The Moon Festival, also known as Mid-Autumn Festival, is a time for family gatherings and giving thanks. In Taiwan, people celebrate by admiring the full moon and enjoying mooncakes.
One popular activity is carrying brightly lit lanterns and parading through the streets. The lanterns symbolize hopes and dreams for the future. Fireworks displays light up the night sky in celebration.
Customs include offering fruits and flowers to the moon, lighting lanterns, and playing traditional games like lantern riddles. Families come together for a reunion dinner featuring special dishes.
Mooncakes, a traditional treat filled with lotus seed paste or red bean paste, are shared among family and friends. Each mooncake is intricately designed with symbols of prosperity and happiness.
Children participate in activities like carrying rabbit-shaped lanterns and performing dances. The festival's folklore, including the story of Chang'e and Hou Yi, is retold through performances and storytelling.
The Moon Festival in Taiwan is a time of joy, unity, and cultural richness. It's a time to appreciate the beauty of the moon, create lasting memories with loved ones, and uphold cherished traditions.