Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan
Mid-Autumn Festival is a holiday in Taiwan.
When is Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan
Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on 29, September, 2023 in Taiwan.
About Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional holidays in Taiwan. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, usually in September or early October. This festival is celebrated to mark the end of the autumn harvest and to give thanks for the abundance of the year.
One of the key traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the gathering of family and friends. It is a time when people make an effort to come together and spend quality time with their loved ones. Many people living in cities return to their hometowns or ancestral villages to celebrate with their families.
Mooncakes are the iconic food associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round pastries are filled with various sweet or savory fillings, such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or nuts. They are often intricately decorated with patterns and symbols, and are given as gifts to friends, family, and business associates. Mooncakes are enjoyed while admiring the full moon, which is believed to be the fullest and brightest during this time of the year.
Another popular activity during the festival is lantern making and lantern parades. Children and adults alike create colorful lanterns in various shapes and sizes. Lantern parades are held in many cities and towns, where people carry their lanterns and walk through the streets, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Traditional lantern riddles are also a part of this celebration, where riddles are written on lanterns, and people try to solve them.
In addition to these traditions, there are cultural performances, traditional music, and dance shows organized during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Fireworks displays are also common, adding to the excitement and joy of the festivities.
Overall, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan is a time of reunion, gratitude, and celebration. It is a cherished holiday that brings people together to appreciate the beauty of the moon, enjoy delicious food, and strengthen family bonds.
History of Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. In Taiwan, the festival has a long history and is widely observed.
The origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival can be traced back to ancient China, where it was initially celebrated as a harvest festival during the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC). It was believed that on this day, the moon was at its fullest and brightest, symbolizing abundance and unity. The festival was an occasion for families to gather, offer sacrifices to the moon, and express gratitude for the harvest.
In Taiwan, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been celebrated for centuries. During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the festival gained popularity among the common people and became an important event. It was during this time that the tradition of making and eating mooncakes, a special pastry filled with sweet or savory ingredients, became widespread. Mooncakes were initially used as a medium for secret messages during times of political unrest, but gradually became an integral part of the festival.
During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), the Mid-Autumn Festival was officially recognized as a public holiday. It was a time for people to relax, enjoy moon-viewing parties, and participate in various cultural activities. Lanterns were lit, dragon and lion dances were performed, and children paraded with colorful lanterns shaped like animals or mythical creatures. These customs are still observed in Taiwan today.
In the early 20th century, Taiwan went through significant political changes. After the end of Japanese colonial rule in 1945, the Mid-Autumn Festival was reinstated as a national holiday. The festival regained its popularity and became an important cultural event for Taiwanese people.
In recent years, the Mid-Autumn Festival has evolved to include various modern elements. Fireworks displays, concerts, and lantern carnivals are organized in many cities across Taiwan. The festival has also become an occasion for family reunions, where relatives gather to enjoy mooncakes, fruits, and tea while appreciating the beauty of the full moon.
Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday in Taiwan is a blend of traditional customs and contemporary celebrations. It continues to be a cherished time for families to come together, express gratitude, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
How is Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated in Taiwan
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals celebrated in Taiwan. Here is how it is celebrated:
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Family Reunions: Similar to other East Asian cultures, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan is a time for family reunions. People travel back to their hometowns to spend time with their loved ones. It is common for families to gather for a special meal, usually a lavish dinner, and enjoy the festival together.
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Moon Appreciation: The festival is centered around the full moon, which is believed to be the fullest and brightest during this time of the year. People gather outside, often in parks or open spaces, to appreciate the beauty of the moon. Lanterns are lit, creating a magical atmosphere. Some people also participate in moon-watching parties, where they share food and drinks while enjoying the moonlight.
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Lantern Displays: Lanterns are an important part of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations in Taiwan. Elaborate lantern displays can be found in various locations, such as temples, parks, and shopping districts. These lanterns come in different shapes, sizes, and designs, often depicting traditional symbols, animals, or characters from folklore.
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Mooncakes: Mooncakes are the most iconic food associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round pastries are filled with various sweet or savory fillings, such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks. In Taiwan, there is a wide variety of mooncakes available, including traditional flavors as well as modern twists. It is customary to exchange mooncakes as gifts with family, friends, and business associates.
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Dragon and Lion Dances: Traditional dragon and lion dances are performed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These colorful and lively performances are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. The dances are accompanied by loud drumming and cymbals, creating a festive atmosphere.
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Fireworks and Fire Dragon Dance: In some parts of Taiwan, especially in the Yanshui district, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with a unique event called the “Beehive Fireworks” or “Yanshui Fireworks Festival.” Thousands of firecrackers are lit, creating a spectacular display of fireworks. Additionally, a “Fire Dragon” made of bamboo sticks and firecrackers is paraded through the streets, symbolizing the driving away of evil spirits.
Overall, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan is a time for family, tradition, and celebration. It is a joyous occasion where people come together to appreciate the beauty of the moon, enjoy delicious food, and partake in various cultural activities.
Dates
Mid-Autumn Festival will be celebrated in Taiwan on 2023-09-29, 2024-09-17, 2025-10-06, 2026-09-25, 2027-09-15 in the comming years.