The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in China. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually occurs in late September or early October. This festival has a long history and is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. People from all over China observe this holiday with various customs and traditions. Despite the differences in regional practices, several activities are common across the country.
Mooncakes and Family Reunion
One of the most recognizable traditions during the Mid-Autumn Festival is the gifting and eating of mooncakes. These round pastries symbolize the full moon and unity, making them the perfect treat for a festival centered on family reunions. Families often exchange mooncakes with relatives, friends, and colleagues, which signifies sharing blessings and joy.
The mooncake flavors and fillings vary by region, but some popular options include:
- Lotus seed paste – 莲蓉 (lián róng)
- Red bean paste – 红豆沙 (hóng dòu shā)
- Five-nuts filling – 五仁馅 (wǔ rén xiàn)
- Salted egg yolk – 咸蛋黄 (xián dànhuáng)
Apart from mooncakes, another essential part of the festival is the family reunion dinner, or 团圆饭 (tuányuánfàn). This dinner brings families together, much like the Spring Festival. It symbolizes reunion and is an opportunity for families to bond, catch up, and express gratitude for their time together.
Admiring the Full Moon
On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, families often gather outdoors to admire the full moon. The moon is believed to be at its brightest and most beautiful on this night, symbolizing completeness and unity. Many families sit together in their courtyards or balconies, enjoying tea, mooncakes, and light snacks while they gaze at the luminous moon.
The act of moon gazing is more than just a simple activity. It carries a deeper meaning, representing people’s longing for reunion, especially for those who cannot be with their families. In ancient times, when transportation and communication were limited, people would look at the moon and send their thoughts to loved ones far away, knowing that they were under the same sky.
Regional Variations of Mid-Autumn Festival Customs
Although the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated nationwide, different regions have unique customs that set them apart. Some of these regional variations have fascinating and distinctive rituals:
Dong Ethnic Group: Stealing Vegetables to Court Men
In Taiwan, the Dong ethnic group celebrates the festival with a unique courting ritual known as 偷菜求郎 (tōucài qiúláng), which translates to “stealing vegetables to court men.” During the festival, young, unmarried women dress in their finest clothing and sneak into the gardens of the men they fancy to “steal” vegetables, such as green Chinese onions. If successful, it is considered a sign that the couple will marry soon. This ritual adds a playful and romantic element to the traditional celebrations.
Fire Dragon Dances in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, one of the most spectacular customs associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival is the Fire Dragon Dance. This centuries-old tradition involves a long dragon made of straw and covered in burning incense sticks, which is paraded through the streets accompanied by drummers and dancers. The fiery dragon weaves through neighborhoods, with onlookers believing that it will ward off bad luck and bring good fortune to the community.
Lantern Lighting and Floating in Southern China
In southern regions like Guangdong and Fujian, it is common to see beautifully crafted lanterns during the festival. People hang them outside their homes, or children carry them in procession. These lanterns symbolize the guiding light, helping families stay together and prosper. In some areas, people also float lanterns on rivers or lakes, sending their prayers and wishes out into the world.
Folklore and Myths Behind the Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is closely tied to several ancient myths, the most famous being the story of Chang’e, the moon goddess. According to legend, Chang’e drank an elixir of immortality and ascended to the moon, leaving her husband, Hou Yi, behind on Earth. Heartbroken, Hou Yi would offer her favorite foods to the moon each year, and people continue this tradition today as a way of honoring Chang’e.
Other myths include the Jade Rabbit, believed to be a companion of Chang’e on the moon, pounding herbs to make the elixir of immortality. These stories contribute to the mystical and romantic atmosphere of the festival.
Celebrations Beyond China
While the Mid-Autumn Festival is most prominently celebrated in China, its influence extends far beyond the country’s borders. Other East and Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore, also mark the occasion with similar customs. In these regions, the festival is often called the Moon Festival or Harvest Moon Festival and involves moon-watching, family gatherings, and the sharing of mooncakes.
In Vietnam, for example, the festival is a time to celebrate children, with activities such as lantern parades and dragon dances. Meanwhile, in South Korea, the festival is known as Chuseok, a time to honor ancestors and share a feast of traditional foods with loved ones.
A Time of Reflection and Reunion
At its core, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration of family, unity, and reflection. It is a time for people to come together, reconnect with loved ones, and express their hopes for the future. As people gaze at the full moon, they are reminded of the importance of relationships, harmony, and togetherness, all central values in Chinese culture.
This festival, with its blend of ancient traditions and modern practices, continues to thrive in the hearts of Chinese people both at home and abroad. Whether through the sharing of mooncakes, the admiring of the moon, or the sending of heartfelt messages, the Mid-Autumn Festival remains a meaningful and cherished occasion.
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Wishing us a long life to share the graceful moonlight, though housands of miles apart. 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟.