As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, we are excited to join in the celebrations of this cherished tradition. This festival, known for its bright full moon and the sharing of mooncakes, symbolizes reunion, harmony, and prosperity. In observance of this festive season, we would like to inform you of our holiday schedule.
Holiday Period:
Start Date: September 15, 2024 (Sunday)
End Date: September 17, 2024 (Tuesday)
Our offices will be closed during these dates. We will resume normal operations on September 18, 2024 (Wednesday).
More about Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
As the bright harvest moon lights up the night sky, families across the globe come together to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most cherished traditions in Chinese culture. This festival, which falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, symbolizes reunion, harmony, and abundance.
The Significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, has deep cultural and historical roots. It is celebrated to honor the harvest and to pay tribute to the moon goddess, Chang’e. According to legend, Chang’e consumed an elixir of immortality and ascended to the moon, where she resides with a jade rabbit who pounds herbs for eternal life. This story enriches the festival with a sense of mysticism and reverence for the moon.
Traditions and Customs
Mooncakes: No Mid-Autumn Festival is complete without mooncakes. These round pastries symbolize completeness and unity. They come in various flavors, including traditional lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk, as well as modern variations like chocolate and green tea. Sharing mooncakes with family and friends is a central tradition, embodying the spirit of togetherness.
Moon Gazing: On the night of the festival, families often gather outdoors to admire the full moon. Moon gazing is not just about appreciating the moon’s beauty but also about reflecting on the year’s achievements and expressing wishes for the future.
Lanterns: Colorful lanterns are another hallmark of the festival. These lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, often depicting animals, flowers, or characters from folklore. Children enjoy carrying lanterns and participating in lantern parades, which add a festive atmosphere to the celebration.
Family Reunions: The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions. Families make it a priority to come together, share meals, and celebrate their unity. For those who are far from home, the festival is a poignant reminder of the importance of family and home.