The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at its brightest and fullest. The festival has been celebrated for thousands of years and symbolises family reunion, gratitude and prosperity.
In 2025, Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Monday 6th October.
Historical origins of the festival
The roots of the Mid-Autumn Festival go back to ancient times, when people were closely connected to agriculture and nature. Autumn marked the end of hard work in the fields and the arrival of a plentiful harvest. Villagers would offer sacrifices to the moon, giving thanks for abundance and praying for happiness in the year ahead.
During the Zhou dynasty (11th century BC – 256 BC), official rituals of moon worship were already established. Later, under the Tang (618 AD – 907 AD) and Song (960 AD – 1279 AD) dynasties, emperors hosted grand ceremonies filled with music, dance and feasts. Over the time, these practices spread among ordinary people, shaping the festival as it is known today.
In Chinese culture, the moon has long been a symbol of unity, harmony and completeness. This is why the Mid-Autumn Festival is so strongly associated with family gatherings and togetherness.
Family traditions and the symbolism of the moon
For many Chinese families, the Mid-Autumn Festival is an occasion to reunite – much like Christmas or Thanksgiving in the West. People often travel long distances to spend the holiday with their loved ones.
One of the most cherished traditions is gazing at the full moon. The brighter and rounder the moon appears, the more harmony and good fortune it is believed to bring. In many cities, communities gather in parks, squares or riversides to admire the night sky together.
Mooncakes – the sweet symbol of the festival
Perhaps the most recognisable feature of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the mooncake. These round pastries are traditionally filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or even salted egg yolk. Their circular shape symbolises the full moon and the unity of the family.
Sharing mooncakes carries a deep meaning – each cake represents a piece of the moon, reinforcing the idea of togetherness. Today, mooncakes are also exchanged as gifts among friends, colleagues and relatives, often presented in specially designed boxes.
Lantern festivals and a festive atmosphere
Across China, the Mid-Autumn Festival brings streets and squares to life with vibrant lanterns. Shaped like animals, flowers or mythical creatures, lanterns light up towns and villages, creating a magical atmosphere. Children proudly carry them in the evenings, while adults enjoy the spectacle of lantern displays.
In some regions, the celebrations are enhanced with lion and dragon dances, fireworks and traditional performances, making the festival both a cultural and communal event.
The legend of Chang’e – the goddess of the moon
No Mid-Autumn Festival would be complete without the famous legend of Chang’e, the goddess of the moon. According to the myth, her husband Hou Yi (famous for shooting down the nine suns and saving people from extreme heat) was given an elixir of immortality. To protect the elixir from thieves, Chang’e drank it herself and ascended to the moon, where she remains to this day. On the night of the festival, people gaze at the full moon in the hope of catching a glimpse of her.
Conclusion
The Mid-Autumn Festival beautifully weaves together history, myth and family values. It is more than a seasonal celebration – it is a moment of gratitude, reunion and joy. Whether through admiring the full moon, sharing mooncakes or enjoying the glow of lanterns, the festival remains deeply rooted in Chinese culture and continues to thrive in modern life.
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