The Festival of the Mid-autumn Moon is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. This year 2011, it is celebrated on September 12. This is also called Autumn Festival.
This day is dedicated to give thanks to the Moon Goddess. The moon is at its brightest and fullest around this time, so it is the focus of the season. In the old days, by the time this season rolls around, laboring in the fields is already finished. Thus, families come together again and give thanks. The full roundness of the moon also reminds of the unity of the family circle. These days, one popular activity for the family is to get a box of moon cakes for your family, and eat the cakes while looking at the beautiful moon.
Do you remember how excited you were when you were a kid as a holiday approaches?
Or, if you didn't know about the Moon Festival before, and you are now a parent yourself, why not make a new tradition in your family and celebrate it? Like many Chinese festivals, the Moon Festival appreciates the value of family and togetherness, something your kids will remember in the long run.
These Moon Festival stories will also help build up the kids' anticipation for Moon Festival.
