I was invited to a Moon Festival, interesting Chinese tradition
By kingparker
@kingparker (9673)
United States
September 22, 2010 8:35pm CST
Today, my friend who is a Chinese invited me to a community party called "Moon Festival". I don't have much information about this holiday, she told that usually family gather together, and enjoy and observe the beauty of this full moon, once a year around September. They do believe that there is a girl living up there in the moon with a rabbit. There is a folklore story behind it, but I guess that will be a love story.
We actually went to Chinatown to enjoy the show. They have all kind of lanterns hanging in the community center. They also have those folklore dancing programs. Although I don't understand much, but it was quite impressive. One special thing is that an old lady share her moon cake with me. Although I don't like the case, but I would appreciate her hospitality for the night.
Honestly, that is a great night, and I can observe and learn something new from the Chinese culture though.
4 responses
@choconut (297)
• Philippines
23 Sep 10
its supposed to be called "moon cake festival" it's not always in September, sometimes its in October, it really depends on where the August 15 from the lunar calendar lands in the western calendar that we all use. This festival isn't just viewing the moon, but also its about spending time with your loved ones, playing dice. You play dice and win a price depending on the value of the rolled dice.
@kingparker (9673)
• United States
23 Sep 10
Play dice? Is it more like a gambling during that night? I don't think so pal. Such tradition people wasting it on playing dice and gambling? Don't have me fool man.
@bravowoo (78)
• China
12 Oct 10
hi friend, where are you from? you really just told us a little things about the moon festival. it means that this is a big party for you. but in chinese mind, moon festival means family union and exchange ideas. on the point, i seems like the thanksgiving day?
if you know this, you undertand the spirit of the festival.
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
23 Sep 10
Chinese culture have always interested me. They tell stories about dragons and stuff and in your case, a moon girl with a rabbit. I gotta say, they have a very creative imagination.
@infatuatedbby (94921)
• United States
23 Sep 10
I am Vietnamese and a tad Chinese and I celebrate Moon Festival as well but with my family. We all gather together at a relatives house, drink tea, talk, decorate the backyard with lanterns and eat the moon cake.. in Vietnamese it is called Banh Trung Thu. I only like one type of many.. but I'm glad you got to experience Moon Festival :)
