What is special about Mid-Autumn Festival in different countries?

(Baonghean.vn) - Not only Vietnam, China, Japan, and Korea celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, but many other countries in the world also eagerly celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with special rituals according to different cultural characteristics.

1. Japan

Mid-Autumn Festival in Japan is called Tsukimi or Otsukimi, which means “moon viewing”. Traditional offerings for this day include a few stalks of rice and dried straw, which are picked and placed in vases or hung in the house, or can also be braided into pretty decorations that the Japanese call susuki. An indispensable offering is sticky rice cake, a round white cake symbolizing the moon. On the streets, during these days, people often sell egg bread with the image of a fried egg, round and golden like the full moon.

2. South Korea

In Korea, the Mid-Autumn Festival, called Chuseok or Hangawi, meaning “wonderful mid-autumn,” takes place during the country’s big harvest. The Mid-Autumn Festival in Korea lasts for three days and is one of the biggest holidays of the year for people to return to their hometowns and visit their ancestors’ graves. Instead of lion and dragon dances, Koreans dress up as cows and turtles, with a musical troupe following behind. Traditional games during this time include mock battles, archery, and wrestling.

3. China

The Mid-Autumn Festival in China is symbolized by two main symbols: Hang and the Jade Rabbit on the moon. Chinese people often hang lanterns in front of their houses and on the streets during this time. On the night of the full moon, people will release lanterns on the river and release Kongming lanterns into the sky to pray for luck and happiness for their families and loved ones. They also have lantern parades for children, lion and dragon dances and dancing monkeys on the streets.

4. Singapore

Singapore is a country with a majority Chinese population. The Mid-Autumn Festival is held once a year, a tradition that has long been highly respected. For the Chinese in Singapore, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a heaven-sent occasion, helping to connect, mend relationships, and express gratitude. The streets of Singapore will be brightly lit with lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

5. Thailand

The Thai people call the Mid-Autumn Festival “Moon Prayer Festival”. This is very true to its name, and it is clearly influenced by Chinese culture. People sit in front of a large table, with a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea, praying and exchanging blessings.

6. Cambodia

The “Full Moon Festival” in Cambodia takes place much later, usually on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month, not on August 15th like in other countries. This festival is often called Ok Om Pok festival, usually held at night with offerings such as flattened rice, bananas, potatoes, sugarcane, cassava soup, etc.

7. Laos

Lao people call the Mid-Autumn Festival “Nguyet phuc tiet” (Blessing Moon Festival). During the Mid-Autumn Festival, young and old, men and women all enjoy the moon. When the sun sets, young men and women dance and sing all night long.

8. Malaysia

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, in addition to the Moon Cake Festival (September 19-21), Malaysia also has a Lantern Festival on September 16. On this occasion, the streets are decorated with hundreds and thousands of colorful lanterns. This is an opportunity for Malaysians and tourists to take to the streets and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of the holiday.

9. Myanmar

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Myanmar is called the “Full Moon Festival” or “Light Festival”. On the full moon night, every household lights up lanterns to brighten up the city, illuminating everywhere. People also often watch plays, dance, watch movies and many other exciting activities during this festival night.

10. North Korea

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Korea is also called “Thu tich tiet” (Autumn Night Festival). The traditional cake of Koreans on this occasion is muffin. Every family steams this cake and gives it to each other. Muffins are shaped like a half moon, made from rice flour, filled with beans, jam, apples, etc. When it starts to get dark, Koreans gather to watch the moon together. Under the full moon, they play tug of war, wrestle or perform singing and dancing. Young girls will wear their best clothes to participate in the festival.

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