Every festival celebrated in China has its own charm. The Mid-Autumn Festival is the most important time of the year in China after the Chinese New year. This celebration occurs on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is also called the moon festival because the moon is brightest and roundest during the mid-autumn.

In this digital age, children can have information about the different festivals celebrated around the world. As the Mid-autumn festival is approaching really soon, below are some tips which every parent can share with their child this Chinese tradition.

Why Is It Celebrated

In ancient China, it was believed that the moon has some sort of relationship with the production of harvest and the changing seasons. To give thanks to the moon, a celebration was made for the moon in the autumn season.

Moon Legends

There are many Chinese legends associated with the moon festival that includes the romantic legend of Chang Er, who ate the elixir to protect her husband and flew to the moon. Other legends that are also associated with the moon festival including Wu Gang chopping a self-healing osmanthus tree and Jade Rabbit pounding the elixir of immortality.

Chinese Customs

Activities associated with the mid-autumn festival includes family gathering, eating of mooncakes and carrying of a lantern. The people gather during this moon festival to appreciate and give thanks to the moon.

Eating Mooncakes

Without mooncakes, the Mid-Autumn Festival will be incomplete. Mooncakes are round in shape which describes family reunion and bonding. The Chinese pastry comes in many different flavours and is affordably priced. Of course, there are mooncakes which are expensive too.

Travelling

During the mid-autumn festival, people of China are given three days leave. The Chinese like to spend the festival with their families so people living in different cities can go back to their hometown and celebrate this festival.

Matchmaking

When people meet during the festivals, it becomes a great way to find partners. The parents gather in the parks and try to make a match for their children, hoping they can get married.

Lanterns

Lanterns are an essential part of the festival and children love to play with them. Despite there could be no relationship between the Mid-Autumn Festival and lanterns, lighting up the lanterns at night is beautiful and brings this tradition even closer to everyone.