Explained: What Is the Mid-Autumn Festival and How It Is Celebrated

The mid-autumn festival is quite famous in East Asia especially in Southeast Asian countries where Chinese communities are residing. So, it is basically a Chinese festival but not limited to China only. 

This festival does not have much religious significance, rather it is celebrated on the account of a successful harvest. This is celebrated at the end of autumn and on the day of the full moon.

This festival has many different names as it is celebrated in different places or countries. In China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan this festival is known as Zhong Qiu Jie in Mandarin. 

In Singapore, it is known as Mooncake whereas in Vietnam it is known as Tet Trung Thu. A national holiday is announced on the day of this festival in these Southeast Asian countries. 

History Of The Mid-Autumn Festival

This festival started gaining popularity in the Tang Dynasty. Whereas in the Northern Song Dynasty, the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar was formally announced as a Mid -Autumn festival. Basically, during the Shang Dynasty people of the Chinese community started celebrating it. 

By the time, new dynasties took over and this festival got much more popular. It has developed its own significance and become a folk festival in china. The ancient way of celebrating this beautiful festival is to appreciate the moon as they believed that rejuvenation is associated with the moon. 

They had a belief that the moon and water replenish the energy and they connected this with menstruation that usually occurs in women. Hence, they call it “monthly water”.

Of course, it is a day that brings happiness, greetings, and gatherings. Basically, there are three main practices that are compulsorily followed. The first one is gatherings, family members and friends come together at a place to greet each other and harvest crops for the festival. 

On this day of the festival, the moon is at its apex and shines brightest which is taken as a symbol of a family reunion. 

The second practice is thanksgiving to the harvest. People express that they are so pleased and delighted to get a good harvest. This harvest and moon have brought them together to enlighten the ambiance.

The third and the most important practice which is followed by everyone is of course chanting spiritual prayers.

Everyone prays to god that god will always remain kind and generous to them, keep showering blessings, help them to accomplish success in their life, and many more. 

To make the day special, delicious, and occasional cuisines are essential. Festival food is something that adds flavor to the festival and gives it a festive feel. This festival also has some special dulcet dishes like mooncakes.

In Chinese tradition, a circle or round shape is meant to be a symbol of completeness and unity. That’s why mooncakes, which are circular in shape, are shared among family members and friends.

Every house where this festival is celebrated makes this delicious cake and the most senior member of the family cuts it and distributes it among other members.

There are other festive food dishes that are enjoyed like nine jointed lotus roots which symbolize peace and watermelon cut in the shape of lotus petals which symbolize reunion. Cassia wine is loved by all to have on this auspicious occasion. People also enjoy cassia cakes and candies.  

The Bottom Line 

Every festival has a type of history or a backstory that professes its incipient. But there are some festivals that have an essence of humanitarianism and a general generosity that welcomes all sorts of communities around the world.

This festival has that essence. That’s why it is celebrated not only in China but in many parts of the world with another name. 

Last year, this festival of Mid-Autumn was celebrated and a virtual concert was arranged by the musicians in the city of Paris. Both Chinese and European musicians came together to perform on the account of the Mid-Autumn festival. 

It was deemed as a gesture of harmony, solidarity, and a better understanding of diversity. Many people called it a perfect blend of eastern and western music. 

Music develops a rhythmic feel at the festival. Moreover, it is a medium through which everyone connects easily. But because of the pandemic last year, it was not celebrated so openly. We hope that this period ends soon like a nightmare and everything comes back to its past form. 

Written By - Vineet Kumar