The Mid Autumn Festival is a Chinese festival that takes place in the middle of autumn, during the harvest season prior to winter. It is a Chinese tradition similar to Western Thanksgiving in which agricultural produce is honored.

        According to the Chinese calendar, this event takes place on the 15th day of the waxing moon in the 8th lunar month. The full moon night of the eighth lunar month is said to be clearer and more beautiful than the others. This year's Mid Autumn Festival takes place on September 17th.

        The Chinese will bring the first harvest of the year, prepare food and desserts for the ceremony, and share a meal to celebrate the new harvest.

        The moon worship ceremony begins after sunset or early in the night by setting up a table outside, such as in a courtyard or on a rooftop.

        The offerings will include an equal number of vegetarian foods, or 5 each, or may consist solely of mooncakes and cosmetics, stuff for women, and a jar or bowl of water set up to reflect the moonlight and brought to bathe or sprinkle on oneself for good luck.

Written, translated, and illustrated by: Ratchanok T.