Uncategorized

Autumn Around the World and in Singapore

If Spring is the season for blossoms to shine, then Autumn is the time for the leaves to take centre-stage.

Despite its frequent association with melancholy, Autumn brings about resplendent foliages in bursts of scarlet, amber and gold in various parts of the world, notably North America, East Asia, Europe and some parts of Australia. Especially in Eastern Canada and New England, the beauty of the autumnal foliage is so renowned that they become major sources of tourism in the Autumn months.

Elizabeth Lawrence, a distinguished author and gardener, famously said, “Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.”

Taking a leaf out of her book, there are some who specially travel to places where foliage turns colour to view and photograph the scenery. They are informally referred to as “leaf peeper”, while the term “leaf peeping” is used to refer to this activity.

If you travel during Autumn, do consider leaf peeping in your travel itinerary. It is a relaxing and visually-stimulating activity that brings one closer to Nature.

Temperatures and time frame for the “turning of foliage” seasons vary based on the specific region you are visiting and global climate influences each year. Be sure to visit www.weather.com or the country’s tourism website for the status of fall foliage or risk being disappointed.

Autumn in Singapore

In Singapore we may not have the four seasons, but certainly we too, have our own romance with Autumn. For us, this is hailed as the season of the harvest, when we reap what we planted in the spring. Where we may be lacking in the carpet of brown and red leaves, we are compensated with the multitude of coloured lights against the night sky to mark the Mid-Autumn Festival.

In the weeks that run up to the festival, which falls on 19 September this year, traditional paper and animal-shaped lanterns, festival lights and vibrant stage performances, along with mooncakes and goodies unique to this festival, contribute a different flavour to the usual melancholy of Autumn.

To immerse oneself in the Mid-Autumn atmosphere, it is imperative to head to Chinatown for the Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival, a month-long event organised by Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens’ Consultative Committee each year. This year’s event takes place from 2 to 30 September.

Activities usually include a festival carnival where one can buy festive goodies and mooncakes in a generous variety of flavours, handicrafts and souvenirs unique to the festival, stage shows featuring Chinese cultural performances, folk songs, lantern riddles, song, music and dance performances by local entertainers and troupes from China, and street light-ups. On some days, there will be special competitions and parades. The most exciting item is usually the Opening Ceremony which features performances and fireworks. It also marks the start of the street light-up where visitors get to witness the festive lights illuminate the black sky for the first time.

Elsewhere at Chinese Garden and Singapore River, there are special themed displays often of elaborately designed electric lanterns featuring icons of famous Chinese mythologies. These enchanting and educational displays are favourites among photographers and children.

Many shopping malls, places of interest and organisations will have their own Mid-Autumn festive decorations and events. Be sure to check those out as well to indulge in a fulfilling Autumn!

– This article first appeared in a lifestyle magazine

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *