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Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

Light up the night at the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival! Enjoy mooncakes, lanterns and the enchanting glow of a moonlit celebration.
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When it is?
September 17
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Category
Cultural
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Country
China
Introduction

Let's celebrate the rich traditions of the East with the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival on September 17! This vibrant festival has been celebrated for over 3,000 years, dating back to China's Shang Dynasty. It has become one of Asia’s most celebrated holidays, marveling at the beauty of the moon, and spending time with family and friends. Delve into the cultural charm of this festival, enjoy mouth-watering mooncakes, create spectacular lanterns and immerse yourself under the bright, gleaming moonlight. So join us as we 'light up the night' on this beautiful festival!

History of Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Dates

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Around 1600 BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Festival Origin</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival originated during China's Shang Dynasty as a harvest festival.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>618 AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tang Dynasty Influence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Emperor Xuanzong of Tang started hosting formal celebrations of the festival in his palace, which popularized it among the nobility and it became a nationwide celebration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1368</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mooncakes Embrace</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the Yuan Dynasty rule by the Mongols, Han Chinese rebels reportedly used mooncakes to pass hidden messages that eventually led to the Ming rebellion. Since then, the custom of eating mooncakes during the festival gained more significance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion In Asia</div><div class='timeline-text'>The festival spread across other parts of Asia, with different regions developing their unique customs, such as releasing lanterns in Vietnam and making taro desserts in Taiwan.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>20th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>As Chinese communities flourished worldwide, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival began being celebrated globally, highlighting Chinese culture and traditions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Public Holiday in China</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Chinese government declared the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival as a public holiday to preserve traditional culture.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Make lanterns</h3><p class='facts-text'>Embrace the celebratory spirit of the holiday by making your own lanterns, a traditional Mid-Autumn Moon Festival craft. Not only will this add some festive touch to your celebration, but it's also fun for both children and adults alike.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bake Mooncakes</h3><p class='facts-text'>Mooncakes are a fundamental part of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. These pastries, typically filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolks, can be homemade or purchased from a local bakery. Making your own mooncakes can be a fun and rewarding experience.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a moon viewing party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for an evening under the stars. Arrange seating outdoors, prepare some hot tea and snacks, and treasure the beauty of the autumn moon together. Try spotting constellations or share moon folklore stories to keep the night enchanting.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend a Mid-Autumn Festival event</h3><p class='facts-text'>Look for local Mid-Autumn Moon Festival events in your community. This could be a display of brightly lit lanterns, traditional arts performances, or culinary experiences. It can serve as an exceptional way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit and learn more about the traditions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate to charity</h3><p class='facts-text'>Lastly, in the true spirit of togetherness, consider making a donation to a charity during this festival. Many organizations organize special charity drives on this holiday. By extending your blessings to those less fortunate, you’ll make every celebration more meaningful.</p></div></div>

Why We Love Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Experience rich cultural traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is steeped in traditions dating back over 3,000 years. Celebrating it gives us a chance to delve into these ancient traditions and experience the cultural charm of the festival, lending a captivating perspective to our usual customs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Opportunity for creativity and fun</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Whether it's making festive lanterns, baking mooncakes, or hosting a moon-viewing party, there are many activities related to the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival that give us an opportunity to express our creativity and have fun. These traditions are not only enjoyable but also engaging, providing an excellent way to spend quality time with family and friends.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Strengthen bonds with loved ones</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is a great way to strengthen relationships with family and friends. Whether it's under the beautiful autumn moon, or while sharing mooncakes, these shared experiences create an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness that is indispensable in fostering strong bonds.</p></div></div>

5 Unveiled Secrets of the Mid-Autumn Festival

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rabbit is a Significant Symbol of the Festival</h3><p class='facts-content'>Due to the folklore of Chang'e, the moon goddess, and her rabbit, rabbits are often seen during the festival — on decorations, lanterns, pastries, or even the moon's image!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Reunion Festival</h3><p class='facts-content'>The round shape of the full moon is a symbol of wholeness and reunion in Chinese culture, making Mid-Autumn Festival an important time for family gatherings.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fire Dragon Dance is a Unique Tradition in Hong Kong</h3><p class='facts-content'>Specifically in Hong Kong, a fire dragon dance is held during the festival. The spectacle involves a 67-metre-long 'fire dragon' that winds through the streets.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Lantern Riddles are a Fun Folk Custom</h3><p class='facts-content'>Riddles are written on colorful lanterns during the festival, creating a delightful activity that enlightens both the mind and the atmosphere.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Moon Goddess Chang'e is not the Only Deity Honored</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the goddess Chang'e is often associated with the festival, some regions also make offerings to other deities or ancestors, including the Earth God, for blessings and protection.</p></div></div>

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival FAQs

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Dates

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Cultural Holidays