Mid-Autumn Festival Origin, Date, Activities in Hong Kong

Date of Mid-Autumn Festival

The date of the Mid-Autumn Festival is on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar. Due to the difference between the lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar, the exact date of the Mid-Autumn Festival varies each year, usually falling in September or October. To find out the specific Gregorian date of the Mid-Autumn Festival for a particular year, you need to refer to a lunar-to-Gregorian conversion table for that year.

• 2023: 29 th September,2023
• 2024: 17 the September, 2024

Origin of Mid-Autumn Festival

1. Ancient autumn sacrificial ceremony

In ancient times, the Mid-Autumn Festival was a time to celebrate the autumn harvest, hence it had the tradition of autumnal worship. The ancients believed in offering sacrifices to the sun during the spring equinox and to the moon during the autumn equinox as a way to express gratitude towards heaven and earth.

2. Ancient myth:Chang’e flying to the moon

The Mid-Autumn Festival has a famous story about Hou Yi and Chang’e:

A long time ago, there were ten suns making everything super hot. Then, this hero named Hou Yi saved the day by shooting down nine of them. He got a special drink from the Queen Mother of the West that could make him live forever. But Hou Yi loved his wife Chang’e so much, he didn’t want to take it without her.

One day, when Hou Yi was not around, a guy named Pengpeng tried to steal the drink. Chang’e didn’t want it to fall into the wrong hands, so she drank it all up. And guess what? She started floating, higher and higher, until she landed on the moon. Now, she’s like a moon goddess.

Activities of Mid-Autumn Festival

1. Moon gazing

   This is one of the most important customs of Mid-Autumn Festival. On this day, the moon is exceptionally full, symbolising family reunion. Family members will gather together in the courtyard or on the balcony to admire this bright and full celestial body.

2. Eating mooncake

   Mooncakes are traditional food for the Mid-Autumn Festival, with a round shape symbolizing reunion and harmony. Mooncakes come in various flavours and fillings, such as lotus seed paste, five nuts, double egg yolks, and snow skin.

3. Lighting lanterns

   In Taiwan and Hong Kong, children will carry lanterns of various shapes to play, and some lanterns even have riddles to guess.

4. Eating pomelo

   In some places, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also a tradition of eating pomelos. The shape of pomelo is similar to that of mooncakes, both are round and symbolise reunion.

5. Ancestor worshiping

   Some families will perform worship on the day of Mid-Autumn Festival, paying respects to deities such as the God of Heaven, the Moon God, and Chang’e, as a way to express gratitude and respect.

Activities in Hong Kong

1. Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

   Dive into the mesmerising world of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, an age-old tradition that comes alive during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This event isn’t just a dance; it’s a symbol of resilience and hope, a vibrant testament to Hong Kong’s rich cultural tapestry. Imagine a dragon, ablaze with incandescent light, winding through the streets of Tai Hang – it’s a spectacle that fuses history, tradition, and a strong sense of community. Recognised as a national Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong, this fiery performance is more than just entertainment; it’s a living, breathing piece of history that brings people together, year after year. Join in and experience this unique celebration where folklore and festivity meet.

   

2. Victoria Park

   Every year, the Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival at Victoria Park is one of the highlights of the Mid-Autumn Festival, where you can experience a variety of intangible cultural heritages all at once. This includes Cantonese opera performances, traditional handicrafts, fire dragon dances, lantern riddles, and more. Each year features a different theme for you to participate in and enjoy.

3. Tamar Park

   The Tamar Park in Admiralty is a popular picnic spot for office workers on weekdays. The park features vast green lawns facing Victoria Harbour, where one can enjoy the sea breeze and have a relaxing time. Moreover, it is located near the MTR Admiralty Station, so many people come here during the Mid-Autumn Festival to admire the full moon while enjoying the view of Victoria Harbour.