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6 Mid-Autumn Festival Traditions You Can Practice (Aside from Eating Mooncakes and Playing Dice Games)

Chang E sways in the bright moon this 2022 and legends, again, tell of Houyi offering fruits and cakes to his lunar goddess. 

‘Tis the time of mooncakes and family reunions to reflect the significant cultural values represented in the story of Chang E. To fully embrace this mid-autumn celebration as a Chinoy, Pinoy, or otherwise, you can do these 6 fun traditions other than eating mooncakes and playing the Chinese dice game:

1. Make DIY paper lanterns with the kids

Lanterns are a common sighting in any Chinese festival as it symbolizes many good things. During the mid-autumn festival, lanterns signify family reunions, wealth, and prosperity. Making lanterns are fun and delightful as a crafts activity for kids!

(Retrieved from https://www.auntannie.com/PartyDecorations/ChineseLantern/)

You will need the following materials:

  • 1 Colored A4 or long bond paper (preferably red, yellow, or green colored)
  • 1 pencil
  • Glue or tape
  • 1 pair of scissors

Steps:

  1. Cut an inch of a strip from the short end of the paper and set it aside. This will be used later as the handle.
  2. Place your paper horizontally and fold it in half.
  3. With a pencil, draw a vertical line on the open flap as seen in the illustration above.
  4. Draw horizontal lines of equal measurements up to the vertical line you drew. The standard cut is an inch, but you’re free to cut it however you like!
  5. Cut the horizontal lines.
  6. Unfold the paper and attach the ends together with glue or tape.
  7. Attach the strip you set aside earlier to the top of the lantern as illustrated.

2. Observe the moon in Tanay, Rizal

This season, let’s appreciate the moon’s role in the immortal Chinese love story of Chang E and Houyi. Tanay, Rizal is best known for its mountain planes and ecotourism. You can observe the night sky in all its glory thanks to the minimal light pollution. You can reserve a camping spot at Tanay’s camping and glamping sites, just make sure that the terrain is elevated enough and free of light pollution!

3. Bathe in the moonlight for fertility

It is said that bathing in the moonlight increases a woman’s chances of having a baby. Of course, there is no evidence behind this as this activity is primarily about appreciating the mid-autumn love story. 

Find a distraction-free spot where you can bask in the moonlight and lie on your back. Let the beauty of the moon soothe you.

4. “Steal moon vegetables from your lover’s farm” to express admiration

Stealing “moon vegetables” from your lover’s farm is a Dong women’s fun tradition where young women in search of love hold an umbrella and steal vegetables from their suitor’s land at night as an expression of admiration. We obviously don’t condone stealing anything in light of the custom. Your group can stage a fake heist among yourselves just for fun!

5. Matchmaking or kai siao someone

The mid-autumn festival is notorious for matchmaking. You don’t have to be an auntie to kai siao someone; just introduce two people who you think are perfect for each other. You won’t know it, but you can change the course of their lives forever!

6. Shopping reunion with family or friends

Family reunions are a significant custom during the mid-autumn festival. They often play a rules-based Chinese dice game called Tiong Chiu and eat together that night. If you love shopping and going out, you can modify this custom and reunite with family or friends through shopping. 

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