How old is the moon Festival?

3,000 years
The history of the Mid-Autumn Festival dates back over 3,000 years. The festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar with a full moon at night, corresponding to mid-September to early October of the Gregorian calendar.

What are the basic facts of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival?

11 Mid-Autumn Festival Facts You Should Know

  • The date of Mid-Autumn Festival changes every year.
  • The 3-day public holiday is a travel peak.
  • Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important festival in China, only after the Chinese New Year.
  • Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunion.
  • It is all about the moon.

What is special about mooncakes?

Mooncakes Symbolize Family Reunion In Chinese culture, roundness symbolizes completeness and togetherness. A full moon symbolizes prosperity and reunion for the whole family. Round mooncakes complement the harvest moon in the night sky at the Mid-Autumn Festival. The mooncake is not just a food.

Who created the moon Festival?

Zhou Dynasty
The early form of the Mid-Autumn Festival was derived from the custom of moon worship during the Zhou Dynasty over 3,000 years ago. In ancient China, most emperors worshiped the moon annually. Then the custom was accepted by the masses and became more and more popular over time.

Why is the moon festival important?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is also called the Moon Festival or the Mooncake Festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important festival in China after Chinese New Year. Chinese people celebrate it by gathering for dinners, worshiping the moon, lighting paper lanterns, eating mooncakes, etc.

Which countries celebrate moon festivals?

It is celebrated in mainland China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and other Asian countries, and by ethnic Chinese worldwide, including here in Australia.

Why is Moon Festival significant?

The day of the Mid-autumn Festival is traditionally thought to be auspicious for weddings, as the moon goddess is believed to extend conjugal bliss to couples. The festival started more than 2,000 years ago as a post-autumn harvest celebration, which was devoted to thanking the gods.

How do you celebrate the moon festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important festival in China after Chinese New Year. Chinese people celebrate it by gathering for dinners, worshiping the moon, lighting paper lanterns, eating mooncakes, etc.

How long do moon cakes last?

How long can mooncakes last in the fridge? Traditional white lotus skin mooncakes with an anti-moisture sachet can last up to 30 days, if well-kept in an airtight container. Other mooncakes, such as the Teochew Yam Mooncake, should best not be stored for more than 7 days after purchasing.

What is the legend of the moon festival?

The central legend associated with Mid-Autumn Festival concerns the goddess Chang’e. Chang’e, determined to keep it out of Feng’s hands, drank the potion and ascended to the heavens, where she took the moon as her home. It is said that, to this day, those who look hard enough can see Chang’e’s likeness in the moon.

What does the moon festival symbolize?

Ancient Chinese emperors traditionally used the Mid-Autumn Festival to pray for the harvest, fine weather and peace for the country. Because the harvest was tied to the moon cycle, the festival is meant to take place when the moon is at its fullest.

What are some interesting facts about the Moon Cake Festival?

8 interesting facts about the Moon Cake Festival. 8 interesting facts about the Moon Cake Festival: It falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese Han calendar. Contrary to popular belief the Mid-Autumn Festival does not always occur on a full moon. The Chinese lunar calendar does not coincide perfectly with the cycles of the moon.

Why is the Chinese Moon Festival so important?

Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese Moon Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It’s one of the most important traditional events for the Chinese. The Moon Festival is rooted in many different myths. Legend traces the story to a hero named Hou Yi, who lived during a time when there were 10 suns in the sky.

Is the Mid Autumn Festival always on a full moon?

Contrary to popular belief the Mid-Autumn Festival does not always occur on a full moon. The Chinese lunar calendar does not coincide perfectly with the cycles of the moon. In ancient times, the Mid-Autumn Festival was the second Chinese “Valentine’s Day”, alongside the Double Seventh Festival (this usually falls in August).

What happens during the celebration of the full moon?

What Happens During the Celebration. The Moon Festival is also an occasion for family reunions. When the full moon rises, families get together to watch the full moon, eat moon cakes and sing moon poems. Together, the full moon, the legend, the family gatherings and the poems recited during the event make the festival a great cultural observance.