moon feast
When it comes to the Mid-Autumn Festival, Asians celebrate the mystical animal — the Jade Rabbit, also called the Moon Rabbit — a character in oriental folklore that lives on the moon with Chang’e, the Moon Goddess.
Also known as the Moon or Mooncake Festival, it is the second most important Asian festival, next to the Lunar New Year.
It is mainly celebrated in China, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines — though many Asian communities around the world have grown to enjoy its festivities too.
On the day of the festival, the moon is said to be the brightest, roundest and most beautiful. Folks are encouraged to gather and celebrate together in families and communities.
The festival is compared to an Eastern version of Western Thanksgiving celebrations. People get together for meals and share activities to show their gratitude and appreciation for a bountiful harvest.
Some of the more common celebrations are gazing at the moon, eating mooncakes, lighting lanterns, and watching lion or dragon dancers.
Less known but equally popular practices include exchanging gifts like mooncakes, a feast of the seasonal hairy crabs, tea drinking, and a harvest basket of round fruits.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! We give thanks for this year’s harvest and pray the harvest-giving light returns again in the coming year.
Originally published at https://wonderwanderwomen.blogspot.com.
