Traditional culture in plain words
Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節)
The 15th of the eighth lunar month — a full moon above, reunited families below.
At a glance
How the festivals began
Mid-Autumn is the great reunion festival after the Lunar New Year. It falls on the 15th of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. The round moon stands for the family gathered together, so the day is also called the Festival of Reunion. The Western date changes each year: 25 September 2026, 15 September 2027 and 3 October 2028.
Celebrations differ a little from place to place. In southern China and Hong Kong, the night often brings lantern carnivals and fire dragon dances. In Taiwan, many families meet for a barbecue under the moon. In Singapore and Malaysia, children often join lantern parades. Everywhere, the heart of the festival is the same: loved ones gathering to enjoy the bright moon together.
Traditional customs
On the festival night, families share a reunion dinner and admire the moon. They cut mooncakes (月餅), the round pastries that stand for completeness, and enjoy seasonal fruit such as pomelo and starfruit. Some families keep the old custom of making offerings in the moonlight. Children carry lanterns, while elders tell the tales of Chang'e (嫦娥) and the Jade Rabbit. After dark, many people sit in parks, by the sea or on balconies, talking quietly under the moon.
Festival dates are converted from the lunar calendar and are for reference only. Customs vary a little from place to place. For temple and community events, please follow the organisers' announcements.