to each other, to give more kindness.

In an age where children easily find joy on phone screens, the Mid-Autumn Festival becomes even more precious, like the gentle moonlight illuminating the simple things that have faded into the past. Just sitting together under the moon, sharing a piece of mooncake and a slice of pomelo, listening to the lively sound of the lion dance drums is enough to make for a truly fulfilling reunion.

This year's moon is as bright as last year's, only we've grown up. Amidst the bustling streets filled with drums, lion dances, and lanterns, and amidst the meticulously organized Mid-Autumn Festival programs for children everywhere, that moonlight still shines in the hearts of adults, evoking memories of childhood that have never faded.

Seeing the children today carrying lanterns with complete joy, we realize we need to do more so that this joy doesn't just stem from the festival, but from love, presence, and family values nurtured every day. Because children's happiness will only be truly complete when illuminated by the love, sharing, and responsibility of adults today.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202510/anh-trang-ky-uc-8f4627b/