Celebrate the Moon Festival
By Yobe Qiu
The annual Moon Festival, which falls on October 6th this year, is celebrated by Asian communities around the world. Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, it’s a joyous time to gather with family and friends to appreciate the full moon, which symbolizes unity and harmony. The following traditions offer ways to connect with loved ones, celebrate cultural heritage and create lasting memories.
May this Moon Festival bring you and your family happiness, harmony and a deeper appreciation for the bonds that unite us.
Traditions for Celebration
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Eat moon cakes.
Moon cakes are the quintessential treat of the Moon Festival. These round pastries symbolize union and completeness and come in a variety of flavors, from traditional lotus seed paste with salted egg yolk, to more modern fillings like chocolate and matcha. Sharing moon cakes is a heartfelt way to express love and appreciation for those close to you. Find a recipe at byyobeqiu.com/blogs/blog-post-easy-mooncake-recipe.
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Share a meal together.
There’s no better way to honor the tradition of the Moon Festival than enjoying a festive dinner of traditional dishes that symbolize prosperity, harmony and happiness. Popular foods include roast duck, taro and pomelo, each with its own cultural significance. Hosting or attending a Moon Festival meal is a wonderful way to connect, share stories, strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.
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Have a family movie night!
Watch the animated movie Over the Moon (on Netflix) about a girl who builds a rocket to fly to the moon to prove that the legendary moon goddess is real.
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Observe the moon.
The full moon is a symbol of family union and harmony. Take time during the Mid-Autumn Festival to admire the moon’s beauty, reflecting on its significance and the traditions it represents. This year’s full moon will be visible at 5:47am HST. This age-old practice connects people with nature and loved ones, near and far. Gather outdoors, look up at the night sky and share stories.
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Make colorful lanterns.
Lantern-making is a fun, creative activity that adds a vibrant touch to Moon Festival celebrations. Crafting lanterns in various shapes, sizes and colors honors tradition and gets everyone in a festive spirit. Hang them all around the house; carry them in a lantern parade; or float them on water. Their gentle glow creates a magical atmosphere.
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Read books.
Reading books is an excellent way to teach children the meanings behind the Moon Festival traditions.
Book Recommendations:
- Our Moon Festival by Yobe Qiu (ages 4-8)
- A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin (ages 4-8)
- All Four Quarters of the Moon by Shirley Marr (ages 8-12)
