Falling on August 15th of the Chinese lunar calendar, Mid-Autumn Festival is the one of the grandest festivals in China. It is also called the “Reunion Day,” as it is a day for familiesy to get together. The whole family enjoysing the meals together, with wonderful flowers and moonlight surroundingsed, one ofwould be the best wishes for Chinese people. The customs like appreciating the full moon, eating mooncakes, hanging lanterns, and playing the Fire Dragon Dance can be traced back to the ancient times. Appreciate the Moon In China, the moon is considered brightest and roundest on this special day. The full moon, therefore, becomes the symbol for prosperity, happiness and family reunion. The moon always reminds people away from home of their family members and hometown Eat Moon cake In Chinese poetry, a moon cake is compared toseen as “a “mini full moon” with tasty stuffing inside. Originally, moon cakes wereare served as the sacrificial offerings for the moon god. Gradually, theyit becaomes a type of popular snack forin Mid-Autumn Festival. People now are used to enjoying the moonlight while tasting the moon cakes, with the best wishes for the prosperity and the reunion of their family. Hang Festival Lanterns Hanging festival lanterns is a fun form of entertainment for kids. With parents’ help, children use bamboo paper to make different animal-shaped lanterns and then hang them around the neighborhood. People also make Kong Ming Lanterns – a type of lantern that flies up in the sky becauseunder the effect of the heated oxygen inside by the candlelight. People write their wishes on the lanterns, hoping the light fliesy as high as possible to make their dreams come true. The Fire Dragon Dance The Fire Dragon Dance is the most special Mid-Autumn custom in Hong Kong, China. On the night of August 14th on the, Chinese lunar calendar, the dance starts and usually lasts for three nights in the Tai Hang area. Unlike the common dragons, the fire dragon is made of rice straw, with burning incenses stuck all over the dragon’s body. It’s usually sStrong and shirtless young men who play the fire dragon. It is said that the Fire Dragon Dance can expel the evil spirits and bring good weather. “May we live long and share the beauty of the moon together, even if we are hundreds of miles apart”, says the romantic Chinese poem. Crown Relocations wishes you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival with your family! Crown Relocations