The Autumn Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a harvest festival celebrated in Chinese culture. It is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to mid-September to early October of the Gregorian calendar. The festival is named after the autumn equinox, which occurs around the same time. The Chinese believe that the moon is at its brightest and fullest size on this day, coinciding with harvest time in the middle of autumn. The festival is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, and its popularity is on par with that of Chinese New Year.

Here are some key things to know about the Autumn Festival:

• Origin: Although the true origin of the festival is not known for certain, moon-worshipping practices began over 3,000 years ago in the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BC). The festival only became an official celebration in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when ancient emperors of China would host a feast to make offerings to deities and the moon in celebration of the year’s harvest.

• Traditions: The festival is all about reunion with family members, and it is really important to go back home on that day and celebrate there together with those closest to you. Families often gather to appreciate the beauty of the moon as well. Just like most traditional festivals, the Autumn Festival is celebrated differently in different regions.

• Mooncakes: Mooncakes are a traditional food eaten during the Autumn Festival. They are round pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings, and they are often given as gifts.

• Lanterns: Lanterns are also an important part of the festival. They are often shaped like animals or other objects, and they are lit and carried around at night.

• Other cultures: Similar festivals are celebrated by other cultures in East and Southeast Asia, such as Chuseok in Korea and Tsukimi in Japan.

In summary, the Autumn Festival is a harvest festival celebrated in Chinese culture, held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. It is a time for reunion with family members, appreciation of the moon, and traditional foods and activities such as mooncakes and lanterns.