Embracing Chinese Stories: The Mid-Autumn Festival
Deep-rooted in ancient China's Tang Dynasty and flourished during the Song, the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the four esteemed traditional celebrations, officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it symbolizes unity and harmony, reflecting the ancient admiration for the moon. Born in the mystic tales of the past, it solidified during the Ming and Qing dynasties, weaving its way into the fabric of East and Southeast Asian华人社区.
This esteemed occasion, now a statutory holiday since 2008, offers a time for family reunions, marked by cherished customs like moon-worship, moon-bathing, and the delightful consumption of mooncakes, each ingredient carrying its own symbolic significance. The rich vocabulary of the festival includes mouth-watering delicacies like mooncakes, the enigmatic嫦娥, the playful玉兔, the glowing孔明灯, and the fragrant桂花酒, all steeped in warm wishes for joy, completeness, and longevity.
Each year, the nation comes together to create stunning visual art, as exemplified by the outstanding works in the 'National Primary Students Tell Chinese Stories through English Handwritten Posters' competition, organized by Xin Qixiang Books:
New Qixiang Books extends heartfelt greetings to all, wishing you a joyous Mid-Autumn Festival, a harmonious family gathering, and a life filled with boundless happiness.