Mid-Autumn Festival (in lieu Hong Kong)
The Mid-Autumn festival starts on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which translates to September or October in the Gregorian solar calendar. Its origins are cloaked in layers of myth and legend, with some dating back at least 4,000 years. Most variations of a very convoluted tale involve the Jade Emperor, three legged birds, a moon rabbit and the immortal goddess Chang’e who still lives on the moon to this day.
Throughout continental Asia, Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families to reunite and spend time together and the days leading up to Mid-Autumn week brings a little chaos to the roads and industry dramatically grinds to a halt. Celebrations kick off with a special meal at home, akin to a western Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner before everyone steps out together, often in traditional dress, to enjoy local festivities such as dancing, music and bright lantern displays. Each nation and to some extent, region has its own peculiar customs for moon worship with many quaint customs still going strong.