Mid-Autumn Festival - Not just for Vietnamese people
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Reunion Festival, has been deeply ingrained in the consciousness of Vietnamese people as an indispensable traditional cultural beauty. However, few people know that the Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a holiday in Vietnam but also celebrated in many countries worldwide, each with its unique cultural color, creating a diverse and rich picture of this August Full Moon Festival.
Explore the Mid-Autumn Festival across five continents.
China - The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival
Considered the cradle of the Mid-Autumn Festival, China has a long history of celebrating this festival. Mid-Autumn culture here is associated with fascinating legends such as Chang'e flying to the moon and Hou Yi shooting down nine suns,...
The Mid-Autumn Festival worldwide is indispensable with the image of colorful lanterns loved by children everywhere. In China, lanterns are elaborately crafted in many different shapes and sizes, from traditional star lanterns to artistic dragon, phoenix, and koi fish shapes.
Mooncakes are also indispensable to the Mid-Autumn Festival abroad, especially in China. Traditional Chinese mooncakes are usually round, symbolizing reunion, with fillings made from mung beans, lotus seeds, salted egg yolks,... Today, mooncakes are varied with many modern flavors to meet the diverse tastes of consumers.
Japan - Otsukimi Moon Viewing Festival
The Japanese call the Mid-Autumn Festival Tsukimi or Otsukimi, which means moon viewing. Instead of parading with lanterns and lion dances like in Vietnam, the Japanese often have outdoor parties, enjoy Tsukimi Dango - a type of small round glutinous rice cake, and admire the bright full moon in the autumn night sky.
Exploring the Mid-Autumn Festival in Japan, you will see a peaceful, quiet atmosphere oriented towards contemplation and enjoying the beauty of nature. They believe that the full moon is a symbol of prosperity and good luck.
Korea - Chuseok - Festival of Reunion
Chuseok is one of the most important holidays of the year for Koreans, usually lasting three days. This is an occasion for people to return to their hometown, reunite with their families, thank their ancestors, and enjoy traditional dishes.
The Mid-Autumn Festival around the world in Korea is imbued with traditional culture. During Chuseok, Koreans often wear Hanbok and perform traditional rituals such as Charye (ancestor worship) and Seongmyo (visiting ancestral graves). Songpyeon - a steamed rice cake with a sweet filling - is an indispensable specialty during this holiday.
Singapore - Mid-Autumn Festival with brilliant colors
The Chinese community solemnly celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore. The streets are splendidly decorated with thousands of lanterns of all colors and shapes. Cultural and artistic activities, lion dances, and lantern parades are also held bustlingly, attracting many people to participate.
The Mid-Autumn Festival abroad in Singapore brings a bustling, joyful atmosphere imbued with Chinese culture. Mooncakes are also an indispensable part of this festival, with many unique flavors such as durian, custard,...
Vietnam - Mid-Autumn Festival with national solid identity
Mid-Autumn culture in Vietnam is imbued with national identity and is associated with the childhood of many generations. The image of sparkling star lanterns, spinning lanterns, the sound of bustling lion dances, and the aroma of fragrant baked mooncakes,... all create a unique and unforgettable Mid-Autumn atmosphere.
Exploring the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, you will be immersed in the bustling festival space and feel the warm family affection and the beauty of long-standing traditional culture.
Conclusion
The Mid-Autumn Festival around the world brings diverse and rich cultural beauty, reflecting the traditions and beliefs of each country. Although celebrated in different ways, the Mid-Autumn Festival everywhere is an occasion for people to gather, reunite, look towards their roots, and pray for the best.