Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional holidays in China, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. This festival, which typically falls in September or early October, is a time for family reunions, giving thanks, and celebrating the harvest. The festival is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and mythology, with legends such as Chang'e, the Moon Goddess, and the Jade Rabbit being central to its traditions. Families gather to enjoy mooncakes, a rich pastry filled with sweet or savory ingredients like lotus seed paste, red bean, or salted egg yolk, symbolizing unity and completeness. Lanterns are also lit, and children often carry them in parades or hang them outside homes. In addition to mooncakes and lanterns, the festival is marked by moon gazing, where people admire the full moon, which symbolizes harmony and prosperity. The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a time for celebration but also a moment to reflect on the importance of family, gratitude, and the beauty of nature. It is celebrated not only in China but also in other East Asian countries, each with its own unique customs and traditions.