The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake 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 with a full moon at night, corresponding to mid-September to early October of the Gregorian calendar. The festival is the second most important festival in China after Lunar New Year.
The festival is celebrated in many traditional ways, including:
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Family Reunion: The roundness of the moon represents the reunion of the family in Chinese culture. Families will have dinner together on the evening of Mid-Autumn Festival.
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Moon Worship: 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. In some places, people still worship the moon, just as they did 3,000 years ago. Usually, they put food and fruits on the table towards the moon, praying for luck.
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Mooncakes: Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese pastry that people eat during the festival. Their round shape and sweet flavor symbolize completeness and sweetness.
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Legend of Change: Parents with little kids often tell the legend of Change Flying to the Moon. As a game, kids try their best to find the shape of Change on the moon.
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Lanterns: Many houses are illuminated with lanterns, and feasts and dance parties are held on a grand scale.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is also celebrated in other Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. The festival is a popular time for family gatherings with traditional activities such as “moon viewing” and lantern-carrying.
In conclusion, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a significant festival in Chinese culture that celebrates the harvest season and family reunion. It is celebrated with various traditions, including moon worship, mooncakes, and lanterns.
