Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

By Manyu Wu
November 1, 2023

Have you heard of the Chinese mid-autumn festival? If not, you're in for a delightful cultural journey as we explore this cherished Chinese traditional festival.

In China, the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month is the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China’s most important traditional festivals. This festival celebrates the bright full moon. There is a traditional custom celebrated Mid-Autumn festival in China called “Shang Yue”, which means “To enjoy a full bright moon.”

The origin of this custom comes from a Chinese legend called “The Chang’e Flying to the Moon''. In ancient times, there were ten suns in the sky simultaneously. The high temperatures made the people miserable. The hero named Houyi came along. He shot down nine suns and saved the world. To reward his bravery, the Queen Mother, one of the most ancient and powerful goddesses in China, gave him an elixir of everlasting life. Chang’e, Houyi’s wife, drank the elixir by accident and became immortal. Her body was lifted toward the moon, carried away by a powerful force. As she ascended higher and higher, a mixture of awe and trepidation filled her heart. The Earth, her home, became a distant speck, and the celestial realm of the moon drew ever nearer. 

Meanwhile, Houyi, her beloved, strained against the forces of gravity and destiny, desperate to reach her. He watched helplessly as the love of his life drifted away from him, their outstretched hands mere inches apart, yet impossibly distant. From that fateful day forward, Houyi could only express their longing for his wife Chang'e by gazing at the moon each and every night. 

The Mid-Autumn Festival is not just a moment for celestial observation; it's also a cherished occasion for family reunions. On this special day, families come together to share the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival treat known as "mooncakes." Mooncake is a Chinese bakery product, renowned for its diverse and delectable fillings. Some of the most popular and cherished flavors include velvety red bean paste, fragrant lotus seed paste, sumptuous salted egg yolk, and even savory options like minced meat or nuts. These flavorful fillings are lovingly encased in a delicate, thin crust. The mooncake can be divided into pieces, making them perfect for sharing among loved ones.

The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is not merely a celebration, but rather a profound reminder of the importance of family relationships. It serves as a vital bond that keeps families unbreakably close. Through this article, we hope you've gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for this beloved Chinese festival.