Wednesday was mid-autumn festival so we were off from school for three days (two of which had to be made up on the weekend). This is an important Chinese holiday that celebrates being together with family and watching the full moon while eating yummy mooncakes--lovely little pastries with a variety of fillings. The moon was absolutely stunning.
Each day in our classes we have the students take turns "Teaching the Teacher" about China in some way. It gives them practice speaking in English and teaches us about China. The kids are awesome. We are taught about their provinces, the food of China, the festivals. Here is a sample that one student presented in his powerpoint about mid-autumn festival;
Mid-Autumn Festival
The festival is intricately linked to the legend of Chang’e, the mythical Moon Goddess of Immortality. According to “Li-Ji,” an ancient Chinese book recording customs and ceremonies, the Chinese Emperor should offer sacrifices to the sun in spring and the moon in autumn. The 15th day of the 8th lunar month is the day called “Mid-Autumn.” The night on the 15th of the 8th lunar month is also called “Night of the Moon.” Under the Song Dynasty (AD 420), the day was officially declared for Mid-Autumn Festival.
Because of its central role in the Mid-Autumn festival, mooncakes remain popular even in recent years. For many, mooncakes form a central part of the Mid-Autumn festival experience such that it is now commonly known as 'Mooncake Festival'.
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