The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s most important traditional festivals. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is roundest and brightest. That is why it is also called the Moon Festival.
This festival dates back thousands of years. The most famous legend is Chang’e flying to the moon. To Chinese people, a round moon stands for family reunion. On this night, families get together, admire the full moon and eat mooncakes. Mooncakes are round pastries with different fillings. They symbolize wholeness and happiness.
Other customs include enjoying sweet osmanthus and hanging lanterns. Many Chinese living overseas also celebrate this festival. As an old saying goes, we share the same moon though we are far apart. The festival carries people’s wishes for family reunion, peace and good fortune.
