MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL – THE VIETNAMESE FESTIVAL OF REUNION

1. ORIGINS OF THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

• Also known as the Zhongyuan Festival or Lantern Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest.

• It is an important celebration in many Asian countries such as Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan.

• In Vietnam, the festival was influenced by Chinese culture and folklore, with legends such as:

  • Chang’e and Hou Yi

  • Emperor Tang Ming Huang visiting the moon palace

  • The tale of Uncle Cuội

• At first, it was a festival for adults to enjoy the autumn moonlight, drink tea, and eat mooncakes. Over time, it gradually became a children’s festival, thanks to customs like lantern processions and moon feasts.

2. MEANING OF THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

• For children: A joyful time to receive colorful lanterns, enjoy mooncakes, take part in processions, and feel the love and care of adults.

• For families: A chance for children to express gratitude to their grandparents and parents, while strengthening bonds of love and unity among generations.

• For society and agricultural culture: A time to give thanks for favorable weather and abundant harvests, as well as to build connections within communities and villages.

3. HIGHLIGHTED ACTIVITIES DURING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

3.1. LION DANCE

• The lion dance is a traditional performance symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.

• Teams of dancers bring energy, color, and joy to neighborhoods, schools, and communal spaces, especially loved by children.

3.2. LANTERN PROCESSION

• “Carrying lanterns in the Mid-Autumn night…” – a song that echoes the childhood of every Vietnamese.

• Lanterns, traditionally made from bamboo, paper, or fabric, glow brightly with candles, symbolizing children’s joy and dreams under the full moon.

3.3. EXCHANGING GIFTS

• Families and friends exchange mooncakes, candies, lanterns, and fruit baskets as tokens of love, gratitude, and appreciation.

• Gift-giving strengthens emotional bonds and adds warmth to the festive spirit.

3.4. ENJOYING MOONCAKES AND TEA

• Families gather around the festive table, savoring mooncakes with tea while admiring the moonlight.

• These moments of togetherness are filled with wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity.

3.5. SHARING FESTIVE GREETINGS

• Along with lively celebrations—lion dances, lanterns, traditional songs—people exchange heartfelt greetings and wishes of joy to family, friends, and loved ones.

THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL IS NOT ONLY A CHILDREN’S CELEBRATION, BUT ALSO A FESTIVAL OF FAMILY, LOVE, AND REUNION.