Meaning
中秋节 is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually September or early October). It is a time for family reunions, moon viewing, and eating mooncakes. The festival celebrates the autumn harvest and the full moon, which symbolizes completeness and unity in Chinese culture.
Usage
This term is used to refer to the specific holiday. During 中秋节, families gather to eat mooncakes (月饼), admire the full moon, and share meals together. It is a public holiday in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and many other places with Chinese populations. Common activities include giving mooncakes as gifts and lantern displays.
Examples
- 01中秋节那天，我们全家人一起吃月饼、赏月。, , .On Mid-Autumn Festival, our whole family eats mooncakes and admires the moon together.
- 02今年的中秋节是九月十七号。.This year's Mid-Autumn Festival is on September 17th.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个中秋节
Common collocations
- 过中秋节to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival
- 中秋节快乐Happy Mid-Autumn Festival
- 中秋佳节the wonderful Mid-Autumn Festival (formal)
- 中秋节假期Mid-Autumn Festival holiday
Origin
The name literally means 'Mid-Autumn Festival' because it falls in the middle of autumn according to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. The festival has been celebrated for over 3,000 years, with origins in moon worship and harvest celebrations.