The Moon Festival is here! Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival or the Mooncake Festival, this cherished occasion is widely celebrated in East and Southeast Asian countries. Falling on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese lunar calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family, reflection, and thanksgiving.
In this post, you’ll discover four essential Chinese phrases that will deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Let’s dive in and explore these key expressions that capture the essence of this beautiful celebration.
Mooncake 月餅/月饼
Mooncake is translated to 月餅 (traditional) or 月饼 (simplified) in Chinese, where 月 means “moon” and 餅/饼 means “cookie” or “pastry.”
These sweet pastries are a must-have treat for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Often filled with red bean or lotus seed paste and sometimes including salted egg yolks, mooncakes are shaped like the full moon, symbolizing family unity and togetherness.
Families and friends exchange mooncakes to show their love and best wishes.
However, be mindful when enjoying them—they are quite high in calories! Despite this, their rich flavors and symbolic meaning make them an essential part of the celebrations.
Barbeque 烤肉
Barbeques, or 烤肉 (kǎo ròu; to roast + meat) in Chinese, are a beloved part of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, especially popular in Taiwan.
Families and friends gather outdoors to grill a variety of meats, vegetables, and other delicious treats. This tradition is all about bringing people together, enjoying good food, and creating a festive atmosphere under the moonlit sky.
In China, people engage in other traditional activities to celebrate the festival. For example, in Guangzhou, people participate in Tree Mid-Autumn, where they decorate trees with colorful lanterns and ornaments. In Anhui, locals build and light pagoda-shaped structures called Piling Pagodas. In Jinjiang, the tradition of Burning Pagodas involves burning small pagoda models.
These activities highlight the diverse ways people celebrate this cherished holiday.
Pomelo 柚子
Pomelo, or 柚子 (yòu zi) in Chinese, is a significant fruit during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Its large, round shape and sweet, tangy flavor make it a festive favorite.
The pomelo is often eaten fresh, and its thick rind is used in various creative ways.
One popular tradition is to make hats from the peel, especially for children, as it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Additionally, the pomelo’s Chinese name, 柚子, sounds similar to “blessing” (佑; yòu), making it a symbol of protection and good fortune.
Admire the moon 賞月/赏月
Admiring the moon, or 賞月 (shǎng yuè; appreciate + moon) in Chinese, is one of the most important activities during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
On this night, families gather to appreciate the full moon, symbolising reunion and harmony. The act of moon-gazing not only connects people with nature but also serves as a moment of reflection and togetherness.
The moon has been a source of inspiration for countless Chinese poets throughout history. One of the most famous poems is Quiet Night Thoughts (靜夜思/静夜思) by the renowned Tang dynasty poet Li Bai (李白). This poem captures the deep emotions and longing associated with the moon:
Traditional Chinese:
床前明月光
疑是地上霜
舉頭望明月
低頭思故鄉
Simplified Chinese:
床前明月光
疑是地上霜
举头望明月
低头思故乡
Pinyin:
Chuáng qián míng yuè guāng
Yí shì dì shàng shuāng
Jǔ tóu wàng míng yuè
Dī tóu sī gù xiāng
English Translation:
Before my bed, the moonlight glows,
Like frost upon the ground, it shows.
I lift my head to view the bright moon,
Then, lower it, thinking of my hometown.
This poem beautifully illustrates how the moon evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, making it an enduring symbol in Chinese culture.
As families come together to admire the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival, they are also connecting with the rich literary and cultural heritage that the moon represents.
Conclusion
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of joy, reunion, and cultural richness, celebrated with mooncakes, barbeques, pomelos, and moon-gazing.
By learning key phrases such as 月餅/月饼 (mooncake), 烤肉 (barbeque), 柚子 (pomelo), and 賞月/赏月 (admire the moon), you can deepen your connection to this beautiful festival. As you celebrate, try using these phrases with your friends and family to enhance your experience and appreciation of Chinese culture.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
Credit: Photos courtesy of Unsplash.
