Moon cake celebration, or the Mid-Autumn festival, is one of the most important and interesting cultural events in the world. This is a long-standing customary celebration connected to Eastern religions and beliefs. Giving thanks to the gods and ancestors has significance not only for the strengthening of family ties but also for other purposes.
In this article, let’s explore the meaning of Moon cake celebration and their extremely unique traditions and activities from different cultures around the world.
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Meaning of The Moon Cake Celebration
On the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is at its roundest and brightest, the Moon Cake Celebration take place. The full moon represents reunion in Chinese culture, enabling people to get together with their families for festivities. Together, they observed and worshipped the moon, had a reunion dinner, and even split a moon cake to commemorate their reunion. Cultural festivals may differ from nation to nation, but they always express gratitude for the harvest season and the unity of family members.
The festival was first observed to honor the moon goddess Chang’e more than 3,000 years ago, during the Shang Dynasty in China. Like China, Vietnam also has a legendary tale about Uncle Cuoi and Hang Nga. It mostly signifies reuniting with loved ones and giving thanks to the gods in Thai, Korean, Japanese, and other cultures.
Popular Traditions During Moon Cake Celebration
Despite cultural differences, there are some commonalities among the ways that Mid-Autumn Festivals are organized and celebrated across nations. The whole family still spends most of its time together, conversing, sipping tea, eating mooncakes, carrying lanterns, watching lion dances, etc. The typical customs for the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration are introduced below.
- Worship The Moon
This custom dates back three millennia. People make wishes, offer incense, bow to the moon, and set a table with mooncakes and other sacrifices towards it during this night. The families will then divide up the sacrifices.
- Enjoy Family Reunion Dinner
The interesting fact is that the Moon cake celebration is also known as the Reunion Day. Therefore, gathering the whole family together to eat a meal is a precious custom passed down and preserved for many generations.
- Eat Moon Cake
Mooncake consumption started during the Yuan Dynasty when people hid messages inside of them to rebel against the Mongols.
Mooncakes are traditionally served steamed without any filling; flavor-infused cakes weren’t introduced until the early 1800s. These days, the treat is dense, flaky, and filled with a variety of ingredients. Mooncakes are usually cut into eight pieces before consumption, with the symbolic meaning being unity and harmony. These sweets usually include a salted duck egg yolk inside, symbolizing the moon.
- Moon Gazing
The family will all share mooncakes, tea, and moon-watching after the main course. The Mid-Autumn moon is full and bright, and the sky is clear, making it an ideal time for the whole family to sit and take in the scenery. Members will have the chance to confide and talk about their happiness and sorrows in life during this time.
These calm and peaceful moments will help the soul feel more at ease and promote family love after a protracted period of chaos. Additionally, this is the greatest value that the Mid-Autumn Festival has to offer.
- Watch Lion dance
The Korean Mid-Autumn Festival features the Talchum mask dance and Ganggangsullae circle dance, whereas the Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese Mid-Autumn Festival features the lion and dragon dance.
- Hang Colorful Lantern
Mid-autumn festival is a special occasion when lanterns are made in different styles and colors, and hanging lanterns become an irreplaceable tradition in honor of the legendary goddess of the moon. In the past, when the sunset came, people from all walks of life gathered in an open space, carrying lanterns with them. Another popular custom is to write riddles on displayed lanterns for revelers to try to solve and get a beautiful lantern as a reward.
Moon Cake Celebration Around the World
The Mid-Autumn Festival will be different in some countries. In Vietnam, this is a festival for children. Children all over the country go to the streets to carry lanterns, play games together under the moonlight on the full moon day, and then enjoy a feast of sweets together. This activity is similar to Japan. In Thailand, this is the moon praying season, everyone releases lanterns. On Mid-Autumn Festival in Korea, people enjoy traditional games such as Juldarigi (줄다리기), Ssireum (씨름), Ganggangsullae.
Owing to regular communication with China and Chinese migration, the Mid-Autumn Festival has gained popularity abroad, particularly in Asian neighboring countries. They add their own ways of celebrating in addition to certain common practices. Here are some great examples, and you can put them on your travel list if you are going to go abroad during moon cake celebration.
- Moon Praying Ceremony In Thailand
- Japanese Lantern Parade
Japanese people also parade lanterns during “The Night of Thirteen” or “The Night of Fifteen,” but only lanterns depicting fish. Koi fish and golden fish,… are strong and courageous, among their many other admirable traits. When in the wild, koi fish typically wade downstream. Koi fish are regarded in Japan as a representation of a person’s success and strong will.
- Sing “Trống Quân” in Vietnam
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, there is a charming custom of singing military drums in the north of Vietnam. Men and women gather in groups to sing and respond to each other as a way to commemorate the full moon festival and to communicate their emotions and desire to find a compatible life partner.
- Moon Viewing at Yokohama Chinatown’s Mid-Autumn Festival
In Yokohama Chinatown, Japan, which is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. People love gathering to enjoy traditional Chinese performances, delicious food, and, of course, to appreciate the beauty of the full moon in the parks or gardens.
- Mid-Autumn Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival in Kuala Lumpur, you can expect various interesting and engaging activities and celebrations taking place in the city, particularly in areas with a strong Chinese community. In addition, colorful lanterns are often displayed in homes, shops, and public spaces. Some areas may organize lantern parades or competitions, adding a vibrant and festive atmosphere to the celebrations.
- Barbecue Under the MoonLight in Taiwan
Indeed, it is not a tradition of Taiwanese people to celebrate the Mid-autumn festival until a viral advertisement promotes local barbecue sauce. From that time, barbecue has become a must-do activity as it provides a fresh and exciting way for families and friends to come together during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
You May Also Like:
- Qingming Holiday
- How To Celebrate The Chinese Lantern Ceremony In 2024
Final Words
There are many meaningful ways to celebrate the Moon Cake festival, and whatever it is, don’t forget to spend time with your family, friends and preserve traditions.
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FAQs
What festival is the moon cake for?
Mooncakes are offered as gifts and served during family get-togethers. According to legend, the cookies originated during the Ming Dynasty and came to symbolize the full moon, which in turn stood for joyful reunions with loved ones during the Mid-autumn Festival.
What is the Moon Festival in Vietnam?
Mid-Autumn Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is also known as “Children’s Tet”. Children can participate in the lantern procession, have fun singing and celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival.
What is a Vietnamese moon cake?
Vietnamese mooncakes come in two kinds: baked cakes and sticky rice cakes. Pies and cakes are shaped like squares and circles to represent the balance between the sky and the ground. The round form of the flexible moon cake, which resembles a full moon, represents intimacy and reunion. Additionally, baked goods symbolize that despite life’s challenges, there is always someone to support and cheer you on.
Ref: Tatler Asia
