Every year, my family celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival. This festival marks the celebration of the full moon, family, mooncakes, and gratitude. The event was traditionally used to worship the moon goddess, Chang’e, who drank an elixir of immortality to prevent it from being stolen and ascended to the moon, where she resides eternally. Worshipping her is an act of honoring her sacrifice and beauty.

I remember, as a young child, trying mooncakes for the first time and being in awe of their decadent shapes and colors. Not only is this a celebration of family, but it is also a time to reflect and be grateful for everything we have within this lifetime.

Within the Chinese community, it is a time to reunite with family and give thanks for the moon and the new harvest. I remember the bright colors and the beautiful tales of the moon goddess watching over our celebrations. Moreover, another key theme is avoiding foods and shapes that are not round to honor the full moon. Respecting the stories and culture that came before you is deeply evident in this tradition.

Overall, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a tradition that I cherish every year with my family as I grow older.

Best regards,

Pira Tsui