Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s four major traditional festivals, alongside the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it marks the midpoint of autumn, hence its name. The festival originates from ancient moon-worshipping customs during the autumn evening, initially set on the solar term “autumn equinox” in the stem-branch calendar, later changed to the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The Mid-Autumn Festival stems from ancient celestial worship, particularly moon worship. Ancient sacrificial activities to the moon gradually evolved into the festival’s celebrations. The festival began to spread during the Han Dynasty, took shape during the Tang Dynasty, and became widely popular after the Song Dynasty. It is not only an important festival for the Chinese but also cherished by overseas Chinese in East Asia and Southeast Asia. On Mid-Autumn night, people set up incense tables, display seasonal fruits like mooncakes, watermelon, and apples, enjoying food while admiring the moon. Mooncakes, the traditional food of the Mid-Autumn Festival, symbolize reunion and family harmony. Initially used as offerings for moon worship, mooncakes gradually became an essential festival food. The Mid-Autumn Festival, with the full moon symbolizing reunion, embodies the longing for home and loved ones, while also praying for a bountiful harvest and happiness. The festival is not only a time for family gatherings but also an important way to preserve and promote Chinese culture.