🌕 The Mid-Autumn Festival, falling on September 10 this year, is lighting up Beijing with joy and tradition! This cherished festival is all about family reunions, mooncakes, and admiring the luminous full moon that symbolizes completeness and unity.
Walking through the bustling streets of Beijing, the air is filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked mooncakes and the chatter of families preparing for the festivities. We chatted with locals to see how they are celebrating this year and how their traditions have evolved since they were kids.
Embracing Old Traditions 🏮
Many young Beijingers are reconnecting with classic customs. Li Wei, a 25-year-old student, shared, \"When I was little, my family and I would make lanterns together. This year, we're bringing back that tradition! It's a wonderful way to bond and appreciate our culture.\"
For Zhang Mei, a 30-year-old entrepreneur, the festival is a time to slow down. \"I've been so busy with work, but Mid-Autumn is the perfect excuse to unplug and spend quality time with my parents,\" she said with a smile.
Adding a Modern Twist 🎉
The younger generation is also infusing new life into the celebrations. From virtual moon-gazing parties to creative takes on mooncakes (think chocolate and matcha fillings!), there's a blend of old and new.
Wang Hao, a tech-savvy 22-year-old, told us, \"My friends and I are hosting an online gathering since some of us can't make it home. We'll share stories, play games, and of course, eat mooncakes together over video chat!\"
The Festival's Meaning Today 🌟
Despite the changes, the core of the Mid-Autumn Festival remains the same: it's about gratitude, family, and unity. Whether it's traditional lantern walks or modern virtual meetups, people in Beijing are finding meaningful ways to celebrate.
So, if you find yourself in Beijing during this luminous festival, join in the fun, try a mooncake (or two!), and immerse yourself in the magic of the Mid-Autumn night. 🌙❤️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com