When the word ‘autumn’ is mentioned, our mind can’t help but be reminded of a serene scenery — with gentle sunbeams piercing through a drizzle of falling leaves. As fond of that imagery we might be, perhaps it’s high time we turned our attention to another aspect of the season that's often been lost in our recollection.
For not only is autumn the time for mother nature to shed off last year’s foliage, it is also the last chance for her to flaunt her colors before the onset of winter. Whether if it’s a milky flower diffusing its delicate perfume onto the streets, or a wild cauliflower plant basking under the sun in the highlands - they're all seasonal spectacles of a picturesque autumn.
While last year’s edition was draped in warm orange shades and fashioned like a peony-embroidered Ao Dai, the 2020 edition of Sheraton Saigon’s mooncake collection aspires to honor the seasonal allure of autumn through its rosy-tone boxset, inspired by the blossoming beauty of flowers.
For this year’s event, Sheraton Saigon delivered two distinctive versions. The square shape resembles a gathering between the dearest ones under the alluring light of the mid-autumn moon while the long box represents long-lasting happiness and completeness for its owners.
Gifting your beloveds with mooncakes is to wish them a life of longevity and fulfilment. The cake’s rich, familiar flavour is also a cherished annual experience that's quintessential for many Asians.
Breaking out of the traditional mold, today's mooncakes feature a wide assortment of flavors. Well-accustomed to the timeless varieties with fillings of lotus seed, black sesame, or ham and nut, diners are searching for something that's a little different and ‘exotic’.
Packed with unique flavors, Sheraton Saigon's collection promise to surprise and delight the most sophisticated palate. Made from premium ingredients, each mooncake is shaped under the skillful hands of a professional chef to deliver a culinary concoction of traditional and modern taste that extracts from the best of the East and West.
Guests looking for a modern take on the seasonal treat will find plenty to choose from with Sheraton Saigon’s 2020 mooncake collection of 8 flavors. The premium Dried Scallop XO, Italian Coffee, Green Tea, and Cranberry-filled mooncakes being some of the highlights.
As our lives modernize, so does the way we celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Yet some traditions and symbols have a staying power: the full moon, the colorful lanterns, the exchange of scrolls bearing calligraphic wishes for health and prosperity are impossible to replace.
For the children, the highlight of the season has always been the colorful lanterns. Even today, with a myriad of choices, the traditional star- and carp-shaped cellophane lanterns hold a special place in the hearts of both kids and adults.
Symbolizing the filial piety and spirituality of folktale farmer named Luc Duc, the five points of the star lantern stand in for the five elements of feng shui that are known for their harmonizing power. Representing balance and harmony, the shape is believed to repel evil, and bring peace and luck.
As for the carp, according to the legend, the shape symbolizes the harmony between yin (moon) and yang (carp) while also being associated with strong desires, progression and wisdom.
Another beautiful Mid-Autumn Festival tradition going back centuries are personalized wishes painted on scrolls by a calligraphy master. Each person is given a specialized word that corresponds to their aspiration.
A precious gift, they are usually hung at home to be admired, the mysterious aroma of rare ink filling the room. With the words serving as a physical reminder, people hope to acquire wisdom and virtue through the blessing of the calligraphy master.
To help guess fully immerse themselves in the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Sheraton Saigon has decorated the area next to the bakery with calligraphic imagery and lanterns reminiscent of the rustic but brilliant custom done during Mid-Autumn Festival in the old days.
The mooncake collection is officially on sale starting today and until October 1, 2020 (Lunar calendar: June 20 to August 15) at the mooncake stall in the hotel lobby that is open from 9:00 to 20:00 on weekdays.
Address: Sheraton Saigon - 88 Dong Khoi, District 1, Saigon
Contact: +84 28 3827 2828, extension 117
Email: SGNSILibai@marriott.com
Long box:
- 1,308,000 VND for four 220gr pieces
- 1,208,000 VND for four 150gr pieces
Square box:
- 1,138,000 VND for four 220gr pieces
- 1,038,000 VND for four 150gr pieces
Individual mooncakes:
- 300,000 VND for a 220gr mooncake
- 220,000 VND for a 150gr mooncake
With each order of 50 boxes or more, you get free delivery in Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, Binh Thanh and Phu Nhuan in Ho Chi Minh City.
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The article is adapted by Uyen Do