If you look at the moon, you’ll see dark markings on the near side of it that resemble a rabbit. The Jade Rabbit - as he is known - was sent there to become immortal after an act of sacrifice, and symbolises selflessness.
That’s the tale according to ancient Buddhist folklore, which is why you might be seeing colourful cut-outs of rabbits on Dominion Road in Auckland this week.
It’s the Moon Festival, and while the Level 2 Covid-19 restrictions have forced many events to be cancelled, you can still hop along to explore and enjoy the art interpretations of Jade Rabbit’s friends.
Community contributions in the form of posters, the top 30 will be featured on six gallery boards around the Eden Valley and Balmoral town centres.
Some of the top 30 rabbit posters | Photo: Cheng Goh
“There were many eclectic designs – artistic, traditional, abstract, contemporary expressions of what Jade Rabbit friend looks like,” says festival organiser Cheng Goh, who received over 200 rabbit posters.
“Judges from the Albert Eden Local Board, Balmoral Chinese Business Association and Dominion Rd Business Association had a fun but difficult time deciding and selecting the top 30!”
The spirit of the Moon Festival, which runs until 4th October but is officially on Thursday, 1st October, is also alive and well on Dominion Road in the form of lanterns and street flags.
A celebration of the moon, this festival promotes togetherness, harmony, and happiness. Unfortunately, all street festivals and performances have been cancelled because Level 2 restrictions don’t allow gatherings of more than 100 people, so Aucklanders are encouraged to instead enjoy the many Chinese restaurants along Dominion Road.
Some recommendations from Metro magazine include Chongqing Noodles (Sichuan), Eden Noodles (Sichuan), Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin), and Tang Du Style (Northern Chinese).
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has encouraged the Moon Festival, too, which coincides with the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
"Let us celebrate our close relationship and friendship with China,” he says. “And celebrate the big contribution of the Chinese people who have migrated to New Zealand has made to our community.”
- Asia Media Centre
