【Learn Chinese】Important Phrases for the Mid-Autumn Festival

The Moon Festival is here! Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival or the Mooncake Festival, this cherished occasion is widely celebrated in East and Southeast Asian countries. Falling on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese lunar calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family, reflection, and thanksgiving.
Let’s dive in and explore key expressions that capture the essence of this beautiful celebration.

Mooncake 月饼
Mooncake is translated to月饼 (yuè bǐng) in Chinese, where 月 means “moon” and 饼 means “cookie” or “pastry.”
These sweet pastries are a must-have treat for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Often filled with red bean or lotus seed paste and sometimes including salted egg yolks, mooncakes are shaped like the full moon, symbolizing family unity and togetherness. Families and friends exchange mooncakes to show their love and best wishes.
However, be mindful when enjoying them—they are quite high in calories! Despite this, their rich flavors and symbolic meaning make them an essential part of the celebrations.

Barbeque 烤肉
Barbeques, or 烤肉 (kǎo ròu) in Chinese, are a beloved part of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.
Families and friends gather outdoors to grill a variety of meats, vegetables, and other delicious treats. This tradition is all about bringing people together, enjoying good food, and creating a festive atmosphere under the moonlit sky.
In China, people engage in other traditional activities to celebrate the festival. For example, in Guangzhou, people participate in Tree Mid-Autumn, where they decorate trees with colorful lanterns and ornaments. In Anhui, locals build and light pagoda-shaped structures called Piling Pagodas. In Jinjiang, the tradition of Burning Pagodas involves burning small pagoda models.
These activities highlight the diverse ways people celebrate this cherished holiday.

Pomelo 柚子
Pomelo, or 柚子 (yòu zi) in Chinese, is a significant fruit during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Its large, round shape and sweet, tangy flavor make it a festive favorite. The pomelo is often eaten fresh, and its thick rind is used in various creative ways.
One popular tradition is to make hats from the peel, especially for children, as it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Additionally, the pomelo’s Chinese name, 柚子, sounds similar to “blessing” (佑; yòu), making it a symbol of protection and good fortune.

Admire the moon 赏月
Admiring the moon, or 賞月 (shǎng yuè) in Chinese, is one of the most important activities during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
On this night, families gather to appreciate the full moon, symbolising reunion and harmony. The act of moon-gazing not only connects people with nature but also serves as a moment of reflection and togetherness.
The moon has been a source of inspiration for countless Chinese poets throughout history. One of the most famous poems is Quiet Night Thoughts (静夜思) by the renowned Tang dynasty poet Li Bai (李白). This poem captures the deep emotions and longing associated with the moon:
床前明月光 (Chuáng qián míng yuè guāng) Before my bed, the moonlight glows,
疑是地上霜 (Yí shì dì shàng shuāng) Like frost upon the ground, it shows.
举头望明月 (Jǔ tóu wàng míng yuè) I lift my head to view the bright moon,
低头思故乡 (Dī tóu sī gù xiāng) Then, lower it, thinking of my hometown.

This poem beautifully illustrates how the moon evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, making it an enduring symbol in Chinese culture. As families come together to admire the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival, they are also connecting with the rich literary and cultural heritage that the moon represents.