The full moon nearest to the autumnal equinox holds special significance across various cultures worldwide. Often referred to as the Harvest Moon, this lunar event traditionally illuminated the night for farmers working late into the fields. In many Asian countries, this full moon, believed to be the brightest of the year, is celebrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival, marked by customs like family reunions, enjoying ceremonial foods, and displaying colorful lanterns.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is widely observed across China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which typically falls between mid-September and early October.
Mid-Autumn Festival Traditions
The Mid-Autumn Festival has deep roots, dating back more than 3,000 years to China’s Zhou Dynasty. However, it wasn’t widely celebrated until the Tang Dynasty, about 1,500 years later. The festival is dedicated to honoring the moon, a tradition that continues today with people burning incense, setting up ceremonial altars with offerings, lighting lanterns, and spending time with loved ones, often under the glow of the moon.
While customs vary by country, they all originate from a common purpose: showing gratitude to the moon for a bountiful harvest. Decorative lanterns, often crafted by children, carry wishes and are proudly displayed in homes, hung in trees, floated down rivers, or flown high into the sky. These lanterns, known as Kongming lanterns, act like mini hot-air balloons when lit by a small candle inside.
In many Chinese communities, mooncakes take center stage during the celebrations. These round, filled confections are often elaborately decorated, with designs depicting the festival’s legends. Mooncakes symbolize the full moon and represent reunions with loved ones. Traditionally filled with lotus seed paste, egg yolk, or bean paste, modern versions include flavors like chocolate, truffles, foie gras, and even ice cream.
Depending on the region, other seasonal foods like pumpkins, crabs, and osmanthus wine are enjoyed. Tea and fruit baskets are often shared, and in some countries, the festival is observed as a public holiday.
- South Korea: The celebration, known as Chuseok, lasts three days, with people traveling to reunite with family. Instead of mooncakes, the traditional food is songpyeon, a type of stuffed rice cake.
- Taiwan: The Mid-Autumn Festival is a national holiday, with celebrations including mooncakes and pomelo, a large citrus fruit similar to grapefruit.
- Japan: The moon is revered, and families decorate their homes with flowers.
- Vietnam: Known as the “Children’s Festival,” children carry lanterns, enjoy lion dances, and feast on mooncakes.
- Singapore: In places like Chinatown and Gardens by the Bay, lantern displays and both traditional and modern mooncakes are featured.
The Legends of the Mid-Autumn Festival
One of the most famous legends tied to the Mid-Autumn Festival is the story of Hou Yi, a hero who saved the earth by shooting down nine of the ten suns that were overheating it. As a reward, the Goddess of the Heavens gifted him a special elixir that would allow him to ascend to the heavens and become a god.
Tragically, Hou Yi’s wife, Chang’e, drank the elixir to protect it from falling into evil hands and was lifted to the moon, where she was accompanied by the Jade Rabbit, another legendary figure. Each year, on the night of the full moon, Hou Yi would place his wife’s favorite foods on a table, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
The Mid-Autumn Festival remains a time to honor these ancient traditions, celebrate with loved ones, and appreciate the beauty of the moon. Whether you’re lighting a lantern, sharing mooncakes, or simply enjoying the night sky, this festival connects us to the past and brings communities together.
