The Moon Festival, or known as Mid-Autumn Festival, is a harvest festival celebrated notably by the Chinese People. The festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar with full moon at night, corresponding to late September to early October of the Gregorian calendar with a full moon at night.
In Chinese legend, the Moon Festival is relating to the legend of Chang'e, the Chinese Moon goddess of immortality. There are many takes about Chang'e. In one legendary tale, Chang'e flew upward past heaven, and choosing the moon as her residence, and hence Chinese people celebrate the Moon festival to show respect and made offering to her.
The festival celebrates three fundamental concepts that are closely connected:
- Gathering, such as family and friends coming together, or harvesting crops for the festival. It's said the moon is the brightest and roundest on this day which means family reunion. Consequently, this is the main reason why the festival is thought to be important.
- Thanksgiving, to give thanks for the harvest, or for harmonious unions
- Praying (asking for conceptual or material satisfaction), such as for babies, a spouse, beauty, longevity, or for a good future
Traditionally the Moon Festival is celebrated with family members with family banquet and moon cake, with the surrounding decorated with colourful lanterns.
