How to Write and Pronounce Mid-Autumn Festival in English and What to Eat on This Day
Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival, is one of the most significant traditional Chinese festivals. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which usually corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. In Chinese, it is called 中秋节 (zhōng qiū jié), which literally means "mid-autumn festival".
To pronounce the Chinese name of this festival, you can break it down into three syllables: zhōng (like "johng" with a rising tone), qiū (like "chew" with a falling-rising tone), and jié (like "jyeh" with a neutral tone). You can also listen to the audio recording of the pronunciation online or ask a Chinese friend to teach you.
What to Eat on Mid-Autumn Festival
Food is an essential part of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. Here are some traditional dishes and snacks that people enjoy on this day:
Mooncakes
Mooncakes are the most iconic food of the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are round pastries with a sweet filling, usually made of lotus seed paste or red bean paste, and a salted egg yolk in the center to symbolize the full moon. Mooncakes come in various flavors and styles, such as snow skin mooncakes, ice cream mooncakes, and even savory mooncakes with meat or vegetables.
Pomelos
Pomelos, also known as Chinese grapefruits, are a popular fruit to eat during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Pomelos are usually served with a sprinkle of sugar or salt to enhance their flavor.
Osmanthus Jelly
Osmanthus jelly is a refreshing dessert made from the fragrant flowers of the osmanthus tree. It has a delicate texture and a subtle floral aroma. Osmanthus jelly is often served in a small bowl with some honey or sugar syrup on top.
Tea
Drinking tea is a common practice during the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is a way to cleanse the palate after eating mooncakes and other rich foods. Some popular teas to drink on this day include jasmine tea, chrysanthemum tea, and oolong tea.
In addition to these foods, some families also prepare a feast with dishes such as roast duck, steamed fish, and stir-fried vegetables. It is a time for families to gather together, enjoy good food, and appreciate the beauty of the full moon.
In Conclusion
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the harvest season and the reunion of families. It is a time to appreciate the beauty of the full moon and to indulge in delicious food and drinks. Whether you are Chinese or not, you can join in the festivities by trying some mooncakes, pomelos, osmanthus jelly, or tea. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!