The Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, is a significant traditional Chinese festival. It is a time for family reunions and various delightful customs that have been passed down through generations. Here are some of the main customs associated with this festival:
1. Admiring the Full Moon (赏月)
One of the most prominent customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival is admiring the full moon. On this night, the moon is believed to be the roundest and brightest of the year. Families and friends gather outdoors, often in gardens, parks, or on rooftops, to enjoy the beauty of the full moon. They sit together, chat, and soak in the serene and romantic atmosphere. This custom is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, symbolizing unity and completeness. Looking at the full moon, people often think of their distant relatives and friends, expressing their longing and love for them.
2. Eating Mooncakes (吃月饼)
Mooncakes are an essential part of the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round pastries are usually filled with a variety of ingredients such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, salted egg yolks, or nuts. The round shape of mooncakes represents the full moon and symbolizes family reunion. People exchange mooncakes as gifts among family members, friends, and colleagues. Sharing mooncakes during the festival is not only a delicious treat but also a way to show care and strengthen relationships. There are also many regional variations in the flavors and styles of mooncakes, reflecting the diversity of Chinese cuisine.
3. Family Reunions (家庭团聚)
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time when families make a special effort to come together. Family members who are away from home often travel back to be with their loved ones. They have a big dinner together, sharing stories, laughter, and the joy of being reunited. This sense of togetherness is highly valued in Chinese culture, and the festival provides an important opportunity for families to strengthen their bonds and create lasting memories.
4. Worshipping the Moon (祭月)
In some areas, there is a tradition of worshipping the moon. People set up an altar with mooncakes, fruits, and other offerings. They light incense and bow to the moon, expressing their gratitude and praying for good luck, health, and prosperity. This custom reflects the ancient Chinese people’s respect and awe for the moon, which was often associated with feminine virtues and the cycle of life.
5. Lantern Display and Lantern-related Activities (赏灯及与灯相关的活动)
Although not as prominent as during the Lantern Festival, there are also some lantern-related activities during the Mid-Autumn Festival, especially in some southern regions of China. People make and display various lanterns, which are often in the shapes of the moon, rabbits, or other symbols related to the festival. Children may carry small lanterns and play with them, adding a festive and lively atmosphere to the celebration. There may also be lantern riddle games, where people guess the answers to riddles written on the lanterns for fun and prizes.
6. Drinking Osmanthus Wine (饮桂花酒)
Osmanthus wine is a traditional beverage associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival. Made from osmanthus flowers, this wine has a sweet and fragrant taste. Drinking osmanthus wine is believed to bring good luck and symbolize a prosperous life. It is often shared among family members during the festival, enhancing the festive mood.
These customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival not only add charm and joy to the celebration but also play an important role in preserving and passing on Chinese cultural traditions from one generation to another.