The Mid-Autumn Festival is coming up later this month on Sept 17. It’s a time of joy, family reunions, and rich cultural traditions but for many expat families, the only thing that comes to mind about Mid-Autumn Festival is mooncakes. But there’s so much more to the holiday. Let’s take the time to create some fun family bonding time at home with the kids while teaching them all about one of China’s most popular holidays.
Let’s start with the obvious – making mooncakes together. Gather the ingredients and let the kids help measure and mix. They can roll out the dough and fill the mooncakes with their favorite fillings. This not only teaches them about the traditional food of the festival but also allows for some creative fun. Making mooncakes is actually a lot easier than you’d think. Check out our previous article on a delicious Ferrero Rocher mooncake that they’re sure to love.
Then tell them the story behind the holiday. Share tales of Chang’e flying to the moon, the Jade Rabbit, and Wu Gang chopping the laurel tree. Kids will be fascinated by these ancient stories, which helps them connect with the festival’s cultural significance.
Then it’s time for some crafts. Chinese New Year isn’t the only holiday where lanterns make an appearance. Mid-Autumn Festival needs them too. You can buy simple paper lanterns and let the kids color and decorate them. Hang them around the house or take them for a walk in the evening. This adds to the festive atmosphere and gives the kids a sense of participation. There are plenty of options for DIY kits online. Check out our picks:
Have fun creating memories with your kids and teaching them that there’s more to the Mid-Autumn Festival than mooncakes! Do you have other creative ideas about the holiday? Let us know in the comment section.
Images: Taobao, Pexels
