T

he Mid-Autumn Festival – also called Moon Festival, or Mooncake Festival – is one of the most important Chinese festivals, dating back 3,000 years and celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. This year, the festival falls on September 30th. Similar to Thanksgiving in the US or Harvest Festival in Britain, this festival celebrates the end of the harvest, and is observed in many countries outside China, including Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

As with many Chinese festivals, the Mid-Autumn Festival is an opportunity for families to retell legends, and these stories are far more interesting and unusual than ones involving a simple harvest. While the details can dif fer depending on the storyteller, most involve an archer named Houyi, the love of his life, Chang’e, and a legendary emperor. One popular version goes like this:

Once upon a time, around 2170 BC some say, ten burning suns mysteriously appeared in the sky, scorching the earth and killing many people. At the Emperor’s request, a skilled archer named Houyi shot down nine of the suns, saving the rest of the people. Safe for the moment, the people were worried that some day the suns might reappear. They worried that Houyi – a mortal man – might not be around to help them again. So the people begged the Emperor to grant Houyi immortality. The Emperor gave Houyi a magical, glowing pill that would make him immortal, but also strict instructions not to take the pill right away. Houyi followed his instructions and hid the pill at home. But one day when she noticed its strange glow, his wife Chang’e discovered the pill and swallowed it. She then foated up to the moon, where she has lived ever since.

Over the centuries, the harvest celebration and traditional legends have intermingled, resulting in traditions that all celebrate the moon. Each year, Chinese families gather to admire the bright moon and eat mooncakes. Hanging paper lanterns with burning candles inside bring a festive ambiance to the celebration.

This month’s Mid-Autumn Festival presents a great opportunity for you and your kids to learn about an important Chinese celebration.

harvest moon

Celebrate!

Even if you won’t be celebrating with your extended family, you can still enjoy the festival.

1. Try mooncakes. Multiple varieties are on offer at shops throughout Hong Kong. While the traditional favours – egg yolks and lotus seeds – might not appeal to all Western palates, Häagen-Dazs and Starbucks offer modern, sweeter varieties.

2. See the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. Over three days, 300 performers create a spectacle of fre and smoke.

3. Enjoy the lantern festival. Lantern displays will delight throughout the city, but the grandest of all will be at Victoria Park.

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