London time

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is more than just an annual lunar event. It is an important celebration that brings together families, rekindles friendships, and unites communities. 

The holiday stretches back 3,000 years, when Orientals worshipped the moon as a symbol of rejuvenation and a good harvest. Today, the holiday is all about bonding and togetherness. 

Chang’e the Moon Goddess and her celestial companion the Jade Rabbit

In an intricately woven tapestry of traditions and shared experiences many around the world are captivated and celebrate along. While its origins are deeply rooted in East Asian cultures, the festival’s universal messages of family bonds, friendship, and gratitude is universal. 

Mooncake Festival : Asia's Mid-Autumn Feast

In the Orient it is the moon that rules, with special occasions plotted on the lunar calendar. Thus the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth moon. For 2015 this translates to September 27 or 28 in the solar or western calendar.

An assortment of moon cakes laid out prettily.

An important part of the festival celebration is moon worship.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Mooncake Festival. For millions of Chinese across Asia and around the world the Mid-Autumn Festival is a big deal and second only to Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations. 

Houyi helplessly looking at his wife Chang'e 

flying off to the moon after she drank the elixir.