The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or the Reunion Festival, is one of the most important Chinese traditional festivals, which is typically celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. On this day, the moon is especially bright and full, symbolizing family reunions and happiness. Therefore, the Mid-Autumn Festival has become a wonderful time for families to come together and enjoy the bright moon.
In Chinese people’s thoughts, the Mid-Autumn Festival holds a place second only to the Spring Festival and is an important day for family reunions. People return home to be with loved ones and enjoy a lavish dinner together. One of the most representative foods is mooncakes, which are not only a delicious cake but also carry people’s feelings of missing family. Mooncakes come in many varieties, from traditional fillings like red bean paste and lotus seed paste to modern, innovative flavors.
In addition to tasting mooncakes, people also enjoy the moon on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Whether in cities or the countryside, everyone steps outside to look up at the bright full moon, appreciating its quiet and beauty. Children, on the other hand, enjoy playing with lanterns, which adds a lot of fun.
The Mid-Autumn Festival also comes with lots of folk tales, such as the tales of Chang'e flying to the moon and Wu Gang chopping the cassia tree. These stories enhance the cultural significance of the festival, allowing people to appreciate traditional culture while enjoying the celebrations.
In summary, the Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a day to celebrate the harvest and express feelings of missing home but also an important bond connecting Chinese people together. It reflects the values of harmony of the Chinese nation.
(By Xia Ziqing/Qi Qian/Yang Jiming)
