The Autumnal Equinox and the Chinese Moon Festival

Today is the first day of autumn! Here in Austin it still feels like summer, and the trees are still green...however soon the weather will start to cool. Today is also the Autumn Festival in many Asian countries. This is the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese Calendar, and also the day when the moon is considered to be the brightest full moon of the year.


I was worried that I would not be able to see the moon tonight, because it was cloudy for much of the day...however the clouds left and I was able to see the full moon in all of its brilliant glory. I took some moon cakes to work today to celebrate the Chinese Autumn or Moon Festival with my co-workers. Here is a picture of some of the moon cakes we shared.

I found some internet resources that might help you understand the traditions of the Moon Festival. They are listed below.

• A good, brief overview of traditions of the festival can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaFBLgaM3d4&feature=related.
• An animation of the legend of Chang-o is found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9iO2eUKb6E&feature=related. She lives on the moon and her husband visits once a year on the 15th day of the 8th month.
• A video showing how to make moon cakes can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTMFHz6wap4&NR=1&feature=fvwp. The narrator speaks with a fairly strong Chinese accent, but provides interesting descriptions. 
• A recipe for moon cakes can be found at http://www.asianrecipesonline.com/festivals/mooncake.php recipe for moon cake.
• The story of Chang-o can be found at http://www.moonfestival.org/legends/chango.htm.
• Another version of the story of Chang-o can be found at http://www.childbook.com/Chinese-Moon-Festival-and-Autumn-Background-s/141.htm.

This festival is fun for both children and adults. You should incorporate this family celebration into the rituals of your household if you want to have a fun experience and introduce your children to the full moon and Chinese culture!