The Moon Festival, the Harvest Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival are different names for the same celebration that takes place in China, Korea, Vietnam and other countries. It falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at the brightest and fullest, which symbolizes strong family values.

In China, many believe this festival is to honor the moon goddess. However, the most famous legend is to commemorate rebellion against the Mongolian ruler; where they use the moon cake as the medium of communications. On the night of this celebration, family and friends will reunite, and as they watch the moon, the moon cake will be served and lanterns in all colors, shapes and sizes will be lit.

In Korea, the festival is called “Chusok”. It is a celebration where families give thanks to their ancestors by offering rice and fruits. Family will gather and “songphyun”, crescent-shaped rice cakes will be served. They put on “hanbok”, traditional Korean clothing and dance in a large circle under the bright moon. They also sing songs and play games.

Tet Trung Thu, as it is known in Vietnam, is a wonderful ancient festival that revolves around children. In a Vietnamese folklore, parents work so hard to prepare for the harvest, where they left their children play by themselves. To make up for the lost time, parents use the Mid-Autumn Festival as an opportunity to show their love and appreciation for their children. Children sing, dance and carry colorful lanterns on the street. A special lantern is designed to spin when a candle is inserted into it, symbolizing the earth circling the sun.

In Japan, the festival is called “Tsukimi”, which means moon viewing. It is thought be an event for praying the rich harvest of rice. Families watch the full moon together to purify the evils spirits, while eating rice dumpling called “tsukimi dango”. In Japanese folklore, it is believed that a rabbit lives in the moon and he makes rice dumplings during full moon. That is why they look upon the moon during the night of moon festival, to see the rabbit.

The Moon Festival is a celebration of harvest, abundance and family unity. Legends, folklores and mythologies are associated with the festival, which make the festival unique and special. It is the most widespread and the most popular holiday after the New Year. During this day, happiness and joy seem to lighten up everyone who celebrates it.