Zhongqiu Moon or Harvest Festival

Festival of the Moon or Zhongqiu HarvestThe festival of the moon or harvest of Zhongqiu is celebrated on the 15th of the eighth month according to the lunar calendar. It falls in the middle of autumn, so in ancient times it was called “Zhongqiu”. This holiday was born in the Tang Dynasty and occupies an important place in the Chinese calendar. This is the day of worship of the moon god.

According to tradition, on this day the Chinese eat special sweet cakes and read poems in the light of the moon, which on this day is considered the roundest and brightest. The flowering of cassia fills with fragrance the romantic landscapes of the lunar night.

Moon cakes are reminiscent of the uprising of the Chinese people against the Mongol conquerors, as many centuries ago small notes baked in such cakes called for rebellion and defiance of the invaders. Dough for them is prepared from lotus grains and crushed sesame.

On this day, lovers pray to the gods to unite them together to merge into one whole like the moon. Small colored lanterns are sold everywhere: in the evening they are lit in city parks and fields by parents with children, who are allowed to go to bed late on this occasion.