MID AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL

The Mid-Autumn Festival – also known as the Moon Festival – takes place at the full moon of the eighth month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This is the closest full moon to the autumnal equinox when the moon is said to be at its fullest and roundest – the so-called harvest moon.

In traditional Chinese agrarian societies it marks the end of the harvest period when family and friends gather to celebrate a time of plenty. This year, it will be held on September 19th.

MID AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL IN THAILAND

This festival is held everywhere there is a large Chinese community, and Thailand is no exception. In Bangkok the focus of the celebrations will be along the Yaworat Road. In Phuket it will be in the old part of Phuket Town. In Chiang Mai the place to go will be Pung Tao Gong Chinese Ancestral Temple next to Warorot Market (Kad Luang). This colorful temple is very photogenic and is well worth a visit at any time.

ANCESTOR REMEMBRANCE

The Mid Autumn Moon Festival is a time for giving thanks for the Earth’s bounty and to remember the ancestors. Expect the Chinese temples to be crowded at this time. Special offerings of incense, red candles, fruit and duck will be made at this time. The devotees will often wear red – the luckiest most auspicious color for Chinese people. Since this is the time when Chinese people can celebrate their unique cultural heritage, there will be cultural displays, dances and musical performances.

MOON CAKE FESTIVAL

Gifts are exchanged at this time of year, particularly gifts of fruit (especially the pomelo which is in season), and the famous moon cakes. Moon cakes are round sweet cakes filled with sesame seeds, ground lotus seeds and egg. Around the time of the Mid Autumn Moon Festival these cakes can be bought almost anywhere (including 7-11s throughout Thailand)!

Now it’s time to enjoy the Mid Autumn Moon Festival, and take your time over the moon cakes!