Hello everyone,
Today is the first day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, or maybe beter known as the Chinese Moon Festival. It’s celebrated in several countries in East Asia, aswell by those who come from East Asia but live somewhere else. The festival is in honour of the moon, and it’s also the birthday of the God of Earth from the Chinese folk religion.
Every year, the Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the lunar 8th month and the 15th day. While the sentiment is mostly the same, different countries celebrate it in slightly different ways, as all Asian countries and cultures differ from each other. Here are a few ways the festival is celebrated in different countries.
China
In China, the festival is called Zhong Qiu Jie (中秋节, 中 – Middle, 秋 – Autumn, 节 - Festival). Zhong Qiu Jie is celebrated by hanging up lanterns and admiring the moon with family while eating Yue Bing (月饼 - 月 meaning Moon 饼 – Meaning Cake) mooncakes - these are circular cakes that symbolize the moon, insides filled with lotus seed paste and one or two salted duck egg yolks. The most well- known variety is from the Canton region.
In China, Zhong Qiu Jie is linked to a famous myth about Chang’e. There are many different versions of the myth, but here’s a summary of the most common story:
Chang’e was a beautiful woman who lived on Earth with her husband, Houyi. Houyi was a good archer, and he was seen as a hero. For this, he received the elixir of immortality from the Queen mother of the West. Sadly he only had one potion, and he didn’t want to consume it without Chang’e, so he gave it to her for safekeeping. One day, a student of Houyi wanted to steal the elixir. In order to protect the elixir from evil, Chang’e drank it and flew to the moon, becoming the Moon Goddess but leaving her husband behind. Houyi was heartbroken and shouted at the sky, when he caught sight of a figure looking like Chang’e. He put down cakes that Chang’e loved to show her that he thought of her. The mother of the moon was moved by their love, allowing them to see each other on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. On the other days, Chang’e is accompanied on the moon by the mythical Jade Rabbit.
South Korea
In South Korea, the festival is called Chuseok (추석) or Hangawi (한가위). It’s celebrated with big family reunions - memorial services for their ancestors called Charye (차례). Koreans eat Songpyeon (송편), which is a half-moon shaped rice cake with semi-sweet stuffing.
One of the things they like to do is Ganggangsullae (강강술래), which is a traditional circle dance. The women wear a Hanbok, a Korean traditional dress, and hold hands while singing a song in a circle. At nightime, they admire the moon where they look for the Daltokki (달토끼), the moon rabbit who is visible at the surface of the moon.
Japan
In Japan, the festival is called Tsukimi (月見), meaning ‘Looking at the moon’. While the Chinese look for the Jade rabbit and the Koreans look for Daltokki, the Japanese look for Tsuki no usagi (月のうさぎ). Tsuki no usagi is working hard on making the Japanese rice cakes called Mochi (もち).
Festivities include looking at the moon on boats, listening to music and composing poetry. The cake they eat is called Tsukimi-Dango (月見団子) - a circular rice dumpling that symbolizes happiness and health. They also eat eggs as the oval white shape is somewhat alike to the moon.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, the festival is called Tết Trung Thu, Tet Thieu Nhi, or the Children’s festival. One of the myths linked to this festival in Vietnam is about a woodsman named Chu Cuoi, who floated to the moon on a magical banyan tree. It’s said that you can see Chu Cuoi under the tree on the face of the moon. During the festival, children will hold lanterns to help Chu Cuoi with his return to Earth.
In Vietnam, mooncakes are also eaten in abundance. There are two types; Banh Nuong which are oven baked, and Banh Deo which are soti crusted.
So, as you can tell, there are many different ways to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, but it all comes down to viewing the moon, being with your loved ones and eating a lot of delicious food.
Asia is otien grouped as one country, or defined by K-pop, anime, or Chinese food, but in reality, it is filled with many diverse countries and minorities. Each country and minority has a deep culture filled with wonderful traditions, myths, traditional songs, clothes and food. Asian culture isn’t limited to what we all know from media. It’s worth it to continue exploring the riches of these cultures and countries if you’re interested in them, and to look beyond the surface of media and tourism. Talk to people from that culture in a respectiul way without making assumptions and learn from them!
We really hope you learned something new, and that you’ll maybe take the time today to view the moon with your loved ones and some snacks!
Join us in the celebrations on gSm, by chatting with us in forums from 4pm CEST and don't forget to show up in a fashionable, festive fit!中秋快乐! (Zhong Qiu Jie Kuai Le! – Happy Mid-Autumn festival!)
Lots of Love,
The Focus Group
