Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong

Date: The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar with a full moon at night.

History: The festival has roots in moon worship and marks the end of harvest season. It is one of the most important traditional events for Chinese communities and has been celebrated for thousands of years.

Traditions:

• Mooncakes: These are traditional Chinese pastries eaten during the festival. They are round, symbolizing completeness and unity.
• Lanterns: Families often hang colorful lanterns to decorate their homes and children may carry lanterns in lantern carnivals or displays.
• Fire Dragon Dance: A unique tradition to Hong Kong is the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, which involves a 67-meter-long dragon made of straw and covered in incense sticks.
• Pomelo: This large citrus fruit is also associated with the festival, symbolizing family unity.

Activities on the Day:

• Family Gatherings: It's common for families to come together to share a meal and appreciate the full moon.
• Viewing Lantern Displays: Various districts in Hong Kong organize impressive lantern exhibitions.
• Offering Sacrifices to the Moon: Some people maintain the tradition of making offerings to the moon as a way to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.
• Public Festivities: There are also public celebrations with cultural performances, games, and food stalls.

The Mid-Autumn Festival remains a time for families to reunite and celebrate while enjoying cultural customs that pay homage to Chinese heritage.