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Scott Boyd Staff Writer |
中秋快乐! Or, “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!”. One of East Asia’s biggest celebrations took place this past October 4th. Celebrated in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam, families gather to give thanks, light lanterns, and indulge in mooncakes, a small delicacy made of red-bean filling. With roots in ancient Chinese legends, the holiday commemorates the Harvest Moon on the lunar calendar and could be considered similar to the American Thanksgiving.
Most sources say the festival derives from an old chinese myth. Varied versions exist depending on the county. Anh Buí, a senior from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in an interview said, “It’s said that a woman on the moon fell in love with a man on earth. After falling in love the man moved to the moon, but when he wants to come back to Earth the moon shines brighter to cast light back home”. The school’s resident Mandarin teacher, Mrs. Ye-Matheus, was able to share the version told in her hometown of Beijing. “Long ago, there were 10 suns. God sent an archer down to shoot down 9 and leave 1. His reward were two immortality pills, one for him and one for his wife. The wife was greedy and ate both, and it was so powerful she floated to the moon. She now lives there with her rabbit. It’s celebrated on a full moon because legend has it, it’s bright enough to see that the woman is still on the moon”.
While the origins vary, the celebration is similar across the globe. It usually consists of sharing a large meal with family, being thankful, and praying for prosperity. American Sophomore Karen Lau says her family stays in touch with their Chinese roots. “We always visit my grandma’s house in Queens and have a traditional Chinese dinner and also pray at a shrine”. Along with these, other traditions include burning incense, lighting fireworks, and creating lanterns to be sent off. Lastly, but not least, it was unanimous among all the interviewerees that the best part of the Mid-Autumn Festival are the mooncakes.
Jennifer Zhang, a Senior from Meizhou, China, explains that “Mooncakes are made in the shape of the moon and have several flavors [red-bean, lotus seed, chocolate, matcha etc.]”. The sweets can also have intricate designs and messages on them.
While there are many from countries that celebrate the festival back home, here at St. Anthony’s, many of the international students aren’t able to be with their family at this important time. Zhang says that “The moon recalled a lot of memories of the Chinese living away from hometown, and it represents homesickness to them”. During this amazing celebration, remember to reach out to our diverse student body, and possibly learn about the different cultures that exist. Mooncakes are definitely a benefit. 皓月闪烁，星光闪耀，中秋佳节，美满快乐! (A bright moon and stars twinkle and shine. Wishing you a merry Mid-Autumn Festival, bliss, and happiness!)
