Day After the Mid-Autumn Festival in Macau

The day after the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a public holiday in Macau. This holiday falls on the 16th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, immediately following the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated on the 15th day of the same month.

History and Traditions

The Mid-Autumn Festival has ancient roots in Chinese history and is traditionally a time for family reunions and moon gazing. It is associated with various legends, such as that of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess of Immortality. The festival celebrates agricultural harvest and also venerates celestial phenomena.

In Macau, as in many other places where this festival is celebrated, people observe customary practices such as:

• Eating mooncakes: These are traditional pastries filled with lotus seed paste or red bean paste and salted egg yolks.
• Displaying lanterns: Families decorate their homes and streets with colorful lanterns.
• Appreciating the full moon: Weather permitting, families gather to admire the beauty of the full moon.

What People Do on This Day

On the day after the Mid-Autumn Festival in Macau:

• Public Holiday: As it's a public holiday, most businesses and schools are closed.
• Continued Celebrations: Some families may continue their celebrations from the previous night if they haven't had enough time to engage in all traditions.
• Rest and Relaxation: Many people take this opportunity to relax after festive activities or travel back home if they visited relatives.
• Sales and Promotions: Retailers may offer special sales or promotions related to seasonal products such as mooncakes or lanterns.

The day serves as an extended opportunity to spend time with family members who may have gathered for this festive occasion. While there aren't typically specific rituals associated with this particular day, it rounds off a period marked by cultural significance and joyous family gatherings.