The Mid-Autumn

Festival in China

~ ARTS OF ASIA IN THE CLASSROOM ~Elementary/Middle School

Confucius Institute of Chinese Opera

Institute for Asia and Asian Diasporas

Mid-Autumn Festival, Moon Cake Festival, &

Harvest Moon Festival

…are different names for the same FESTIVAL

Mid-Autumn is a time for family and loved ones to gather and enjoy the full moon that

is a symbol of plenty harmony and luck.

During mid-autumn festival…

Everyone will treat themselves toMany different varieties ofMoon cakes with a cup ofPiping hot Chinese tea.

Children enjoy brightly lit lanterns, puppet shows, and

lantern parades.

Fru i t s o f the f es t i va l

Pomelos are a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia.

Pomelos have white flesh and a very thick

rind.

They are the largest citrus fruit and taste like a grapefruit, mild and sweet.

Pomelos symbolize prosperity.

Forming the moon cakes

Paddle & push molds for square and round

Moon cakes

Lots o f moon cakes !

The Legend o f J ade R abb i t

When the full moon rises, families gather to eat

“moon cakes” and readstories about the legends

of the moon.

The Legend of the Jade Rabbit

is story ofthe rabbit in the moon.

T h e s t o r y o f J a d e R a b b i t

In Chinese folklore, JADE RABBIT is often

portrayed as a companion to the Moon Goddess Chang’e.

They live together on the moon.

Jade Rabbit mixes potions so Chang’e will have eternal life.

Brightly l it lanterns

Moon Festival is not complete without the soft glow of a lantern.

We’re making a rabbit lantern to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival

R a b b i t L a n t e r n c o n t a i n s a g l o w s t i c k

ARTS OF ASIA IN THE

CLASSROOM

Maxine Rosenberg ~ Outreach Art Teacher

Confucius Institute of Chinese Opera

Institute for Asia and Asian Diasporas