Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important festival in China after Chinese New Year. The festival is always held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar (农历) when the moon is at its fullest at night. This year the festival falls on the 4th of October.
Like many festivals, many legends and folklores (传说) are associated with it, adding a weave of mysticism around it. However, this festival was more of a time to give thanks and worship the Gods after a bumper autumn harvest (丰秋收). People have for generations, made food offerings in honour of the moon. It naturally became a celebration amongst family and friends as it was common for them to help out with the harvesting of crops.
Today, it is still an occasion for reunions (团员) among friends and family where they gather to enjoy mooncakes (吃月饼) and admire the full moon (赏月), both symbols of harmony and unity.
Watch the youtube clip below for an animated introduction to Mid-Autumn Festival in Mandarin (with English and Chinese subtitles).