Reinventing support for cultural traditions: Mid-Autumn Festival

Autumn, or Fall, is a special time for many Asian cultures as they celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. This is a harmonious occasion that brings families together under the radiant glow of the full moon. From China to Vietnam, Japan and Korea, the Mid-Autumn Festival embodies shared traditions, meaningful symbolism, and a deep sense of unity. Let’s delve into the rich tapestry of this event that binds Asians in a celebration of love, gratitude, and togetherness.

The autumn full moon

The Mid-Autumn Festival's origins are rooted in these cultures’ reverence for the moon. The festival is aligned with the autumn full moon, symbolising unity and completeness. It is held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which will be 29 September in 2023. This moment unites Asians with a common cultural thread as they gather to pay homage to the moon's brilliance and its connection to their lives.

Mooncakes: the universal treat

Across Asian cultures, mooncakes are central to the Mid-Autumn Festival's table. These round pastries represent the moon's fullness and have diverse flavours and fillings, depending on each culture's palate. Vietnamese mooncakes have many filling types, from sweet lotus seed and mung bean to savoury chicken and smoked sausage - and they have baked or sticky rice crusts.

Lanterns: Illuminating unity

Lanterns - some ornate, some more simple - become symbols of harmony during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Children parade with lanterns of vibrant hues and shapes, reflecting the region's collective joy. Each lantern's glow symbolises hope, enlightenment, and a shared journey towards a brighter future.

In many Asian cities, the Mid-Autumn Festival comes alive through captivating lantern parades and performances. From China's majestic dragon dances to Taiwan's sky lantern releases, these spectacles foster a sense of community and pride in shared cultural heritage. Even Chinatowns in cities like London, San Francisco and Vancouver maintain the tradition of decorating and performing for Mid-Autumn Festivals.

Family reunions: a common thread

Just as the full moon lights the night sky, the Mid-Autumn Festival illuminates the importance of family ties. Generations gather to honour their heritage, express gratitude, and reconnect.

Each Asian culture adds its unique touch to the festival. From China’s Zhong Qiu Jie autumn festival to Korea's Chuseok Thanksgiving Day, the sentiment remains the same - family is the cornerstone of life's celebrations.

In Korea, families pay tribute to ancestors through charye rituals and create songpyeon (송편) rice cakes as symbols of gratitude. In London, you can buy songpyeon in Korean markets. Meanwhile, in Japan, the festival intertwines with the Tsukimi tradition, where offerings are made to the moon while admiring its beauty.

The Mid-Autumn Festival transcends borders, languages, and backgrounds in a shared appreciation for the moon's allure and the joy of unity. As lanterns dance in the night breeze and families gather to exchange stories and laughter, the events reflect a rich cultural heritage. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is a timeless reminder of the importance of preserving traditions, nurturing relationships, and cherishing shared values.

Reinventing support

Delta Capita want all our employees to feel included, regardless of their background or beliefs. We encourage and support staff to take part in religious and cultural practices, and spend time promoting their mental and physical wellbeing too.

Employees who feel supported in these ways generally feel healthier, more contented, and have a greater sense of belonging and engagement at work.

If you want an employer that values wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, browse our current job vacancies. You can also see how Delta Capita are reinventing the workplace through employee-centric projects.

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