How much do you know about Mid Autumn Festival

As one of the most important annual events in China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a major part of cultural heritage. This festival celebrates the end of the Chinese harvest, and it typically occurs on the 15th day of the Chinese calendar’s eighth month. The Moon Festival offers a significant time to celebrate cultural heritage and to give thanks. In 2014, the holiday is on September 8.

History

Throughout Chinese history, the moon has been a symbol of peace and prosperity. It is also representative of family togetherness. There are several reasons for this, and it all boils down to ancient folklore.

One of the most popular origin stories revolves around the one-time existence of 10 blazing suns. The atmosphere was so hot that nobody could grow crops. China was incredibly poor. One man, a hero, decided that he would shoot down nine of the suns. His success led to being gifted a magic elixir that could bring him to moon for eternity. Rather than drinking the elixir himself, the hero gave it to his wife for safekeeping. He hoped that she would be treasured for all time. ＨHowever she did drink it, and his wife went to the moon, leaving him on earth alone.

Traditions

Many traditions are associated with the Chinese celebration of Mid-Autumn, and they all revolve around three central components: gathering with friends, giving thanks and sending prayers. Large public celebrations are common in large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

One of the biggest traditions involves eating delicious moon cakes. Moon cakes are round, about four inches in diameter and two inches thick. These treats are used to symbolize the union of family, and each family member eats a wedge of the cake. Some legends suggest that soldiers would bake battle plans into moon cakes in their attempts to defeat the Mongolians.

There was once a time when it would take nearly a month to create a delicious moon cake. Today, the process has been modernized and shortened. You will find plenty of cakes available at the local markets around the time of the festival. These cakes typically cover a sweet filling, often lotus seed, sweet bean or egg yolk. Though it is not common, the cakes may also contain fruit, sausage or nuts. The cakes are typically eaten plain, but they can be steamed or fried before they are cut into wedges.

Families commonly get together during the festival to gaze at the moon, appreciating all its shining glory. They might burn incense as they do this, or dance in the soft moonlight. After all, this is the night when the moon is thought to be the biggest and brightest.

Some families gather to offer fruit to their favorite deities in the hopes that they will be graced with mercy in the years to come. This holiday is especially important for farmers who have just had a busy season and are winding down for some relaxation. They may provide an offering in the hopes that next year’s crop will be bountiful.

Children often make decorations to commemorate the occasion, and they may even create beautiful lanterns. Lanterns are a common symbol of fertility, and the Moon Festival is a common time for couples to begin courting. Of course, these lanterns are not as elaborate as those made for the Lantern Festival, but they are still a sight to behold.

With adult supervision, children often make lanterns out of oranges and pumpkins. Placing a candle inside these lanterns offers beautiful mood lighting for a night of moon-gazing.

Of course, each family has its own traditions for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Even different ethnic groups living in China have unique ways of celebrating the end of the harvest. The main expectation during this time is that family members around the country will come together to spend this holiday as one.

Mid-Autumn Festival Gifts

It is common for people to gift their families, friends and business partners during this time. Gift Hampers Hong Kong offers quite an array of Mid-Autumn Festival gifts that are perfect for corporate occasions.

As one of the premier gift hamper shops in Hong Kong, we are thrilled to offer such a wide variety of Moon Festival gifts and supplies for your next get-together. Each item is hand-selected to be a part of your gift, and we accept nothing but the best products on the market when we put your gift together.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is truly a great time to be part of a celebration. You will find that this time of year is perfect for getting together with family, eating delicious treats and giving thanks for the bountiful harvest this year. You certainly do not want to forget to show appreciation for your loved ones with one of our beautiful gift hampers.