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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.