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When is the Mid-Autumn Festival? -

The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls between late September and early October.

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When did the Mid-Autumn Festival begin? -

The Mid-Autumn Festival became an official celebration in China during the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE), although the exact origins and timing of when this annual event first began remain unclear.

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'Book of Rites' -

Many believe the festival was first referenced in the 'Book of Rites,' a collection of texts detailing social forms, administration, and ceremonial rites written over 2,400 years ago, with contributions attributed to Confucius.

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A day for emperors -

The Mid-Autumn Festival in the 'Book of Rites' was described as a day for emperors to celebrate the year's harvest by providing offerings to the moon and hosting a feast.

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Empress Dowager Cixi -

Some emperors took the festival very seriously. Empress Dowager Cixi, who ruled in the late 19th century, loved it so much that she took five days out of her schedule to stage elaborate moon worship rituals.

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Chang'e -

The Mid-Autumn Festival is also shrouded in folklore, with one story recounting how a woman named Chang'e became the moon goddess.

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Chang'e and Hou Yi -

According to legend, the mythological Chinese archer Hou Yi shot down nine excess suns, leaving only one to prevent the world from being scorched. As a reward for his heroic act, he was offered an elixir from heaven.

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Chang'e and the moon -

Hou Yi's wife, Chang'e, drank the elixir to stop a greedy apprentice from getting their hands on it, but became so light that she floated to the moon.

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The aftermath -

Hou Yi missed his wife dearly, and each year prepared a feast on the day when the moon was at its fullest, hoping to get a glimpse of Chang'e's shadow.

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The impact of the story -

The impact of the story can be seen today, with China naming lunar missions (the Chang'e 5 and Chang'e 6) after the moon goddess.

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Yutu -

China's moon rover, Yutu (which means "jade rabbit"), was named after the mythical rabbit that accompanied the moon goddess Chang'e to the moon so she wouldn't be alone.

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Southern China -

During the festival in Southern China, it's common to light a lantern and eat seasonal fruits like starfruit and pomelo, a large citrus fruit with a sweet, mildly tangy flesh.

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Hong Kong -

The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is a spectacular tradition held in Hong Kong. According to legend, in the 1880s the villagers in Tai Hang chased off plague and evil spirits by parading a straw dragon covered with incense.

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Hong Kong -

To commemorate the victory, villagers would perform a fire dragon dance through the alleys and streets of Tai Hang every year. The dragon is made from hemp rope, pearl straw, and rattan, and covered in thousands of incense sticks.

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Vietnam -

In Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival, known as Tết Trung Thu, is considered "Children's Day," where children are the center of attention. Celebrations include lantern parades, lion dances, and festive games.

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South Korea -

In South Korea, the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the country's most important holidays. Observers will sweep ancestors' tombs and wear traditional clothing.

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Mooncakes -

Mooncakes are traditional Chinese pastries that are enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are as important to the festivities as turkey is to Thanksgiving.

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What are mooncakes made of? -

Traditional mooncakes are made of lotus seed paste, salted egg yolk, and lard. Nuts, red beans, and custard are some other popular ingredients.

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Huge mooncakes -

Each year, Chinese people attempt to create the largest mooncake to break the world record, which currently stands at 2,496.4 kg (5,502.74 lbs).

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What do mooncakes symbolize? -

The roundness of mooncakes symbolizes completeness and reunion, particularly in relation to the family unity. Often, mooncakes are gifted to signify that you value reunions and stronger ties.

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Osmanthus wine -

Osmanthus wine, a Chinese alcoholic drink made from baijiu and osmanthus flowers, is often drank during the Mid-Autumn Festival to celebrate prosperity, health, and harmony.

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Water caltrops -

Water caltrops, also known as water chestnuts or ling kok, are a lesser-known seasonal food harvested only once a year, just a few weeks before the festival. In Chinese culture, water caltrops are often associated with prosperity and good fortune.

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Tong yuen -

Tong yuen are sweet glutinous rice dumplings. Not only are they a great post-feast dessert, but their round shape symbolizes completeness and family unity.

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Lanterns -

Lanterns are one of the oldest traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival. For centuries, communities have come together during the holiday to write wishes on sky lanterns and light them in honor of Chang’e, the goddess of the moon.

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Spending time with family -

The Mid-Autumn Festival is all about spending time with family. It’s common for families to reunite, enjoy traditional foods, and gather to appreciate the beauty of the moon.

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Moon gazing -

Each year, families, groups of friends, and couples head to the best spots in town, often by a lake or atop a hill, to get the best views of the moon and appreciate it fully.

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Losing popularity? -

In the past, Chinese people working abroad would always try to go home for Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival; now, many just return for Chinese New Year as interest in traditional festivals is declining.

Sources: (CNN) (Time Out) (Tandem) (China Highlights)

See also: Heartwarming pregnancy and birth traditions around the world

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