Mid-Autumn Festival: A Celebration of the Full Moon and Reunion
The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, is one of the most cherished traditional festivals in China.
The festival has roots in ancient traditions of moon worship and autumn celebrations. Over time, it evolved into a joyful occasion for families and friends to gather, enjoy the full moon and share food together.
The Legend of Chang'e
One of the most famous stories associated with the festival is the legend of Chang'e Flying to the Moon.
According to the legend, after Hou Yi completed his mission of shooting down the nine suns, he received an elixir of immortality. Chang'e either accidentally drank it or took it to prevent others from obtaining it, and eventually flew to the Moon Palace, leaving her husband Hou Yi behind.
Missing his wife, Hou Yi gazed at the moon and placed Chang'e's favorite foods under the moonlight as a way to express his longing for her. Over time, people also developed traditions of worshipping the moon and praying for peace and happiness.
How Is Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrated?
The full moon is at the heart of the festival. Its round shape symbolizes completeness, reunion and harmony.
Mooncakes are the most iconic food of Mid-Autumn Festival. Their round shape represents reunion and completeness. In different regions, people also enjoy seasonal foods such as pomelos, osmanthus cakes, osmanthus wine and crabs, expressing wishes for happiness, prosperity and a good harvest.
Lanterns are lit or displayed in many places during the festival, while lantern riddles add a fun and lively touch to the celebrations.
🌊 Watching the Tides: In coastal areas, especially around the Qiantang River, watching the spectacular autumn tides is another traditional Mid-Autumn activity.
🐇 Playing with Tu'er Ye: In Beijing and some northern areas, children may play with Tu'er Ye, a traditional rabbit-shaped clay figure associated with the Moon and Mid-Autumn Festival.
👨👩👧👦 Family Reunion: Above all, Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families to come together, enjoy a meal and spend meaningful moments under the full moon.
A Festival About Togetherness
Although the ways people celebrate have changed over time, the heart of Mid-Autumn Festival remains the same: reunion, sharing and remembering the people who matter.
Under the same full moon, families and friends come together to enjoy good food, warm conversations and meaningful moments.
This Mid-Autumn Festival, we are happy to share a glimpse of this beautiful Chinese tradition with our customers and partners around the world.
May the full moon bring reunion, happiness and warmth to every home.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
