Rerum Novarum Centre invited Vietnamese and Indonesian migrant workers to celebrate the last day of the Mid-Autumn Festival with Taiwanese friends at the Jesuits theologate. On the afternoon of the 17th September, six bold young men with one umbrella braved the typhoon to go to the market and came back with a selection of goods to cook for the next day. Nobody who ate had even a word of reproach for their culinary skill. To capture the feel of a Vietnamese Mid-Autumn festival (Tết Trung Thu), we divided the 31 Vietnamese migrants into three groups, each competing to produce the best Vietnamese lanterns and mooncakes. One of the Vietnamese related how it was the first time she had seen genuine Vietnamese lantern with the shape of star since she had come to Taiwan and it evoked memories of her childhood.
Although no-one knew how to make mooncakes or lanterns, yet each group threw all their energy into the task to produce some quite unique lanterns. The candles in some of them were burnt out as soon as they were lit; others fell down every time they were hung up; some were made out of pomelo skins, whilst a few had a tiny tree inside; some were made of wire, and though very small yet they brought light to the darkness.
The mooncakes also came in many kinds. There were delicious pork pies, heart-shaped cakes and croissant-shaped pastries… But once they were cooked they turned as hard as rock because there was too little shortening. Despite being virtually inedible everybody seemed satisfied.
A barbeque is an essential part of the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan. The flying sparks did not quench the laughter
of the workers. Everyone worked hard to blow the coals into flame. Children in Vietnam all receive gifts at this time, play with lanterns and eat mooncakes. This year everyone had a chance to go back to the Mid-Autumn of their childhood.
When it was all over the three groups eagerly awaited the outcome of the competition with each group singing the praises of their lanterns and cakes. Marks were awarded for creativity, quality, appearance and quantity. It was hard to judge but in the end the second group won the first prize with honour, while the third group only came slightly behind in second place. The first group were quite happy to win third prize.
Despite the absence of family, this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival helped form new friendships and a new family in a foreign land so that families back home could know all is well with us here.
The New Affairs Social Service Center is a social service organization dedicated to caring for disadvantaged individuals in the workplace, striving to promote a society where resources are shared for the common good. They have long been committed to improving the quality of life for migrant workers and elderly care, co-creating a harmonious society for migrant workers and employers. They help marginalized groups who suffer from exploitation and injustice, and they invite you to become their guardians. Your donation will help these vulnerable individuals in overcoming their difficulties and obtaining assistance for their rights. Please click(“I want to donate") or call (02) 2397-1933 #122. Thank you for your response and concern!