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Mid-Autumn Festival: A Heart filled of Longing
Submitted by Jehleen Zheng What do you do when you miss someone? Whether it be a family member, aloved one, or a friend, what do you do to express your wish that they were by yourside? The Mid-Autumn Festival carries a deeper sense of purpose rather than just themooncake feasting traditions. The festival is also about reuniting with family members,gazing at the moon and engaging in festivities together. It’s only during thesehomecoming festivals that people are able to truly reflect on how much they miss theirloved ones. In Chinese culture, the bond between parents and children is regarded as one ofthe most noble feelings ever existed in the social system.…
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The Love Story of Hou Yi and Chang’e – A Mid-Autumn Moon Legend
Submitted by Julia Sayco Since ancient times, the Mid-autumn Moon Festival, a celebration of spiritual growth and change, has become an endearing part of the lives of many families in Southeast Asia. Both children and adults are enriched through a sense of unity and love by honoring the full-harvest moon and its nourishing light. In relation to what many consider as an “American Thanksgiving,” this time frame centralizes the importance of gathering together through recognition of the seasonal harvest. While the holiday is well-known for its countless festivities, familial customs, and cultural traditions including the eating of fluffy mooncakes, the lighting of lanterns, and the peaceful viewing of the flowing…
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WOMEN IN MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL AMID COVID-19: A “BREAK” FROM TRADITION
Submitted by Maeve Nguyen Ten months into 2020 and we still need to remind ourselves on a daily basis that this is an unprecedented time in the history of human beings. Never before have any of us imagined that we would spend most of our celebrations, festivals, and parties, if there is any, alone or with just a few close family members. With no more big gatherings, what is the purpose of festivities? More importantly, what do we do now? The Mid-Autumn Festival, otherwise known as the Moon Festival or the Mooncake Festival, is one of the most important and age-old festivals in East and South Asia, dating back to…
