The festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, around the time of the autumn equinox. As in other 15th day of the lunar month, during the mid-autumn festival, the Moon is full and round and noticeable brighter.
Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Moon Cake Festival. All family members will get together on this special day. 家 好 月 圓 庆 中 秋
This day was also considered a harvest festival where foods are abundance. Food offerings were placed on an altar set up in the courtyard. The moon cakes, water caltrope (aka trapa bicornis, a type of water chestnut resembling buffalo horns or a bat), pamelos and ‘mini’ yam are amongst the ‘sure have’.
Traditionally, lanterns of various designs, shapes and sizes will be lighted and at times paraded. Homes of Chinese families and streets will be illuminated with the soft glow of lanterns.
Legend
During the time when China was ruled by the Mongolian, the Chinese rebels were planning to overthrow the Mongols. War strategy and messages outlining the attack were implanted into the moon cakes and smuggled/distributed to the leaders of the rebellion. On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully overthrew the Mongols. Hence, the moon cake festival is celebrated annually to commemorate the victory.
The saying goes
Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Moon Cake Festival. All family members will get together on this special day. 家 好 月 圓 庆 中 秋
This day was also considered a harvest festival where foods are abundance. Food offerings were placed on an altar set up in the courtyard. The moon cakes, water caltrope (aka trapa bicornis, a type of water chestnut resembling buffalo horns or a bat), pamelos and ‘mini’ yam are amongst the ‘sure have’.
Traditionally, lanterns of various designs, shapes and sizes will be lighted and at times paraded. Homes of Chinese families and streets will be illuminated with the soft glow of lanterns.
Legend
During the time when China was ruled by the Mongolian, the Chinese rebels were planning to overthrow the Mongols. War strategy and messages outlining the attack were implanted into the moon cakes and smuggled/distributed to the leaders of the rebellion. On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully overthrew the Mongols. Hence, the moon cake festival is celebrated annually to commemorate the victory.
The saying goes
家 好 月 圓 庆 中 秋
(Harmonious family gathering to celebrate Mid-Autumn)
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