September 24, 2018
Also celebrated in Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia, this is one of the most important festivals of the year in China.
The tradition originates in the agricultural society when thanks was given to the moon at its fullest during the harvest season, in gratitude for a good crop.
Today it is celebrated by gathering the family together and sharing round moon cakes. Roundness symbolizes completeness and thus emphasizes the family unity. (Picture by Atlaslin.) It is a time to give thanks, say prayers, make offerings on an alter, then enjoy each other's company while sipping cassia wine and waiting for the moon to rise. It is also a time to wish all a Happy Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.
In many places, children parade with lanterns and in others dragon and lion dances are performed. Magnificent, cleverly lighted paper sculptures are floated on bodies of water.
There is also a romantic side to the festival. According to the mythology, Chang'e, the Moon Goddess of Immortality, swallowed her beloved husband's elixir and flew to the moon in order to protect it from being stolen. For this reason, the Moon Deity is worshiped by women. Taking inspiration from its romantic legend, it is a perfect time for lovers to slip off and enjoy the beautiful autumn moon. (Picture by Ren Shuai Ying)
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
中秋快乐!
Zhōngqiū kuàilè!
Wish you and your family a happy Mid-Autumn Festival
祝你和你的家人中秋快乐
Zhù nǐ hé nǐ de jiārén zhōngqiū kuàilè
Wishing us a long life to share the graceful moonlight, though thousands of miles apart.
但愿人长久，千里共婵娟
Dàn yuàn rén chángjiǔ, qiānlǐ gòng chánjuān
A bright moon and stars twinkle and shine. Wishing you a merry Mid-Autumn Festival, bliss, and happiness.
皓月闪烁，星光闪耀，中秋佳节，美满快乐！
Hàoyuè shǎnshuò, xīngguāng shǎnyào, zhōngqiū jiājié, měimǎn kuàilè!
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! May the round moon bring you a happy family and a successful future.
祝福中秋佳节快乐，月圆人圆事事圆满.
I am glad that you are with me on the full moon night. I want to whisper to you that Happy Mid-Autumn Day my dearest.
有月的夜晚，有你和我的夜晚，只想轻轻的向你道声，我的佳人祝你节日快乐！
No matter where you are from, regardless that we gather and leave, all those blessings are forever linked in my mind. I wish you success and only things beautiful!无论天南海北，不论相聚与离别，有份祝福永远挂在我心中，祝你一切圆满美好。
Happy Mid-Autumn Moon Festival!
