Mid-Autumn Festival Customs: Eating Mooncakes, Drinking Tea, and Carrying Lanterns
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is an important Chinese tradition with a long history. This festival typically falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. There are several distinctive customs associated with this festival, and here are three of the main ones:
1. Eating Mooncakes
One of the iconic customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival is making and sharing mooncakes. Mooncakes are round pastries filled with various flavors such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolk. The round shape of mooncakes symbolizes reunion, and the salted egg yolk represents the full moon. Many families use traditional wooden mooncake molds to craft these delectable treats. Mooncake making at home is not only a labor of love but also a way to pass down cherished recipes through generations. It's a perfect opportunity to use your wooden mooncake mold and share the homemade mooncakes with loved ones.
2. Tea Drinking and Moon watching
Another significant tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the custom of drinking tea and admiring the moon outdoors. People bring their favorite tea leaves and tea sets, finding a comfortable spot to appreciate the moon's beauty while sipping on various tea blends. This custom emphasizes gratitude toward nature and family, providing a serene moment to enjoy the bright full moon.
3. Carrying Lanterns
Kids carry lanterns during Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, making the night even more colorful. These lanterns come in various shapes and sizes and are illuminated with candles or LED lights. The tradition of carrying lanterns dates back to ancient times and symbolizes light and happiness, adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion. Carrying lanterns can be a delightful DIY project for families, creating unique lantern designs together.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is an essential cultural holiday, and these customs emphasize the values of family reunion, gratitude toward nature, and respect for tradition. Whether it's crafting homemade mooncakes using a wooden mooncake mold, enjoying a tea ceremony while admiring the moon, or carrying lanterns to illuminate the night, these customs are integral parts of Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations and reflect the rich cultural heritage of China.
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