The Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day are two of the most significant traditional holidays in China, each with its own rich history and unique customs. This year, the Chinese government has announced the holiday arrangements for these two important festivals.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a holiday that originated from ancient moon worship. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, August is the second month of autumn, referred to as “Zhongqiu”, and the 15th day of August, right in the middle of autumn, is hence called “Mid-Autumn”. This festival was initially a day for ancient emperors to offer sacrifices to the moon. Over time, it evolved into a festival for family reunions and moon appreciation. This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival will be observed from September 29th to October 6th, a total of 8 days.
National Day, on the other hand, is a holiday established to commemorate the country itself5. The term “National Celebration” first appeared during the Western Jin Dynasty. In ancient times, it referred to significant celebrations in a country, such as the enthronement or birthday of an emperor6. Today, it refers to the anniversary of the establishment of a country. In China, National Day is celebrated on October 1st each year to mark the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This year, National Day will be observed on October 2nd.
Both holidays are marked by various customs and traditions. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, people engage in moon worshiping, moon appreciation, mooncake eating, lantern viewing, osmanthus flower appreciation, and osmanthus wine drinking3. National Day is typically celebrated with various activities including flag-raising ceremonies, fireworks displays, concerts, and exhibitions.
These holidays not only provide an opportunity for people to take a break from work but also serve as an important time for family reunions. They allow people to express their longing for their hometowns and loved ones and their hopes for a good harvest and happiness.
In conclusion, both the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day are integral parts of Chinese culture. They reflect China’s rich history and traditions and continue to be celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country.
Post time: Sep-21-2023