What is the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is an important traditional holiday celebrated by the Chinese people. The festival is usually celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, which falls in September or October. The festival marks the end of the harvest season and is the second most important holiday after the Spring Festival.

The Origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival

The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival dates back to the Zhou Dynasty (1045-256 BC). According to historical records, the festival was originally a celebration of the harvest and a way of giving thanks to the gods for a good harvest. Over time, the festival evolved into a celebration of family reunion and a way of expressing love and gratitude.

Celebrations and Traditions

The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated by eating mooncakes, a type of pastry made of sweet filling wrapped in a thin pastry crust. Mooncakes are usually filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and other sweet fillings. Lanterns are also lit up and hung in the streets, and dragon and lion dances are performed in the streets. People also gather in parks and gardens to enjoy the full moon and have family reunions. In addition to these activities, people also take part in a variety of other activities such as kite flying, acrobatics, and firework displays. The Mid-Autumn Festival is an important time for the Chinese to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions.