Moon festival celebrated in China, Japan and Korea as Zhong Qiu, Tsukimi and Chuseok

The Moon Festival is one of the most cherished and widely celebrated holidays across East Asia. Known as Mid Autumn Festival ,Zhong Qiu Jie (中秋节), in China, Tsukimi (月見) in Japan, and Chuseok (추석) in Korea, this festival is steeped in rich cultural traditions, family reunions, and gratitude. Despite the differences in names and specific customs, the central theme of celebrating the harvest and the beauty of the full moon unites these festivities. This blog explores the unique ways the Moon Festival is celebrated in China, Japan, and Korea.

Moon Festival in China: Mid Autumn Festival (Zhong Qiu)

History and Significance

In China, the Moon Festival, or Zhong Qiu Jie, is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which usually falls in late September or early October. This festival has been celebrated for over 3,000 years, dating back to the early Shang Dynasty. It originally served as a harvest festival, but over time, it has also become a time for family reunions and moon worship.

Customs and Traditions

Mooncakes: The most iconic symbol of Zhong Qiu Jie is the mooncake. These round pastries are filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolk, and are often beautifully decorated. Sharing mooncakes with family and friends symbolizes unity and completeness.
Moon Gazing: Families gather in open spaces or courtyards to admire the full moon, which is believed to be at its brightest and fullest on this night. This practice is a time for reflection and appreciating the beauty of nature.
Lanterns: Lanterns of various shapes and sizes, often bearing auspicious symbols and characters, are lit and displayed. Some people also release sky lanterns, which float into the sky, carrying wishes and prayers for good fortune.
Dragon and Lion Dances: In some regions, traditional performances such as dragon and lion dances are held to celebrate the festival with vigor and joy.

Myths and Legends

The most famous legend associated with Zhong Qiu Jie is that of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. According to the myth, Chang’e drank an elixir of immortality and ascended to the moon, where she lives with a jade rabbit. This story is often retold during the festival, emphasizing themes of love, sacrifice, and longing.

Moon Festival in Japan: Tsukimi

History and Significance

In Japan, the Moon Festival is known as Tsukimi, which translates to “moon viewing.” Tsukimi has been celebrated since the Heian period (794-1185) and is influenced by the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. It is typically observed on the 15th day of the 8th month of the traditional Japanese calendar, corresponding to September or October in the Gregorian calendar.

Customs and Traditions

Tsukimi Dango: These small, round rice dumplings are an essential part of the Tsukimi celebration. They are usually stacked in a pyramid shape and offered to the moon as a sign of gratitude for the harvest.
Susuki (Pampas Grass): Susuki is displayed as a symbolic representation of rice plants. It is believed to protect against evil spirits and bring a bountiful harvest.
Moon Viewing Parties: Families and friends gather for moon viewing parties, enjoying the sight of the full moon together. These gatherings often include food, drink, and poetry recitals, celebrating the beauty of the moon and the change of seasons.
Seasonal Foods: Besides Tsukimi dango, other seasonal foods such as taro, edamame, and chestnuts are enjoyed during the festival. These foods are associated with the autumn harvest and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Myths and Legends

In Japanese folklore, it is believed that a rabbit lives on the moon, pounding mochi (rice cakes). This legend is depicted in various artworks and stories, and the rabbit motif often appears in Tsukimi decorations and sweets.

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Moon Festival in Korea: Chuseok

History and Significance

Chuseok, also known as Hangawi, is one of Korea’s most important holidays. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, Chuseok is a time for families to come together, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the harvest. The origins of Chuseok date back to ancient shamanistic celebrations of the harvest moon.

Customs and Traditions

Charye (Ancestral Rites): Families perform ancestral rites called charye, which involve preparing and presenting a variety of foods to honor their ancestors. These offerings include freshly harvested rice, fruit, and other traditional dishes.
Seongmyo and Beolcho: Visiting ancestral gravesites, known as seongmyo, is an important Chuseok tradition. Families clean the graves and perform rituals to pay respect to their ancestors. This practice, called beolcho, symbolizes gratitude and filial piety.
Songpyeon: A traditional Chuseok delicacy, songpyeon are half-moon-shaped rice cakes filled with ingredients such as sesame seeds, chestnuts, or sweet red bean paste. Making and sharing songpyeon with family members is a cherished custom, symbolizing good fortune and happiness.
Folk Games and Dances: Various folk games and dances are performed during Chuseok, including ganggangsullae (a traditional circle dance), ssireum (Korean wrestling), and archery. These activities foster a sense of community and celebrate the cultural heritage of Korea.

Myths and Legends

One popular Chuseok legend is the story of Gabae, a weaving competition between two teams during the Silla dynasty. The competition lasted a month, and the team that produced the most cloth was declared the winner. This story highlights themes of hard work, teamwork, and celebration of the harvest.

The Moon Festival in China, Japan, and Korea reflects the deep cultural significance of the moon and the harvest season across East Asia. Each celebration, with its unique customs and traditions, underscores the importance of family, gratitude, and the beauty of nature. Whether it’s enjoying mooncakes, making tsukimi dango, or sharing songpyeon, these festivals bring people together in joyful and meaningful ways, honoring the past and celebrating the present under the radiant glow of the full moon.

At Dear Asia London, we celebrate all the Moon Festivals—Mid Autumn, Tsukimi, and Chuseok—bringing the rich traditions of China, Japan, and Korea right to the heart of London. Join our cultural celebrations to immerse yourself in the beauty of these ancient festivities, from savoring mooncakes and crafting tsukimi dango to enjoying the rhythmic dances and traditional games. Whether you want to learn more about the myths and legends or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, our cultural events offer a unique and memorable experience. We also organise cultural event and celebrations for corporate providing a wonderful opportunity to bond over shared cultural appreciation.