As a Hong Kong born brand, we celebrate the Joy of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival every year. It takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, this year falling on Friday September 29th. The origin story of this holiday is steeped with so many legends, yet every one of them takes you along a journey to the same destination; admiration for the moon.
Here’s how to ensure your celebrations are sprinkled with moon magic this year.
The festival's history dates back over 3,000 years and so is steeped in folklore and mythical tales. Gather together in a cosy spot with friends, light some candles, and enchant one another with Mid Autumn Tales.
One of the most popular legends features the wife of a skilled archer, her name Chang'e. When ten suns appeared in the sky, causing chaos, the archer shot nine of them down. Having saved humanity he was rewarded with the Elixir of Immortality. His wife, Chang'e, drank the Elixir herself to protect it from thieves and drifted off to the moon. The archer honoured her by offering sacrifices at the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Now people celebrate and express their longing for loved ones during this time.
Once the story’s are shared, we can dig into the star of the show —mooncakes! These little treats come in a variety of flavours and fillings so bake, buy or borrow from someone else (if you’re like us and love the homemade touch but not the home-making part) to enjoy with loved ones.
The roundness to the Mid-Autumn Mooncake represents the moon and symbolises unity, prosperity and as “round” in Chinese has the similar pronunciation with “reunion”, it’s another way to bid happy reunion for the family during the full harvest moon.
That big block of cheese floating in the sky is renowned for its breathtaking views during Mid-Autumn. So pick a dry clear night- wherever you are in the world- and grab a blanket, a bottle of something nice and a companion who’s willing to lay in a field with you to marvel at the beauty of the moon. Date night sorted!
Lanterns are an iconic symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival too, so in festive fashion try making your own? You can design unique ones using colourful paper, glitter, stickers, and anything else that sparks your imagination and hang them around your home.
In ancient times, lanterns were used as lighting tools, nowadays people light them to symbolise family reunion and to pray for good fortune.
Even if you don’t celebrate this holiday or feel the Moon Magic, this festival serves as a reminder to cherish the bonds we have with our loved ones and to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. Happy Mid Autumn Festival!