The great Qiantang Tide in Haining of Zhejiang, which is a spectacular natural wonder, boasts a tidal range of about 8.5 meters, from the 15th day to the 20th day of the 8th lunar month. The custom dates back to the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), and the activity enjoyed great popularity during the Song dynasty (960-1279). The In Zhejiang Province in the east of China, watching the tidal bore ranks as a great event in celebration of the Moon Festival. When dragon dances are held on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the dragon’s body is illuminated from within by lanterns or candles. By moving the poles, the dancers can make the dragon sway and weave. Traditional lion dances and dragon are an important part of many Chinese cultural and religious celebrations.Ī team of dancers carries a long dragon on poles. Image Source : /2018/09/mid-autumn-festival-gardens-by-the-bay-2018 It is said that the higher the lanterns are hung, the luckier the family will be.Įvery year, lantern carnivals and exhibitions are held in parks and other public places, during which lanterns of various colors, patterns and styles are on display. When darkness falls, locals place candles inside the lanterns and hang them outside. Children are particularly fond of making their own traditional lanterns. One of the interesting Mid-Autumn Festival customs is hanging up lanterns, made from bamboo strips shaped like fruit and birds. Light and Display Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Never mind, choose China Travel and free moon cakes will be awaiting you!Ĥ. A cup of Chinese tea or osmanthus-flavored wine along with moon cakes is a match made in heaven.Īs early as August, moon cakes, some of which are overpriced, start to appear on the shelves of local bakeries. The tradition of moon cakes can be traced back to the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279 BC), eve though, at that time, the moon cakes were not round.Ĭhinese moon cakes are small baked cakes, made with a variety of fillings like salted duck eggs, bean paste, lotus seeds, fruit, and sometimes even meat. The cakes, typically round, symbolizing the full moon, are presented as gifts to acquaintances and friends. Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Moon Cake Festival. Besides, round foods like moon cakes also feature in the festival dishes. Pumpkins, chestnuts, taro, persimmons, sweet potato, walnuts, and mushrooms usually feature in the festival feast, emphasizing the bounty of the fall harvest, along with traditional celebratory foods like crab, pork, and duck. And the traditional way to enjoy this time is by sharing a fantastic meal together. This is much like Thanksgiving in the United States. During the festival, family members, no matter how far from home, will try their best to go back home and get together with their parents and extended family. Good places for appreciating the moon are parks and squares.Īttending a grand family dinner is not a part of daily life for most Chinese. In the modern world, after a family reunion dinner, some people choose to go outdoors to appreciate the moon on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Gazing at the Moon is an ancient tradition dating back to the Zhou dynasty (around 500 BC), when people held ceremonies to welcome the full moon. Do what Chinese people do, to explore the broad and profound Chinese culture!Ī bright, full moon is the symbol of family reunion, reminding people of their home towns and loved ones. Mid-Autumn celebrations usually last for three days in China. Here’s how you can slow life down to enjoy the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival during your tour of China. Besides, ethnic minorities across China have their own unique customs. The most common traditions for the festival are eating moon cakes and gazing at the moon. Mid-Autumn Festival traditions focus on the theme of thanksgiving and reunion, as the full moon symbolizes unity, which should resonate strongly in today’s fast-paced world.
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