Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival in China: Top 5 Fascinating Facts

The ODM office in Zhuhai, China will be closed from Friday, September 29th to Wednesday, October 4th to observe Mid-Autumn Festival and China’s National Holiday. We will be back on Thursday, October 5th. Our office on Vietnam is open for your inquiries and requests.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional and the second grandest festival celebrated in Chinese culture after Chinese New Year. Many other Asian countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, also celebrate this special day.

For 2023, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Friday, September 29th. Chinese people can enjoy the public holiday from September 29th to October 4th.

Top 5 Fascinating Facts Behind Mid-Autumn Festival

1. The Date Changes Every Year

The Mid-Autumn Festival in China is a celebration that begins on the 15th day of the 8th month on the Chinese lunar calendar.

However, the date varies each year in the Gregorian calendar, but it is always around the time of the harvest moon.

The festival always falls in September or early October!

2. It’s All About the Moon

Also called the “Moon Festival”, Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the full moon of the eighth month.

Chinese people believed this celestial body governed all vital changes, especially the harvest of grain.

Various myths also tell the story of Chang’e, the Chinese goddess of the moon, which is believed to carry the Jade Rabbit in her arms.

People will put a table outside under the moon on the night of the festival – burn incense, put moon cakes and fruits as sacrifices on the table, and pray for fortune to the goddess.

3. Birthed the Name of China’s Lunar Exploration Program

Chang’e, the robotic spacecraft mission from China, is named after the Chinese goddess of the moon.

It was administered by the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) and completed its fifth lunar exploration mission last December 2020.

China’s Chang’e-5 lunar probe was the first mission to take back lunar samples since the Soviet Union’s Luna 24 in 1976.

It made China the third country to return samples from the Moon after the United States and the Soviet Union.

4. Perfect Time for Mooncakes!

Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese treat and are deemed to be the special food of the festival and are available in many different flavours.

They were made of glutinous rice flour, which was mixed with other ingredients such as sweet or savoury fillings.

As they are round, they symbolise completeness and togetherness.

Many people give mooncakes to their friends and families as gifts to wish them a happy and long life.

5. Lanterns Are Everywhere

In addition to mooncakes, lanterns are also a classic symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival, and they’re also popular decorations.

Lanterns are made from bamboo sticks with paper or cloth covers.

They are decorated with colourful patterns that represent different meanings, such as love, beauty, or longevity.

Creating and hanging lanterns is a custom of the Mid-Autumn Festival, especially in southern China, where the traditional activity of lighting up the lanterns is a grand event.

How to Promote Your Business During Mid-Autumn Festival?

Promoting your business during the Mid-Autumn Festival in China can be a great opportunity to engage with your target audience and boost sales. Here are some tips on how to effectively promote your business during this festive season:

1. Understand the Significance of the Festival

Before you start any promotional activities, it’s crucial to understand the cultural significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival in China.

It’s a time for family reunions and celebrating the harvest, and mooncakes are a central part of the tradition. Tailor your promotions to align with these values.

2. Create Festive Content

Develop marketing materials, both online and offline, that incorporate the Mid-Autumn Festival theme. Use festive colours and traditional symbols like the full moon and lanterns, and incorporate stories or legends related to the festival.

3. Special Mooncake Offerings

If your business allows, consider offering special mooncake flavours or gift sets. Collaborate with local bakeries or create your mooncake recipes that resonate with your brand. Highlight the quality and uniqueness of your mooncakes in your marketing materials.

4. Mid-Autumn Festival Discounts

Run special discounts or promotions during the festival period. You could offer discounts on products or services related to gift-giving, such as tea sets, lanterns, or even clothing and accessories.

5. Festive Packaging

Create special Mid-Autumn Festival packaging for your products. Eye-catching and culturally relevant packaging can make your products more appealing as gifts.

Here are some examples of Mid-Autumn promotion from different brands:

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Stay Updated With China Holidays

There is no doubt that China is a large and rapidly growing economy. It has become a popular place for both importing and exporting goods, and many new startups are looking to the region for both suppliers and customers.

It is important for businesses to be aware of the Chinese holidays and their dates so as to make their business more favourable in the region. Why?

There are two things to consider:

Employees may not come to work during the festive season.
Your business partners or clients may not be available during the holidays.

Other big holidays in China to look out for!

February – Lunar New Year

June – Dragon Boat Festival

October – Golden Week

We Are Always Here to Help!

ODM, together with our design agency based in Vietnam, Mindsparkz, ensure that we are always ahead of the game to guarantee that you will get new and innovative products for your marketing campaigns and promotions.

During this big holiday in China, our office in Vietnam is still here to answer any of your inquiries. If you have any important requests, feel free to contact us by e-mail at [email protected].

Or reach out to our social media accounts.