The Mid-Autumn Festival ( zhōng qiū jié) is one of the two most important holidays in the Chinese calendar, the other being the Chinese Spring Festival (The Chinese New Year). This is because both of these festivals symbolize a time for family members and loved ones to get together to celebrate the festive season.
There's a Chinese saying during Mid-Autumn Festival (yuè yuān rén tuán yuán) that emphasizes on this. Directly translated as "Round (full) Moon, People Reunite (or come together)". In Chinese tradition and literature, a round full moon which symbolizes completeness, is associated with family reunion.
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th Lunar month every year, which in 2009 is on the 3rd of October. On this day, you will find the moon exceptionally bright and round. In China and among Chinese communities overseas, family members get together and people congregate to celebrate this festival in a variety of ways. For the Origin and Legends associated with this festival, read our upcoming article.
