6 Things You Need to Know About Mid-Autumn Festival

文摘   2024-09-05 18:43   巴西  


The Mid-Autumn Festival is almost here, and the excitement of enjoying delicious mooncakes and traditional activities is growing! 🥮 Before you join in the fun, here are the key things to know about one of China's most important and beloved festivals.


6 Things to Know About

Mid-Autumn Festival

              



01. The Festival's Name

The Mid-Autumn Festival, known as Zhōngqiū Jié (中秋节) in Chinese, is a significant celebration in Chinese culture. It takes place when the full moon is at its brightest, which is why it's often called the "Moon Festival."



中秋节
Zhōngqiū Jié
Mid-Autumn Festival


02. The Legend Behind the Festival

You might have heard from your Chinese friends about Chang'e, or the Moon Goddess, who "lives on the moon".

According to legend, Chang'e swallowed an elixir of immortality meant for her husband, Hou Yi, a heroic archer. After taking the elixir, she ascended to the Moon, where she became an immortal goddess.



// Picture source: 百度百科
嫦娥
Cháng'é
Chang'e, the Moon Goddess

The story of Chang'e is closely tied to the Mid-Autumn Festival, as some versions say she flew to the Moon on the very day the festival is celebrated.


03. When is the Festival Celebrated?


Zhōngqiū Jié (中秋节) is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar when the moon is at its fullest. 🌕 In 2024, the festival falls on Tuesday, September 17th.


 



04. Moon Appreciation


The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions, much like Thanksgiving in the West. Families gather to share meals, enjoy mooncakes, and spend time together under the full moon.


赏月

shǎng yuè

to admire the full moon 


05. Lantern Riddles


Guessing riddles on hanging lanterns is one of the traditional activities Chinese people do during the Mid-Autumn festival.




灯谜

dēngmí 

lantern(s)


猜灯谜

cāi dēngmí 

to guess riddles on hanging lanterns



06. What is a Mooncake?


Sharing and eating mooncakes (月饼 yuèbǐng) is the most iconic way to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round treats resemble the full moon, symbolize unity, and are often shared among family and friends.


 


月饼

yuèbǐng

mooncake(s)


There is a variety of different flavors - egg yolk, bean paste, or meat. You can find them in any shop at this time of the year.


🤓 Did you know?

People from the North of China eat one whole mooncake per person. People from the South prefer to share the mooncake with family and friends.


Take it Further!

    

Come and learn how to make mooncakes at the Snowy Mooncake Making Workshop! 🥮

⏰ Friday, September 13, 19:00
📍 That's Mandarin Beijing & Shanghai

To join the event, sign up by scanning the QR code on the poster:

Now you've uncovered the rich significance behind the Mid-Autumn Festival traditions! We extend our warmest wishes for a meaningful and family-oriented 中秋节 (Zhōngqiū Jié)!


🥮🍂


中秋节快乐!

Zhōngqiū Jié Kuàilè!


中秋节 (Zhōngqiū Jié) • Mid-Autumn Festival

快乐 (kuàilè) • happy; merry; joyful; cheerful


Practice with Teachers

              

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