It’s a time for family reunion, shared dinners, lantern-lighting, and, as the name suggests, eating mooncakes. 

This holiday falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. On the Gregorian calendar, that means it usually occurs between September and early October, depending on the year. 

History of the Mid-Autumn Festival 

Dating back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival was originally centered on worshiping the moon, which was seen as a harbinger of a good harvest. Over time, this “good harvest” became a metaphor for other blessings: reunion, togetherness, family, and the good health of loved ones—all under the watchful gaze of the moon. 

There are a number of legends and folktales surrounding Mid-Autumn Festival that are still appreciated today. 

One of the most famous is the story of the moon goddess Chang’e, who is said to live on the moon with her companion, a light jade-colored rabbit known as the Jade Rabbit. 

According to legend, Chang’e’s husband, the archer Hou Yi, once saved the world by shooting down nine of the ten suns that scorched the earth. As a reward, he was given an immortality elixir. Not wanting to live forever without his wife, Hou Yi gave the elixir to Chang’e to keep safe. One day, a student of Hou Yi tried to steal it. To protect it, Chang’e drank it herself and became immortal. She ascended to the heavens, choosing the moon as her home so she could still watch over Hou Yi. 

Hou Yi was of course heartbroken, but that night he saw the moon was extra bright, and even thought he caught a glimpse of a figure who looked like Chang’e. From then on, he would display fruits and cakes to show her how much he missed her, and they got to be reunited on the full moon of the eighth month every year. 

The jade rabbit 

The Jade Rabbit, Chang’e’s faithful companion, also has its own tale. The jade rabbit was granted everlasting life on the moon after the Emperor of Heaven was particularly taken by her selfless virtue: Upon coming down to earth in the form of an old, hungry man, he told the fox, the monkey, and the rabbit that he was hungry, so they went off to find him food. The fox caught him a fish, the monkey got fruit, and the rabbit, not knowing how to harvest food or catch meat, returned with nothing. 

Saying she would like to help prepare food for the old man, the rabbit, with help from the monkey and fox, started a fire and then jumped into it so that she herself could be his food, thus fulfilling her promise to him. 

The Emperor of Heaven was then so moved from her selflessness and care, that he saved her and let her ascend to the moon palace, where she’s lived and kept Chang’e company ever since. 

Traditions and customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival 

Today, the legends of Chang’e and the jade rabbit, the moon, and all those represent are honored during the Mid-Autumn Festival with numerous traditions. 

The moon represents wholeness, completeness, and family togetherness, so moon-gazing is a key activity. Many people travel home to spend time with their families; those who cannot may celebrate with friends instead at moon-viewing gatherings. Families give thanks to the moon, tell folktales, and admire its beauty and symbolism of good health. 

Mooncakes

round pastries symbolizing the moon—are central to the celebration. They may be homemade or store-bought, and are shared with loved ones. Other seasonal foods, such as pumpkins and pomelos, are also enjoyed. 

Lantern

making is another common custom, representing hope for a bright future. Spherical lanterns resemble small moons, while lanterns in other shapes are carried, displayed, or released into the night sky. Many people also visit elaborate lantern exhibitions. 

If you want to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival but don’t have any larger festivals near you, you can also livestream certain ones from around the world. 

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a wholesome intersection of thousands of years of history, appreciation for the natural world, and love for family and the cultural tales and practices that tie us together from generation to generation. 

It’s a time for unity, togetherness, and hope for future good health — and all the other fortunes that could be represented by the metaphor of a good harvest. 

Whether your family has celebrated this holiday for generations or you’re just learning about it, its message is universal; taking time to admire the full moon connects us all, across cultures and throughout history. 

Why not make an evening of it when the full moon of harvest season awakes this autumn?