By Yayi Wang
The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a significant cultural event celebrated by many communities around the world, particularly within the Chinese community. However, it is not only the Chinese who celebrate this special day. Across various countries, the Moon Festival has taken on different forms and names, reflecting each culture’s unique traditions and values. Here, we explore how different countries celebrate the Moon Festival, highlighting its importance and variations globally.
Japan: Tsukimi
In Japan, the Moon Festival is known as Tsukimi, which translates to “moon viewing.” This tradition, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty in China on the Moon Festival, was adopted by Japanese nobility in the Heian era. Instead of Chinese-style Mooncakes, the Japanese enjoy rice dumplings called “Tsukimi dango.” Another unique tradition is the celebration of “Jugoya (fifteenth night)” and “Jusanya (thirteenth night)” where people appreciate the beauty of the mid-autumn and late-autumn moons, respectively, often accompanied by chestnuts and soybeans.
Korea: Chuseok
In Korea, the Moon Festival is called Chuseok, one of the most important holidays of the year. It is a time for family reunions, ancestral worship, and feasting. Starting from the 14th day of the eighth lunar month, Koreans nationwide enjoy a holiday that lasts a minimum of 3 days. Traditional foods such as songpyeon (rice cakes) are prepared and enjoyed. Chuseok is a reflection of Korea’s strong family bonds and respect for ancestors.
Thailand: Praying to the Moon
In Thailand, the Moon Festival is known as the “Moon Praying Festival”. It is a traditional tale far different from the one told in China about Chang’e and her ascent to the moon. In Thailand, the story is that on the night of the festival, the Eight Immortals – legendary figures in traditional Chinese culture – fly to the Moon Palace to give peaches and their birthday greetings to Guanyin, the Chinese deity of mercy and compassion. On that day, Thai families set up altars with offerings such as sugar cane, peach-shaped cakes and mooncakes. Pomelo is also a symbol of reunion due to its round shape.
Vietnam: Tết Trung Thu
In Vietnam, the Moon Festival coincides with Children’s Day, known as Tết Trung Thu. This tradition arises from the agricultural cycle, where the festival serves as a time for parents to celebrate with their children after the busy harvest season. The streets come alive with colourful lanterns, lion dances, and a variety of mooncakes. It is a joyous occasion dedicated to children’s happiness and family unity.
Malaysia: Landern Festival
Malaysia celebrates the Moon Festival as the Lantern Festival, which is second in importance only to the Chinese New Year. It is not only celebrated by the Chinese community but also embraced by Malays, Indians, and other ethnic groups, reflecting Malaysia’s multicultural spirit. Festivities include lantern parades, dragon and lion dances, and vibrant cultural performances. Mooncakes of various flavours fill the markets, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Myanmar: Thadingyut Festival
In Myanmar, people celebrate Thadingyut, the Festival of Lights. Though it doesn’t fall on the same date as the Moon Festival, it is also an important celebration on the full moon day, the seventh month in the Burmese calendar. This festival marks Buddha’s descent from heaven, and the country is illuminated with lights and candles. The festivities include traditional dances, puppet shows, and community feasts, emphasising the theme of enlightenment and community bonding.
Sri Lanka: Poya Day
In Sri Lanka, the appreciation of the Moon is not once a year – it’s integrated into their monthly celebration known as Poya Day, which marks the full moon. The most prominent is the Binara Poya, celebrated in the eighth month of the lunar calendar, which coincides with the Moon Festival. These celebrations are deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and include religious observances, temple visits, and almsgiving, reflecting the spiritual significance of the full moon.
The Importance of the Moon Festival in Australia’s CALD Communities
In Australia, no matter if it is the Moon Festival or other Moon related festivals, they are significant events for the Chinese and other Asian communities, offering a time for cultural expression and community bonding. The diverse celebrations from various cultures highlight the multicultural fabric of Australian society.
At CHIN, we specialise in CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) marketing, helping brands connect with these vibrant communities during important festivals like the Moon Festival. By understanding the unique traditions and values of these communities, we can help businesses create meaningful and effective marketing strategies that resonate with CALD audiences.
Embrace the diversity and richness of the Moon Festival with CHIN, and let us help you reach and engage with the communities that celebrate this beautiful festival of the moon. Ready to tap into the CALD market? Contact our marketing team today for a tailored strategy for your brand account. Email info@chincommunications.com.au or call 1300 792 446.