The Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on the 24th of September this year, is an important date in the Chinese calendar, second only to Chinese New Year. It is widely celebrated alongside family as an occasion for reunions (团员) where they gather to enjoy mooncakes (月饼) and admire the full moon (赏月), both symbols of unity and harmony. Mooncakes are sweet pastries that are served cut, into small wedges and are usually accompanied by tea. Most mooncakes consist of a thin, tender p
Of the many legends in relation to Mid-Autumn Festival, the story of Chang Er flying to the moon 嫦娥奔月 (cháng é bēn yuè) is the most well-known. It is said that in ancient times there existed ten suns and the extreme heat made people's lives very difficult, ruining crops and drying rivers. A young hero named Hou Yi with his godly archery skills, shot down nine of the suns. As a reward the queen of heaven granted Hou Yi an elixir that would make him immortal. Hou Yi did not dri
Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important festival in China after Chinese New Year. The festival is always held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar (农历) when the moon is at its fullest at night. This year the festival falls on the 4th of October. Like many festivals, many legends and folklores (传说) are associated with it, adding a weave of mysticism around it. However, this festival was more of a time to give thanks and worship the Gods after a bumpe