Stories behind the Moon: How Chinese people celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival

As the natural satellite of the earth, the moon is a central element to different folklore and traditions throughout human history. In many prehistoric and ancient cultures, the moon was personified as a deity or other supernatural phenomenon, while for Chinese people, an important festival exists for the moon, the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is also known as the mooncake festival.

For centuries, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been deemed by the Chinese as the second most important festival after the Spring Festival, during which time family members will reunite and enjoy the grand view of the full moon together, as well as celebrating the harvest with delicate food.

Though the festival originated from China, it is now celebrated in many other Asian countries, including Vietnam and Korea, and has developed many variants. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which is September 13 this year. Please follow us and explore the stories behind the moon!