Mid-Autumn Festival, China Moon Festival, Zhongqiu Jie

09/20/2010 23:14:04

Mid-Autumn Festival, also called Moon Festival, is an important traditional festival for family reunion in China. Just as the name suggests, it always falls on August 15th of Chinese lunar calendar, the middle of autumn every year (a day around the Autumn Equinox).

Dated back to Tang Dynasty about 1,500 years ago, it is originated as a selected day to worship the Moon, which has been esteemed as a considerate goddess in ancient Chinese legends.

Chang'E, the Goddess of the Moon in Chinese legends, takes a tray full of
mooncakes.

Festival Rituals and Activities

When the first ray of sun shines on that day, the festival begins. Everyone, except the children, will be summoned up to prepare for the big celebrative dinner in the evening. Exploring the markets, buying moon cakes, fruits and other foods, clearing house, setting the tables and cooking are allocated accordingly. And all the preparation work should be done before the sunset.

At the moment the moon get her face coined in the night sky, the worship rituals starts. Lighting sandalwood sticks, the candles and lanterns, proceeding the age-old chanting, burning paper devils, praying for the family's safety and prosperity are the basic procedures. After the ceremony comes the reunion feast. Various decent delicacies and snacks on table could even delight the most captious gastronomist. Of course, the centerpiece of the feast, moon cakes of kinds and flavors should not be missed. It is said that having the cakes will bring the eater good luck. Some folk programs like duo-singing, dancing and riddles always accompany the dining, bringing everyone hearty laughter and enjoyment.

                    Traditional Chinese Moon Cake                           Moon Cakes integrated with western features

What make Mid Autumn festival special now are the long-rooted traditions that Chinese people have kept for generations. For those who live in concrete buildings of the hustle cities, Mid Autumn Festival is an excellent escape from the urban life. So each year when the Mid Autumn Day is approaching, thousands of Chinese people, especially the Han People, will head backs to their homes from all over the country for a family get-together. The joyful atmosphere, meeting the beloved ones, enjoyable festive programs and delicious traditional foods pay off their efforts in the journey backing.

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