As a parent or teacher, you know the importance of celebrating culture and tradition. What better way to do that than by introducing your kids to the Mid-Autumn Festival?
This traditional Chinese celebration takes place in late summer or early autumn and is one of the most important holidays for many families. It’s full of bright colors, tasty treats, family time, and an opportunity to learn more about this colorful holiday. Read on for ideas on how you can make special memories with your kids while honoring this age-old tradition!
I am always looking for great ways to integrate culture into our home and our learning. This past weekend is a good example. Based on the Chinese Calendar, Sunday, September 30th was the Moon Festival.
I love the idea of a Harvest Festival, generally. What a wonderful way to celebrate the Earth! I am kicking myself for not getting an image of the moon last night. It was nothing short of out of this world.
What is Mid-Autumn Festival?
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which usually falls in September or early October on the Gregorian calendar. It is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture and is also observed in various East Asian countries.
The festival’s origins date back over 3,000 years to ancient China when people worshipped the moon and celebrated the bountiful harvest. The festival holds significance as it coincides with the autumn equinox, a time when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest.
One of the central themes of the Mid-Autumn Festival is family reunion and togetherness. It is customary for families to gather and share a meal, often enjoying mooncakes, a traditional pastry that symbolizes unity and completeness. Mooncakes are typically round or square pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks.
In addition to feasting, various customs, and activities are associated with the festival. These include:
- Moon Gazing: On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, people go outside to admire the full moon, which is considered a symbol of beauty, brightness, and unity. It is believed that the moon is at its brightest and roundest during this time.
- Lanterns: Colorful lanterns, often shaped like animals, flowers, or traditional symbols, are lit and displayed during the festival. Lantern processions and lantern riddles are common activities, where people solve riddles written on lanterns.
- Dragon and Lion Dances: Festive dragon and lion dances are performed, accompanied by music and drums, to bring good luck and fortune. These lively performances are believed to ward off evil spirits.
- Tea Appreciation: In some regions, tea ceremonies and tea appreciation gatherings are held during the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is an opportunity to showcase and savor different types of tea while enjoying the company of friends and family.
- Cultural Performances: Traditional Chinese performances such as folk dances, martial arts demonstrations, and storytelling are organized to entertain the crowds and promote cultural heritage.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only celebrated within families but also within communities and among friends. It serves as a time for expressing gratitude for the harvest, honoring ancestors, and cherishing relationships.
While the festival has deep cultural roots in Chinese traditions, it has also become a time for people from various cultural backgrounds to appreciate the customs, exchange greetings, and celebrate the beauty of the moon together.
Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with Kids
We read a book…
We drove to the International District in Seattle where we bought a Buddha and a set of Lantern lights for the boys’ quiet corner.
Then we went to a reputable Chinese Bakery to try Moon Cake. Then we checked out China on our world map and built an outline of China with our wooden Chinese blocks.
This week we are creating a resist Chinese flag. We read Amy Tan’s The Moon Lady, a perfect book to celebrate and learn about the Moon Festival.
We also learned about the phases of the moon with these Montessori 3-part cards and this amazing moon laminated poster from Safari Ltd.
We also learned random facts from the boys’ Mandarin teacher that in China people get 8 days paid vacation off and the government eliminates all highway tolls (which translates into major traffic jams).
Here is a wonderful post from Little Passports about the Mid-Autumn Festival equipped with activities and more. This post inspired us!
Thanks for reading…
Marnie