In France, there are many festivals and celebrations, but abroad too. For example, many countries in East and Southeast Asia celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon Festival. It is celebrated exactly on the evening of the 15thᵉ day of the eighth lunar month. Each year, its date may vary. But every time, the 15ᵉ night of the lunar calendar is a full moon night. In 2023, the Moon Festival is celebrated on September 29.
Alongside the Chinese New Year, this event is one of the two most important in the Chinese calendar. In France, festivities are organized every year for Chinese living in the hexagon. But what is the history and origin of the Moon Festival?
The moon is a very important element for the Chinese, who see it as a symbol of family reunion. Admiring the moon is said to have been a custom since the Tang dynasty (618-907). Because the moon on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month is particularly bright, rounder and more beautiful than the rest of the year, this date was chosen to celebrate the Moon Festival.
On this day, it's customary to gather with family, admire the moon and eat the famous moon cakes, the true symbols of this event. But why these particular cakes? There are several legends. One of them dates back to the Tang dynasty (618-901). At that time, when the northern frontiers were regularly stormed by a national minority, emperor Li Shimin ordered general Li Ning to put an end to the threat. He returned victorious on the 15th day of the 8th month of the year. To celebrate this victory, a cake as round as the full moon was created.
Another story, another era, circa 1300. While the Mongols were occupying China, the Han people sought to put an end to their domination. To this end, one of the generals had an idea: to hide messages in moon cakes, then distribute them clandestinely to their compatriots in order to provoke a revolt. The message read: " On the 15th day of the eighth month, kill the barbarians ".
In addition to moon cakes, the Mid-Autumn Festival also features other traditions such as dragon dancers and lantern parades.
Fête de la Lune à Paris 2023, good deals and moon cakes from the Mid-Autumn Festival in Paris
The Moon Festival returns this year on Friday, September 29, 2023. This Chinese festival is also celebrated in Paris with events, special menus and mooncakes. How about celebrating China's second most important holiday while staying in Paname? [Read more]
Fête de la Lune à Paris 2023, good deals and moon cakes from the Mid-Autumn Festival in Paris
