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Let Mytour guide you through the streets and uncover the unique and vibrant traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival across different Asian nations.
Vietnam – A full moon glowing with love and warmth.
Held every year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most significant celebrations for the Vietnamese people. Whether in the past or present, it is a time for hearts to come together in love and unity. Families gather in cozy settings, enjoying the refreshing autumn air under the bright, round moon, creating sacred, memorable moments.
The festival is filled with exciting customs. Children eagerly participate in lion dances, lantern processions, and traditional folk games. Everyone enjoys traditional foods, as families come together to share mooncakes, sip warm tea, and revel in the joys of the season. It's a time to reflect, unwind, and connect with loved ones after a busy period.
China – A celebration of reunion and familial warmth.
When discussing the beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival in various Asian countries, one cannot ignore China. In Chinese culture, the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important holidays, second only to the Lunar New Year. The origins of this festival are intertwined with various legends, such as the love story of Chang'e and Hou Yi or the tale of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and his consort Yang Guifei.
The emphasis on family reunions makes this a time for anyone far from home to return to their loved ones. Family members gather for a reunion meal and enjoy moon gazing, moon worship, lantern parades, lion dances, floating lanterns, and toasting with wine while solving riddles. It is a time filled with wishes for peace and blessings. Among the highlights of the festival is the mooncake, symbolizing completeness and prosperity.
South Korea – A time for reunion in the homeland.
Similar to many other agricultural nations, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a significant celebration in South Korea. Here, it is known as Chuseok (the autumn night), marking the full and most beautiful moon of the year. This festival coincides with the harvest season, when farmers offer thanks to their ancestors and deities for a bountiful crop and a prosperous life.
During this time, families come together to prepare and enjoy traditional dishes. A standout among these is Songpyeon, rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste, along with Toranguk (taro soup) and Sindoju wine. There are also meaningful activities such as visiting ancestral graves, wearing Hanbok and performing Ganggangsullae dances, tug-of-war, and wrestling competitions.
Japan – A deep sense of gratitude towards the Moon God.
Japan is known for its many activities where people gather to appreciate the beauty of nature. The Mid-Autumn Festival, called Tsukimi or Otsukimi, meaning moon gazing, is a part of the ancient Shinto belief system. It represents the people's gratitude toward the Moon God.
According to legend, during this time in Japan, the image of a rabbit standing on the moon grinding tsukimi dango is commonly seen. As a result, it is traditional for people to eat tsukimi dango rice cakes, taro, drink tea, and gaze at the moon, hoping for peace and happiness. On the full moon night of the 8th month, families gather to admire the moon, set up offerings, and enjoy traditional dishes in a solemn atmosphere. Children also parade with koi lanterns, a symbol of courage.
Looking at the countries mentioned, it’s clear that the Mid-Autumn Festival in Asia is an important and unique celebration as autumn settles in. Discover a collection of autumn tours in Asia to experience the golden season with attractive prices and exclusive deals only at Mytour.
According to Mytour.vn
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Source: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnSeptember 4, 2024
