This children’s article, A kids’ guide to the Mid-Autumn Festival, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about Chinese culture, and discover the legends behind one of China’s most famous festivals. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
What is the Mid-Autumn Festival?
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s most famous celebrations. It happens on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, so the date changes every year. This year, it falls on Monday, October 6th.
Families get together to admire the full moon, which is said to be the brightest and roundest of the year. People eat mooncakes, tell stories, and enjoy being together under the glowing night sky. It’s a festival full of fun, food, and magical moonlight!
The history and legend
The festival has been celebrated for thousands of years. Long ago, people in China would thank the moon for helping crops grow and for giving them good luck.
One of the most famous legends is about Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. The story says she drank a magical potion and floated up to live on the moon forever. People tell this, and many other stories, during the festival, all while gazing up at the full moon.
How it is celebrated
Families eat mooncakes, which are round pastries filled with sweet or savoury fillings. The round shape is a symbol of togetherness and family unity. People also light lanterns, sometimes letting them float into the sky, or simply hanging them around their homes.
The importance of the festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is about family, friends, and giving thanks. It reminds people to be grateful for the harvest, for their loved ones, and for the beauty of nature.
Even today, the festival is a time for reunions. No matter where people are, they try to be with family, eat mooncakes, admire the moon, and enjoy the magic of this special night.
Article vocabulary list
- Festival: A special celebration with traditions, food, and fun.
- Mooncake: A round pastry eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Lunar calendar: A calendar based on the cycles of the moon.
- Legend: A famous story from the past, often with magical or heroic events.
- Lantern: A light source that can be carried or hung during celebrations.
- Harvest: The gathering of crops grown in fields.
- Reunion: A time when family or friends meet together after being apart.
- Tradition: Something that people do regularly that is part of their culture.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When does the Mid-Autumn Festival take place in 2025?
A) Monday, October 6
B) Friday, October 17
C) Sunday, October 12
Answer: B) Great soul
2. Who is the Moon Goddess in the legend?
A) Chang’e
B) Hou Yi
C) Sun Wukong
Answer: A) Chang’e
3. What do mooncakes symbolise?
A) Luck in games
B) Family unity and togetherness
C) Flying lanterns
Answer: B) Family unity and togetherness
4. What is a common activity for children during the festival?
A) Flying kites
B) Playing with lanterns
C) Baking bread
Answer: B) To admire the moon and remember legends
5. What is a common activity for children during the festival?
A) Flying kites
B) Playing with lanterns
C) Baking bread
Answer: B) Playing with lanterns
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
