China's Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most well known and celebrated holidays in the East. This is also popularly observed across Asia, including Japan, Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.
With the title of this festival taking different names, all countries celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival on the same day, with 2022's installment taking place on September 10th.
How is it set up?
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls in line with the 15th date of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, exactly half a lunar month between t he autumn equinox.
The 8th month in the Chinese calendar puts itself directly in the middle of autumn, with the 15th day being in the middle of each month, hence the name which comes from the centre of the Chinese calendar.
How is it celebrated?
The main purpose of the Mid-Autumn Festival is to bring family members and friends together to pray for good health and happiness for the year ahead.
Since the moon is at its brightest and roundest during the festival, this has drawn up similarities to a United States tradition, Thanksgiving.
How can I join in?
Celebrations include worshipping the moon, indulging in a re-union dinner, making or carrying lanterns and the best part of all, eating mooncakes!
Sure to be a hit with the whole family, mooncakes are a staple of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Their round shape and sweet taste symbolise the sweetness and wholeness that the festival brings to friends and family.
The best time to eat these bites of goodness is right after dinner, whilst watching the moon!
A full moon is the sentimental symbol of a family reunion whilst celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
It is common for Chinese families to consume mooncakes outside whilst watching the moon. This also gives the opportunity for parents to tell stories to their children, inspiring them for the coming years.
What herbs can I use in mooncakes?
Mooncakes are a versatile food which can be filled with a variety of tasty, herbal goodness.
Check out our favourite fillings below:
Dried Red Adzuki Beans 红豆 (Hong Dou)
Dried Hawthorn Berries 山楂 (Shan Zha)
Dried Lotus Seeds 莲子白 (Bai Lian Zi)
Dried Goji Berries 枸杞子 (Gou Qi Zi/Wolf Berries)
Summary
Now that you've got a great insight into the Mid-Autumn Festival, get ready to indulge in a world of mooncakes!
For any further queries regarding the Mid-Autumn Festival 2022 or any of our products, please email info@vitaherbalnutrition.com and we'll be happy to help.