The Mid-Autumn Festival or what is affectionately known as the "Mooncake Festival" is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar. On this day, the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest and symbolises a day of reunion for the family.
There are several versions of the Chinese mythology surrounding the origins of this festival. Typically, it revolves the love story behind Chang'e, the lady in the moon, and Hou Yi, the archer. The most common belief was that the ill-fated lovers could only meet each other on this day, when the moon was at its fullest and brightest.
Over the years, the Mid-Autumn festival has grown into a family reunion more so than a celebration of folklore. Families gather around the dinner table on this day and enjoy traditional sweets such as mooncakes (a sweet bean pastry), pomelos and sip Chinese tea under the moon. Children are the happiest lot as they get to light up their colourful lanterns on this night.
This festival is celebrated by Chinese families all over the world as well as other Asian ethnic groups such as the Vietnamese. And while they may celebrate this day with different rituals in different parts of the world, this day remains a day of reunion amongst family members as well as in remembrance of their ancestors.
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