Today is a special day for many people, as it marks the this year’s annual Mid-Autumn Festival.
Celebrated primarily by the Chinese and Vietnamese communities, this event takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar with full moon at night.
This subsequently corresponds to late Sept – early Oct of the Gregorian calendar with a full moon at night.
This is a significant festival because it is the second largest in China (after, of course, the Chinese New Year). It is commonly titled the Moon Festival, and both names are relevant based on the both timing and the lunar activity.
So, what can people expect from today’s celebrations? First things first, you can anticipate lots of vibrancy and excitement, with the presence of many colourful lanterns in various hues and shapes appearing in shops.
There will also be an increased interest in mooncakes; shops will be specialising in this particular delicacy during the festivities. This acts as a prime opportunity for bakeries and eateries to showcase other new variations to their menu, meaning there will be lots of great new foods to try at this special time of the year.
A lot of individuals use this day to spend time with their loved ones, and go outside to admire the beauty of the full moon with their family and friends. The purpose of the event is to create a sense of unity among people.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is associated with different tales and myths. It is said to be connected to the moon goddess Chang’e, although it has also been related to the uprising of the Han Chinese against the then-ruling Mongols at the end of the Yuan dynasty in 13th century China.
Regardless of its symbolisms, this is set to be a wondrous party filled with fun – happy celebrations!
> Hannah Montgomery
