October 1 marks the mid-autumn festival of the Chinese Moon Festival or Moon Cake Day in China. It traditionally falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. This holiday is the second most important festival in China after the Chinese New Year. Similar to the American Thanksgiving holiday, the Moon Festival celebrates family gatherings. Turkeys symbolize our traditional day of family reunions. The Chinese use the first full moon of October as a symbol of family homecomings. They celebrate this holiday with special moon cakes (cookies), incense, and various symbolic gestures to welcome the full moon.
This Autumn festival is celebrated in other parts of Asia as well. They focus on family gatherings, special foods, and various ceremonies.
Happy Moon Day Festival!
