chrysanthemum show 菊花展 (júhuā zhǎn) - I have vivid memories of this fan-shaped chrysanthemum arrangement, among other shapes constructed meticulously with hundreds of purple, white, yellow chrysanthemums. We used to see the show to work up an appetite for the mid-autumn goodies after.

lanterns 燈籠 (dēnglóng) - lantern shows are also a hit for kids and adults carrying our own little lanterns in the shape of auspicious goldfish, birds, and fruits.

pomelo 柚子 (yòuzi) - sounds like 佑子 (yòuzi), which means bless and protect the children. You can get these large citruses in most Chinese grocery stores around mid-autumn time, gets your appetite ready for the rich foods next.

duck 鸭 (yā) - eating duck fights the dryness of the fall and winter according to traditional Chinese medicine. Doesn't braised duck with creamy taro get you salivating?

small taro 芋艿 (yù'nǎi) - as a child, these small taros barely fit in my palms, and my parents would always help me peel the skin while seated together under the full moon. They only need a simple boil, skin-on. Taros are also perfect with braised duck, which can fight the dry and cold of autmn and winter, according to traditional Chinese medicine.

crabs 螃蟹 (pángxiè) - a coastal tradition right from my home Canton. Rumor has it that crabs in the autumn are especially meaty and rich with roe.

lotus roots 莲藕 (lián'ǒu) - sounds auspiciously like “togetherness” (连) and a “pair” (偶). Add them to a soup or stew, or make fried lotus root sandwiches.

mooncakes 月餅 (yuèbǐng) - you've probably seen these. Now how about making your own mooncake with traditional fillings? sweet lotus paste + salted egg yolks combo, savory ham + nuts combo -- point is, they are rich and full to send happiness, health, harmony to loved ones. Nowadays, there are snow skin mooncakes, which are fancy mochi-like sweets.