Mid-Autumn Mooncake Painting 2023 | Celebrating Tradition, Togetherness, and the Full Moon

Alice Kuo
Sep 15, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jan 28

The Mooncake Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a traditional celebration observed in many East and Southeast Asian cultures. It typically falls on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, which is a night when the moon is at its fullest and brightest.

Key Themes and Traditions:

Reunion and Togetherness: The festival emphasizes family gatherings, as the full moon symbolizes reunion and harmony.
Mooncakes: These are the iconic pastries of the festival. They are round or square, symbolizing unity and completeness. Mooncakes are often filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, salted egg yolk, or other ingredients. Exchanging mooncakes with friends and family is a key part of the celebration.
Lanterns: People light colorful lanterns, symbolizing hope and good luck. Children often carry lanterns during nighttime parades or display them at home.
Moon Gazing: Families gather outdoors to admire the moon and enjoy festive treats, symbolizing appreciation for the harvest and nature.
Legend of Chang'e: A famous legend associated with the festival tells the story of Chang'e, the moon goddess who resides on the moon. According to the tale, she drank an elixir of immortality and floated to the moon, where she now lives with her companion, a jade rabbit.

Mid-Autumn Mooncake Painting

The tranquil backyard of Nihao School served as the perfect setting for this special gathering. Here, the ground, usually filled with the laughter and footsteps of playful children, was transformed into an art studio with giant Mid-Autumn Mooncake Painting waiting to be painted on. Bright paintbrushes and an array of colors set the tone, promising an unforgettable day ahead.

Unleashing Creative Spirits

Once the morning greetings were shared, it was time for creativity to take the lead. The beauty of this activity lay in its inclusivity. Older siblings became the unsung heroes of the day, guiding their younger family members, while parents turned into collaborators, working side by side with their kids. These mooncakes were not just about art; they became symbols of collaboration, understanding, and family bonds.

Stories Through Colors

Each brushstroke on the mooncakes was a story, an emotion, a memory. Some chose to depict the festival's traditional aspects, while others went ahead and painted what the Mid-Autumn Festival meant to them personally. Through these paintings, it became evident that while traditions are universal, their interpretations are deeply personal.

Parents played a pivotal role in this artistic journey. Their guidance wasn't just about which color to choose or where to paint, but it was also about sharing stories, memories, and the essence of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

More than Just an Art Class

As the day drew to a close, the backyard of Nihao School was filled with vibrant mooncakes, each narrating a unique story. But more importantly, it was filled with families, closer and more bonded than when they had started the day.

The Moon Cake Painting Activity at the Nihao School wasn't just another event; it was a testament to the power of family, unity, and togetherness. Through art, families not only expressed themselves but also rediscovered the values that make the Mid-Autumn Festival so special.

In a world where we often get caught up in the daily hustle, such moments remind us of the importance of slowing down, coming together, and cherishing the traditions that bind us. The Nihao School Play Parenting Class is more than just a class; it's an experience, a memory, a tradition in the making. Cultural Importance:

The Mooncake Festival has its roots in ancient harvest festivals and mythological traditions. It reflects gratitude for the harvest and prayers for prosperity, health, and happiness. Today, it is a time for joy, food, and connection with loved ones.

The festival is celebrated differently across regions. For example, in China, it's common to share mooncakes and admire the moon, while in Vietnam (where it's called Tết Trung Thu), it's also considered a Children's Festival with lion dances and lantern-making.