Moon Festival

At every autumnal equinox joyous sounds of celebration echo across Asian nations around the world in honor of the Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival. The Moon Festival resembles the American celebration of Thanksgiving. It takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, when the moon is its brightest and most beautiful in the night sky.

The full moon symbolizes reunion; as a result, families and friends come together on this traditional holiday to enjoy one another’s company, gaze at the moon, dance, and of course, eat. Individuals enjoy a wide array of customary dishes, particularly, the moon cake. Typically made of flour and egg and filled with fruit, beans, nuts, or sweet paste, moon cakes are round, representing the full moon.

On Sept. 12, both international and American MC students came together to celebrate the Moon Festival, bringing a taste of home to many Asian students. The Office of Global Education organized the event, which involved food, games, fellowship, prizes, and of course, moon cakes. Approximately 85 students, staff, and community members attended the event. New IEP instructor Chaeli Chambers enjoyed the Moon Festival: “It was a great opportunity to learn about my students' culture and to have fun with them outside of the classroom. It was also great to see other MC students interacting with international students and enjoying a cultural event together.”