The Moon Festival is on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. This year, it falls on September 27th, 2015. Also known as the Mid-autumn Festival. The festival celebrates three fundamental concepts gathering, thanksgiving, and praying. It basically values the same spirits as Thanksgiving in the West, one of the three major traditional Chinese celebrations. Like the other festivals, there are stories and folktales behind every tradition that passed down. Here are some quick reviews.

The Legends has it, Chang Er took the immortal elixir and flew to the moon, becoming the goddess of the moon for people’s sake. The jade rabbit, tried sacrificing itself for friends, was rescued and sent to the moon to company Chang Er. Wu Gang for being lazy was punished to chopping trees endlessly on the moon. Are all fascinating folktales passed down generations, reminding the people love, friendship and family value. As for moon cakes, a secret rebellion plan was coordinated to overthrow the Mongolians during the Yuan Dynasty. Drawing close to the Moon Festival, the rebellion plans and outlines of attacks successfully passed out to all coordinators secretly via the messages and outlines stuffed in each moon cake. On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the Yuan government which followed the rise of the Ming dynasty.

The traditional moon gazing and moon cake tasting was a popular entertainment of the royals back in time. The custom gradually spread to the people and finally became a custom celebrating during this time of the year when the moon is the brightest. With all the traditional activities still carry out, a new custom during the Moon Festival somehow started to grow throughout these years in Taiwan. Barbecue, during this time of the year, has become more and more popular. The moon festival is a holiday when the family gathers and celebrates together, and now they barbecue. Large barbecue events are even held in every city. It’s a new and interesting way to celebrate the harvest festival, as long it’s a joyful reunion and wonderful gathering. The shops and venders will have everything you need ready for a good barbecue. It’s a great chance to cook up some good times in Taiwan.

For more information on the Moon Festival & hotel in Taiwan:
http://www.travelking.com.tw/eng/tourguide/taiwanfestivals/the-moon-festival.asp