Mid-Autumn Festival: A Holiday of Reunion and Tradition
Overview
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the “Reunion Festival,” is one of China’s four major traditional holidays, alongside the Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Qingming Festival. The official public holiday in China for the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2024 is from September 15th to September 17th, and during this holiday period, we will continue to offer 24-hour online service as usual.
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, coinciding with the middle of autumn. At this time, the moon is at its fullest and brightest, symbolizing reunion and harvest.
Traditional Customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival
Moon Gazing
Moon gazing is one of the most iconic customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Since ancient times, people have said, “The bright moon hangs high in the autumn sky,” believing that the moon on the 15th day of the 8th month is the roundest and brightest of the year. Family and friends gather on the night of the festival in courtyards, balconies, or on high hills to admire the moon, expressing their hopes and wishes for a good life.
Eating Mooncakes
Mooncakes symbolize reunion and are a traditional food of the Mid-Autumn Festival. There are many varieties of mooncakes, including five-nut, red bean paste, salted egg yolk, and lotus seed paste. The custom of eating mooncakes dates back to the Yuan dynasty when mooncakes were used as a tool to convey messages for an uprising. Today, mooncakes have become a symbol of the festival, representing people’s wishes for unity and harmony.
Worshiping the Moon
Worshiping the moon is one of the oldest traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival, particularly in rural areas where the custom is still practiced. People set out offerings such as fruits and mooncakes, light incense, and pray to the moon deity for peace, health, and a bountiful harvest. This ritual reflects respect for nature and expresses hopes for a good life.
Riddle Guessing
In many places, riddle guessing is held during the Mid-Autumn Festival, adding to the festive atmosphere. Riddles are often attached to colorful lanterns for people to solve, and those who answer correctly receive prizes. This activity not only tests intelligence but also brings joy and fun to the festival.
Appreciating Osmanthus Flowers and Drinking Osmanthus Wine
The Mid-Autumn Festival coincides with the blooming of osmanthus flowers, filling the air with their fragrance. In many regions, people enjoy the sight of osmanthus flowers or make osmanthus wine during the festival. Drinking osmanthus wine is not only a celebration of the harvest but also a wish for a beautiful life.
The Cultural Significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a celebration of the harvest but also carries profound cultural meaning. It symbolizes reunion, harmony, and family unity. The saying, "The full moon symbolizes family reunion," captures the essence of the festival. In modern society, the Mid-Autumn Festival remains an important occasion for people to cherish relationships, whether with family or friends. Many people, no matter where they are, will return home during this festival to reunite with their loved ones and enjoy family togetherness.
