Even though we have lots of autumn festivals in Ireland, it's often fun to learn about festivals in different parts of the world. Let's learn about one called the Autumn Moon Festival, or Mid-Autumn Festival! It's one of the most important celebrations in China.
This festival happens when the moon is at its brightest, usually in late September or early October. The Chinese believe that the full moon is a symbol of peace, prosperity, and family reunion. On this day, people come together with their families to gaze at the moon, light lanterns, and share mooncakes. Mooncakes are a type of sweet pastry that are special to this festival. They come in many flavours and often have a picture of a rabbit or a moon on them!
Now, what about a fun activity for children during the festival? Well, children love the lantern-making and lantern-riddle games. In the lantern-making activity, children use paper, glue, and paint to create colourful lanterns. They can shape their lanterns like stars, fish, butterflies, or even rabbits. The lanterns are then lit up and hung in gardens or carried in evening parades.
For the lantern-riddle game, adults write riddles on pieces of paper and stick them onto the lanterns. Children then try to solve these riddles. It's a lot like a treasure hunt, but with lanterns and riddles.
The Autumn Moon Festival in China is a brilliant example of how people around the world celebrate this beautiful season.