The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Moon Festival, as it takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. This year, it falls on September 21st. It is one of the most important traditional festivals in China, and is celebrated with family reunions, delicious traditional foods, and lanterns.
The festival has a long history, dating back more than 3,000 years to the Zhou Dynasty. Legend has it that Chang'e, the Moon Goddess of Immortality, ascended to the moon with her pet rabbit as a companion. On the 15th of August, the full moon shines brightest and it is believed that Chang'e would return to earth and reunite with her husband, Hou Yi, who was a great archer and hero in Chinese mythology, on this night. Song poetry, mooncakes, and reunion dinners all became part of the celebration.
To celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinese people enjoy traditional food like mooncakes, pomelos, and taros, and gather with their families to appreciate the full moon and watch the colorful lanterns. Children are given lanterns to parade around the streets in the evening. There are traditional lion and dragon dances, as well as music and fireworks.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a time to celebrate family and the harvest, but also to appreciate the beauty of nature and the glory of the full moon. May all of your wishes come true on this special night! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
