I've always been fascinated with Chinese festivals. They often manage to bind a unique legendary relevance to regular seasonal celebrations, just like the Dragon Boat Festival. Now, the Mid-Autumn festival is around the corner and I'm super excited to explore more about this Moon-admiring festivity. Here's all you need to know about this celebration and why they eat Mooncake?!
The Story of the Mid-Autumn Festival
The origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu Jie [中秋节]) can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BC), but it officially became a festival during the Tang Dynasty. One of the most enduring tales of this festival is the story of the legendary Chang'e (嫦娥), the beautiful goddess of the moon.
According to the legend, Chang'e was married to the heroic archer Hou Yi, who had been tasked with shooting down nine of the ten suns that were scorching the earth. As a reward for his bravery, Hou Yi was granted the elixir of immortality.
However, Chang'e, fearing that the elixir would fall into the evil Feng Meng's hands, decided to drink it herself, resulting in her ascending to the moon and becoming the beautiful goddess that is appreciated on this day.
On the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, the people of China and beyond gather to honour Chang'e and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Is the Mid-Autumn Festival a Holiday?
In China, people have a 3-day holiday for the Mid-Autumn festival. However, it's not a public holiday in Singapore and Malaysia. In Hong Kong and Macau, the day following the Mid-Autumn festival is generally considered a holiday.
Why Do People Eat Mooncakes?
At the heart of the Mid-Autumn Festival lies the tradition of enjoying mooncakes. These round, pastries are eaten around the year but are mostly found in shops during Mid Autumn Festival.
The circular shape of the mooncake represents the full moon which is admired during this festival. The rich, dense filling, often made with lotus seed paste, egg yolks, or other traditional ingredients represents the harvest season. The moulding designs come with Chinese characters such as longevity, good fortune, and family harmony.
How to Wish for Mid-Autumn Festival
If you have Chinese friends celebrating the Mid-Autumn festival, you can simply wish them by saying 'Zhongqiu Jie Kuai le!' (中秋节快乐) - Happy Mid-Autumn Festival
Or take it up a notch and be creative and say;
'Zhù nín Zhōngqiū Jié qījiān chénggōng yǔ fánróng, yuàn nín de rìzi xiàng yuèbǐng yīyàng tiánmì!'
(祝您中秋节期间成功与繁荣，愿您的日子像月饼一样甜蜜！)
"Wishing you success and prosperity during this Mid-Autumn Festival. May your days be as sweet as mooncakes!"
Which Countries Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival?
While the Mid-Autumn Festival is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, its celebration has spread far beyond the borders of Mainland China, captivating the hearts and minds of people around the world.
In addition to mainland China, the festival is also observed in regions with significant Chinese diaspora populations, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, and Chinatowns across the globe.
These vibrant celebrations may not be as colourful as the Chinese ones but often feature colourful lantern displays, lion dances, and traditional music and dance performances.
Beyond the Asia-Pacific region, the Mid-Autumn Festival has also gained popularity in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where Chinese communities have embraced the opportunity to share their traditions with their neighbours and local communities.
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Traditions
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 17th this year and the Chinese celebrate this day which is followed by 2 more holidays (15th & 16th September).
How exactly do you celebrate the Mid Autumn festival?
Lantern Displays
One of the most iconic Mid-Autumn Festival traditions is the lighting and display of lanterns. Wherever in China or Asian countries you go, during the festival, lanterns are something you'll definitely see. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from classic round lanterns to whimsical animal-shaped ones. At night these bubbles of illuminated lanterns look so magical.
Eating Mooncake
Mooncake is a beloved delicacy in China and around the world. It's a dessert pastry that comes with a sweet filling. You'll commonly find red bean, salted egg yolk, nuts and lotus seed mooncakes. There's another variation called snow skin mooncakes that comes with black sesame or custard filling. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, people eat Mooncakes as a tribute to the moon goddess.
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
It's a famous tradition in Hong Kong that emerged in the 1800s following a deadly plague which was believed to be chased out by a tradition of carrying incense and straw dragons. Although this is not directly related to the beliefs of the Mid-Autumn festival, it still is part of the customs.
Lunar Appreciation
It is said that during this period, the moon is fullest and they can get a glimpse of the goddess and the rabbit. Throughout the night, people will gather outdoors to gaze upon the luminous harvest moon. Some may even observe the moon's movement and share stories or poems inspired by its enchanting presence.
Eating Tong Yuen (Sweet Glutinous Rice Dumplings)
Like in any other family feast in China, Glutinous Rice Dumplings play a huge role as a traditional dessert. So during the Mid-Autumn festival too, people love making some Tong Yuen to share with the family folk.
Drinking Osmanthus Wine and Cake
Osmanthus is such a versatile flower. You can make Osmanthus Cake, you can make honey for tea and you can even brew Wine with it. During the Mid-Autumn festival, Osmanthus is one of the highlights on a feast table. This Wine is made with Baijiu (distilled Chinese liquor) and Osmanthus flowers.
Family Gatherings
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families to come together and celebrate their connections. Not as grand as the Chinese New Year, but Relatives and loved ones make the effort to reunite, often travelling between cities to share meals, exchange gifts, and create memories.
Where to Find Mid-Autumn Celebrations Outside China?
If you're living outside mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are two of the best places to witness the festival in full blow. You can also witness a good celebration in Vietnam and Singapore.
If you're living in the West, your best bet would be the biggest Chinatown in your country. While it may be a bit of a hassle, it's a wonderful experience to see the celebrations with your own eyes.