What is Mid-Autumn Festival? Exploring the Origins and Significance of Mid-Autumn Activities

The tradition of Mid-Autumn Festival is an indispensable part of the culture and spirit of unity among the Vietnamese people and many other nations. So, what is Mid-Autumn Festival? What is the origin of Mid-Autumn Festival? These might be questions that many people are pondering, seeking answers. Let's delve into the origin and colorful significance of this meaningful festival together with Mytour.

What is the Mid-Autumn Festival Day?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the significant festivals in East Asian culture, especially in Vietnam and many other Asian countries. It usually takes place in autumn, around the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, roughly in September of the Gregorian calendar.

This is a time for family gatherings, enjoying a harmonious atmosphere, and expressing gratitude to ancestors. This day is also considered the festival for children, with various activities and special celebrations to bring joy to them. Let's explore the origin and meaning of Mid-Autumn Festival with Mytour below:

Origins of Mid-Autumn Festival

According to an ancient legend, the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival is linked to the Tang Dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Wen Ming era. The story goes that on the full moon night of the eighth month, with a bright moon and cool breeze, the king encountered an old man with snow-white hair, who was, in fact, a celestial being. This celestial being created a rainbow connecting the earth to the moon, allowing the king to climb up and explore the Palace of the Moon. After this experience, the king decided to organize the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Since that moment, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been introduced to Vietnam and become an integral part of folk culture. On this day, various activities are organized, such as displaying moon-shaped cakes, hanging flower-decorated lanterns, lion dances, and singing. Children participate in lantern processions, and many places hold lantern contests. Families typically set up a special table for children, featuring a scholar's figurine placed at the highest position, alongside fruits and flowers.

The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival also has other aspects. Archaeologists believe that the festival existed in ancient times and was recorded on the Ngoc Lu bronze drum surface. According to the 1121 inscriptions on the Doi Pagoda stele, during the Ly dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival became an official celebration in Thang Long capital with activities such as boat racing, water puppetry, and lantern processions.

Significance of Mid-Autumn Festival

What does Mid-Autumn Festival symbolize? Throughout millennia, humans have perceived a special connection between life and the moon. The full moon and the crescent moon, joy and sorrow, reunions and farewells - all are symbolized through the moon. Hence, the full moon becomes a symbol of togetherness, and Mid-Autumn Festival is known as the reunion festival.

On this day, according to Vietnamese tradition, every family member desires to gather, create an ancestral altar, and share a meal together. As the night sky descends, the earth shines under the golden moonlight, entire villages come together to understand the significance of green tea, savor mooncakes, admire the sparkling moon, and arrange fruits and candies to gift to playing children. This is the time for lantern processions, lion dances, moon gazing, and arranging traditional offerings.

Traditional Mid-Autumn Festival Activities

What are the activities of Mid-Autumn Festival? A colorful and joyful traditional day celebrated by the people of Vietnam and many Asian countries to commemorate ancestors, express gratitude, and bring joy to children. Below are some traditional activities related to Mid-Autumn Festival customs that are commonly performed:

Lantern Procession

The excitement and anticipation of young children are always evident on their faces as the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches. Every household proudly prepares beautiful lanterns for the children, and kids are taught to dance and sing, ready to welcome this special festival.

There are joyful activities and vibrant competitions organized both at schools and within families. Adults are also filled with excitement and anticipation, ready to participate in the warm atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Together, they break the traditional feast, join lantern processions, and create a space full of warmth, unity, and happiness.

Lion Dance

Throughout neighborhoods, villages, and even bustling urban streets, the lively beats of drums and the colorful presence of lion dances enliven the surroundings. Typically, lion dance performances take place on the 14th day and the nights of the 15th and 16th of the lunar eighth month.

Mid-Autumn Feast Display

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, every Vietnamese family presents a special and beautiful feast with a variety of fruits such as mooncakes, candies, pomelos, persimmons, watermelons, apples, pomegranates, and various other fruits. The arrangement and decoration of the feast often vary depending on each family's preferences.

Typically, the Mid-Autumn Feast features a central attraction, a dog crafted from pumpkin seeds, with a pair of black beans forming bright, sparkling eyes. Surrounding it, various types of mooncakes and sticky rice cakes are shaped into adorable mother pig and piglet figures or carp shapes. Additionally, the feast is adorned with an array of delicious fresh fruits, creating a vibrant tableau of traditional colors and flavors.

Creating Mid-Autumn Toys

As Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, across neighborhoods, you can witness numerous Mid-Autumn toys on display. However, it's not just about shopping; many people also craft unique toys to make the festival more exciting for children.

There are various popular Mid-Autumn toys, including masks, star lanterns, lion heads, and many others. In Vietnam, Tuyen Quang province is renowned for creating giant Mid-Autumn lanterns. Starting from May and June, neighborhood groups begin preparing for the full moon festival by crafting toy models with diverse shapes, sizes, and vividness, creating a particularly enticing allure. It is anticipated that up to 90 lantern models will be showcased this year (2022).

Other Names for Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival is known by various names depending on the country and region. Below are some common names for this day:

Children's Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Children's Festival, is a special day dedicated to children for them to enjoy and participate in meaningful activities. Today, Mid-Autumn Festival has become an eagerly awaited celebration for children, while adults are often busy with daily life.

On this day, children across the country take part in cultural performances, singing, or engaging in traditional games. They have the opportunity to enjoy grand lion and dragon dances on the streets and at youth cultural centers.

Family Reunion Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival is often referred to as the 'Family Reunion Festival,' a common name reflecting the significance of family unity. During these festive days, family members come together, savoring the peaceful atmosphere of Mid-Autumn Festival. They gather around a table filled with various treats, enjoying the joyful laughter of children.

Nothing compares to the precious moments of family reunion, witnessing children play in the backyard with sparkling lanterns. Every childhood memory seems to come back to us in this special moment. Hence, the name 'Family Reunion Festival' was coined to express the spirit of unity and mutual affection of this celebration.

Lantern Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival in China is often combined with an exciting activity - releasing sky lanterns. On this day, not only hanging lanterns in front of houses but also releasing lanterns shaped like flower lanterns into the sky or floating on the water. These lanterns often contain wishes and prayers of participants, illuminated by candles.

In some places, sky lanterns are released, symbolizing prayers to gods and celestial beings. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the term 'Lantern Festival' may not be as common as other names, but there are localities organizing lantern releasing activities on lakes or rivers, attracting the attention of many participants and spectators. Lantern Festival is not only part of the Mid-Autumn Festival but also an opportunity for people to express respect and hope for the future.

Moon Gazing Festival

'Moon Gazing Festival' is often used to describe moon-watching activities in rural areas, where the moon shines brilliantly from any point. During this occasion, people often arrange fruit feasts and decorate them into beautiful shapes like a dog made from pomelo, especially mooncakes.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is the time when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, bringing family members together to enjoy this spectacle, immerse in the spirit of the Mid-Autumn season, and share a festive feast. Due to the brightness and beauty of the moon during this time, the Mid-Autumn Festival customs are also known as the 'Moon Gazing Festival.'

Through the article 'What is Mid-Autumn Festival? The origin and meaningful customs of this festival,' it is evident that the Mid-Autumn Festival is not just a traditional celebration but also a significant occasion to commemorate familial bonds and keep the flame of love alive within the family. It symbolizes community solidarity and honors the beautiful cultural values.

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