The Mid-Autumn Festival 2024, or Moon Festival, is a cherished holiday in China that celebrates the beauty of the full moon. During this special time, families come together to share stories and create beautiful memories.

Join us as we explore this vibrant celebration and learn about one of China’s most cherished traditions!

 

What are the Origins of the Mid Autumn Festival in China?

The Mid-Autumn Festival started with people worshipping the moon goddess. Long ago, during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1045 – 770 BC), kings would make offerings to the moon in the fall. Later, during the Northern Song Dynasty, the 15th day of the 8th lunar month officially became the Mid-Autumn Festival, and people began the tradition of offering sacrifices to the moon as part of the celebration.

The Legend of Chang'e and the Jade Rabbit

The Jade Emperor needed help to make an immortality potion. The Jade Emperor flew to Earth and pretended to be a beggar. The rabbit gathered grass but realized that humans could not eat grass and jumped into the fire. The man appreciated the kindness of the rabbit and took him to the moon. The rabbit was called Jade Rabbit because of its beautiful, jade-like fur, and lived on the Moon, working hard to make the potions of immortality.

When is the Mid Autumn Festival in China in 2024?

The Mid-Autumn Festival in China is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, which means it falls in September or early October. In 2024, the Mid-Autumn Festival in China will be on September 17th.

This festival,  one of the most important traditional Chinese holidays, focuses on family reunions, moon gazing, and the enjoyment of mooncakes, a traditional pastry. It is a time to give thanks for the harvest and reflect on family unity under the full moon.

 

How China Celebrates Mid-Autumn

During the festival, Chinese families get together to share mooncakes, a traditional pastry with sweet or savory fillings. Lanterns are also a big part of the celebration as they symbolize light and hope. In cities and villages alike, families get together for meals and moon gazing, enjoying the time spent with loved ones.

 

What Chinese Cities Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival?

Some of the country's biggest cities, put on impressive Mid-Autumn festivities. You can visit these recommended places to celebrate the festival in China:

• Beihai Park: A historical spot where Chinese emperors appreciated the moon.
• Echoing Sand Mountain in Dunhuang: Also known as Mingsha Mountain.
• Master of the Nets Garden: The smallest garden in Suzhou city.
• Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Shanghai.
• Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin: Also known as 'Water-Moon Cave'.
• Victoria Park in Hong Kong: The best place to gaze at the moon in the city.
• West Lake in Hangzhou: Famous for the Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, a prime location for moon appreciation.
• Erhai Lake in Dali: One of the Four Best Sights of Dali.
• Night Cruising on the Pearl River in Guangzhou.

 

Modern Day Mid-Autumn Festivals in 2024

In recent years, technology has brought a fresh twist to the festival. Cities light up with colorful LED lanterns, dazzling laser shows, and exciting multimedia performances that blend tradition with a modern vibe. Social media has also made it easier for people to share their festival experiences, and younger generations get to connect with age-old customs.

Some modern ways the Chinese celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival

• Mid-Autumn Travel: A growing trend where people travel during the holiday.
• Mooncakes: The iconic treat remains central to the festival, with a variety of flavors and fillings. Innovative flavors of mooncakes are constantly emerging.
• Family Gatherings: Families come together to celebrate, often sharing meals and enjoying mooncakes while watching the full moon.
• Lantern Festivals: Lantern displays and parades have become popular, with beautifully crafted lanterns lighting parks and public spaces.
• Community Events: Local communities organize festivals featuring games, food stalls, and activities that promote cultural heritage.
• Social Media and Online Celebrations: With the rise of technology, people share their celebrations online through social media platforms, showcasing their mooncake designs, lanterns, and family gatherings.
• WeChat Red Envelopes: A blend of tradition and modern technology.

 

What Countries Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is observed in several countries, mainly in East Asia and in regions with great Chinese influence. Here are the main countries where this festival is observed:

• China: celebrated with family gatherings, mooncake sharing, and lantern displays.
• Taiwan: Similar to mainland China, with unique customs like barbecuing and enjoying special dishes.
• Hong Kong: Celebrations include vibrant lantern displays and public festivities, along with mooncake tasting.
• Macau: Known for its large-scale celebrations, with dragon and lion dances, and mooncake festivities.
• Vietnam: Celebrated as the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu), with children's activities, lion dances, and the sharing of mooncakes.
• South Korea: Known as Chuseok or Mooncake Festival, it involves family gatherings, traditional foods, and honoring ancestors.
• Japan: The festival, called Tsukimi, is celebrated with moon viewing and offerings of rice dumplings and seasonal foods.
• Singapore: Celebrated with cultural events, lantern festivals, and mooncake fairs.
• Malaysia: Observed by various communities, particularly the Chinese, with similar traditions as in China.

 

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