have related the vicissitudes of life -- joy and sorrow, parting and reunion -- to changes of the moon as it waxes and wanes. Ancient Chinese chose the morning of the lunar February 15 to worship the sun and the night of the lunar August 15 to worship the full moon. This ancient custom became prevalent in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and extremely popular during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

On the night of the lunar August 15, the moon appears to be at its roundest and brightest. The full moon is a symbol for family reunion, which is why the day is also known as the Festival of Reunion.

After a family reunion dinner, many people like to go out to attend special performances in parks or in public squares. Night falls, and the land is bathed in silver moonlight. Families set up tables in their courtyards or sit together on their balconies, chatting and eating moon cakes and fruit. Together, they enjoy the enchanting spell of night.

Ⅰ. Special Food

People in different parts of China have different ways to celebrate the festival. But one traditional custom is definitely shared by all the Chinese -- eating moon cakes.

Moon cakes are round pastries shaped like the moon, about an inch in height. Inside, they are filled with lotus seeds, red bean paste, orange peel, melon seeds, ham, dried flower petals, and salted duck's egg yolk. The surface of the food is patterned with clouds, the moon, and the rabbit.

It symbolizes the reunions of families and couples. The exchanging of gifts during the mid autumn festival is a hospitable custom and lovers also give moon cakes as presents to show their passion.

Nowadays, moon cakes with their various flavors and delicate packaging actually have become a kind of artwork. People can also get artistic pleasure while enjoying the food.

Ⅱ. Legend

In Chinese fairy tales, the fairy Chang'er, a wood cutter named Wu Gang and a jade rabbit which is Chang'er's pet, all lived on the moon.