What is the August Moon Festival?
The August Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most celebrated Chinese holidays. It is held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Chinese families celebrate the end of the harvest season with a big feast. Often, this feast includes sending mooncakes, another Chinese tradition. Friends and relatives also send mooncakes to each other as a way of giving thanks. Chinese legends say that the moon is at its brightest and roundest on this day. The moon symbolizes beauty and elegance. While Westerners worship the sun (yang or male) for its power, people in the Far East admire the moon. The moon is the ‘yin’ or female principle and it is a trusted friend. In fact, many ancient August Moon folk tales are about a moon maiden. On the 15th night of the 8th lunar moon, little children on earth can see a lady on the moon. On this magical occasion, children who make wishes to The Lady in the Moon will find their dreams come true.
