What is the Mid-Autumn Festival?

Mid-Autumn Festival is a huge cultural celebration in many Asian countries this time of year.

Here's what you should know about this festival of thanksgiving and togetherness!

Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration of gathering, reunion, and gratitude – much like our American Thanksgiving!

It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. The moon is said to be the brightest during this time – hence, why many cultures may call it the Moon Festival. It is a time to celebrate a bountiful harvest and spend the day with family and friends.

This year, Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Tuesday, September 17th.

Who celebrates the Mid-Autumn or Moon Festival?

China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar!

multicolored illuminated paper lanterns hanging against a nighttime city scape

image credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board

What happens during the Mid-Autumn Festival?

In Chinese culture, people ask the moon goddess, Chang-O, for a secret wish to be granted for them. Brightly colored lanterns are displayed, with many countries holding lantern parades. Many people decorate with festive masks as well.

Across other celebrating countries, people eat mooncakes, which are pastries traditionally filled with red bean paste, lotus paste, or salted egg yolks – but there are many variations!

People also host nighttime picnics, read poetry, sing songs, and eat round-shaped food to honor the harvest moon.

A baked food item with Chinese characters on the surface

image credit: The Woks of Life

Want to see how Richland Library is celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival this year? Look no further than these locations for special Family Storytimes that will feature snacks, crafts, and stories all about this holiday:

Richland Library Cooper at 10:00 a.m. on September 14th

Richland Library Sandhills at 10:30 a.m. on September 14th

Richland Library Northeast at 11:00 a.m. on September 14th

Still want to learn more about the Mid-Autumn Festival? Check out these books below!

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The Best Kind of Mooncake

Auyeung, Pearl, author, illustrator.

Published in 2022

"Once upon a morning in Hong Kong, in the alley of Tai Yuen Street, a girl is promised a mooncake with a double-yolk center...the special mooncake seems like the only excitement on an otherwise boring day in the market where nothing changes...until an exhausted stranger falls to his knees right in the street! He ran through forests, swam through rivers, and even stowed away on a ship, all to get to Hong Kong. Now at the end of his journey, all he needs is a bite to eat, but no one seems willing to help"-- Provided by publisher.

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Message in the Mooncake

Chow, Sapphire/ Liu, Xiaojie (ILT)

Published in 2024

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Cultural Traditions in South Korea

Dalrymple, Lisa, author.

Published in 2016

Looks at religious, historical, and cultural traditions that occur in South Korea.

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Your Passport to China

Hustad, Douglas, author.

Published in 2021

"What would it be like to live in China? How is China's culture unique? Explore the sights, traditions, and daily lives of the Chinese!"-- Provided by publisher.

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Hong Kong

Kagda, Falaq, author.

Published in 2018

The people of Hong Kong treasure their leisure time because of often long work days and commutes. This book brings these pursuits into splendid focus including the many parks, beaches, and games residents enjoy. The book also highlights the history and traditions of Hong Kong in detailed sidebars and vivid photographs to engage the young reader.

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Your Passport to Japan

Kim, Cheryl, author.

Published in 2023

"What is it like to live in or visit Japan? What makes Japan's culture unique? Explore the geography, traditions, and daily lives of the Japanese people"-- Provided by publisher.

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Book

Cambodia

Klepeis, Alicia, 1971- author.

Published in 2019

"Engaging images accompany information about Cambodia. The combination of high-interest subject matter and narrative text is intended for students in grades 3 through 8"-- Provided by publisher

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Cultural Traditions in Vietnam

Labrie, Julia, author.

Published in 2018

This book examines the holidays and traditions in Vietnam, which include colorful festivals that celebrate meaningful lunar calendar days and unique family traditions. Dynamic images, concise fact boxes, and clear text introduce readers to the traditional foods, clothing, and other practices used to celebrate holidays in Vietnam. Readers will also find out about Vietnamese folklore and religious practices.

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Mindy Kim and the Mid-autumn Festival

Lee, Lyla, author.

Published in 2023

Mindy, Dad, and Julie travel to Korea to mourn Grandpa's passing with family and for the annual Chuseok celebration, and while the occasion is a somber one, Mindy is determined to make her first official Mid-autumn Festival one to remember.

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Thanking the Moon

Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

Lin, Grace.

Published in 2010

Each member of a Chinese family contributes to the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Includes author's note explaining this festival's customs and traditions.

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A Big Mooncake for Little Star

Lin, Grace, author, illustrator.

Published in 2018

Reimagines the cycles of the moon as a mother bakes a Big Moon Cookie and, despite Mama's request to wait, Little Star begins nibbling at it every night.

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Taiwan

Moiz, Azra, 1963- author.

Published in 2017

"This book provides comprehensive information on the geography, history, wildlife, governmental structure, economy, cultural diversity, peoples, religion, and culture of Taiwan."--Publisher's website.

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Moon Festival

Russell, Ching Yeung, 1945-

Published in 1997

This story of children celebrating the traditional autumn Moon Festival is based on the author's memories of her childhood in China.

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Vietnam

Seah, Audrey, 1958- author.

Published in 2024

"The history of Vietnam is complicated and filled with conflict, and that history has impacted the nation's culture in major ways. Readers explore the relationship between Vietnam's history, geography, and culture in this thoroughly updated look at the Southeast Asian nation. With chapters highlighting economics, arts, religion, language, and the lifestyles of the Vietnamese people, readers are given a comprehensive overview of Vietnam that is enhanced by vibrant full-color photographs. Fact boxes and maps provide additional information, sidebars spotlight global citizens in Vietnam, and recipes allow readers to explore Vietnamese culture in a hands-on and creative way"-- Provided by publisher.

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