How to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival
Introduction
Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which usually falls in September or October. During this festival, people gather with their families and enjoy mooncakes, lanterns, and admire the full moon. In this article, we will discuss some of the best ways to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival.
Eating Mooncakes
Mooncakes are the essential food during Mid-Autumn Festival. They are round, symbolizing reunion and harmony. Eating mooncakes is a way of expressing good wishes for family reunion and happiness. The most popular mooncake fillings are lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and egg yolk. Nowadays, many creative flavors like ice cream, coffee, and green tea have emerged, satisfying different tastes. During Mid-Autumn Festival, many companies will send mooncakes as gifts to their employees or customers as a gesture of goodwill.
Admiring the Full Moon
The full moon is an important element of Mid-Autumn Festival. On this day, people often gather in open areas, such as parks, balconies, or rooftops, to admire the full moon with their loved ones. In Chinese folklore, the full moon signifies reunion and completeness. People express their longing for loved ones who are far away and hope to be reunited soon. Lanterns in various shapes and sizes are also put up to add more festive atmosphere.
Playing Games
Playing games during Mid-Autumn Festival is also a great way to have fun with family and friends. One of the most popular games is guessing riddles written on lanterns. Another game is called "moon-gazing competition" where people compete to see who can spot the moon first. Children can also make their own lanterns or participate in dragon and lion dances, which are traditional activities during this festival.
Conclusion
Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of joy and happiness for Chinese people. Whether it is eating mooncakes, admiring the full moon, or playing games, it is a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy each other's company. While the festival has a long history, it still remains an important part of Chinese culture today. We hope that you can experience the Mid-Autumn Festival in China or other parts of the world and be immersed in the festive atmosphere.