Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! 中秋节快乐！中秋節快樂!
The Mid-Autumn Festival is held every year on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar and is celebrated with a three day holiday in China. The second most important holiday after Chinese New Year, traditionally this festival marks harvest and celebrates the harvest moon – seen to be the brightest and fullest moon of the year. For many Chinese, the moon symbolises prosperity, peace and reunion.
During this holiday families travel home to be together, typically enjoy a large reunion dinner and spend time admiring the full moon.
This year the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Thursday 15 September – here’s what’s happening at China Exchange:
Thursday 15 Sep – Moon Gazing
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Enjoy this day with your friends and family, try a moon cake and take some time to admire the moon!
Friday 16 Sep – The Evolution of Erhu: An Evening with Wan Pin Chu & Friends
A Friday evening concert for you to immerse yourself in the beautiful song of the erhu as Wan Pin Chu returns to China Exchange to take us on a chronological journey from early traditional pieces through to contemporary digital sounds with special appearances from his musical friends.
Saturday 17 Sep – The Rabbit in the Moon – Wire Rabbit Workshop
Get creative with this pop-up workshop led by artist and sculptor Zack McLaughlin. In Europe, we may be encouraged to see a man in the moon but in China, we’d be seeking the rabbit in the moon. By the end of this workshop you’ll be able to see one too – in your hands at least! Create your very own wire rabbit to take home to that special somebunny, in this fun three-hour workshop. No experience required. Materials, tea and rabbit puns included. Lettuce get sculpting!
Saturday 17 Sep – Masters of the Lunar Verse, Chinese Poetry at China Exchange
Get to know your Li Bai from your Du Fu in this special session with poet Jennifer Wong. Explore the multiple meanings and legends of the moon from well-known Tang poems to contemporary verse and celebrate China’s relationship with both poetry and the moon. No experience required. Tea and moon-gazing included!
Saturday 17 Sep – Lunite
A once-in-a-blue-moon Saturday night out! Enjoy live music, dance, a range of drop-in activities and unexpected treats…all fuelled by drinks from our licensed bar. Early bird tickets on sale until August 17, get yours now!
Sunday 18 Sep – celebrations in Chinatown
Rumour has it there will be a selection of family-oriented activities in Chinatown to celebrate the festival. We’ll keep you updated through our social media feeds. Get following!