‘Though thousands of miles apart, we are still able to share the beauty of the moon and enjoy this moment with our heart being together.”

This signature verse, dedicated to the Mid-Autumn Festival, is from a widely known Chinese poem Thinking of You, which perfectly explains the meaning of the festival.

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As time approaches late September, you probably wonder, “What are these mooncakes that everyone is stocking up with at Asian supermarkets? Why do people go out and stare at the moon on the night of the celebration as if E.T. was flying over? What are these people celebrating?” Some may wonder, “How can I join in the celebration as one of the privileges of living in a multicultural neighborhood?”

Hold onto your curiosity and let me peel the onion for you!

• Mid-Autumn Festival

This is a harvest festival that falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, equivalent to late September to early October of the Gregorian calendar, when the moon is at its fullest and roundest. To ethnic Chinese, a full moon is a symbol of prosperity, happiness and family reunion. Therefore, these three fundamental ideas shape the rituals and activities of the festival, with a focus on family reunions, praying for health, beauty, good fortune and a bright future, and also appreciation of the prosperous season.

• Myth and origins

The celebration originally started during the Shang Dynasty in China as farmers worshiped mountain gods and gave thanks for the harvest of crops. As time passed by, people started to worship the moon since it is the symbol of immortality and rejuvenation. There is a well-known myth about the relationship between the Moon Goddess of Immortality, Chang’e — who flew up to live on the moon — and her husband, Hou Yi, a hero by that time. That story has made the Mid-Autumn Festival more mysterious, yet also more fascinating to talk about.

• Celebration

The festival is celebrated with many cultural customs, which among them all, the most popular ones would be sharing mooncakes with family and friends on the night of the 15th under the bright moon, floating brightly lit lanterns into the sky, and gathering neighbours to play lantern riddles together.

To enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival, you could go to the event at Richmond Centre and Richmond Olympic Oval, or even celebrate with your Asian neighbors for a night of traditional food feast. Either way, it’s a traditional holiday that brings joy and happiness to every one of us.

Serena Mu is a Richmond resident who writes about culture.