The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a special celebration observed in many parts of Asia, including China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. It is one of the most important holidays in these cultures and is a time for families to gather, enjoy delicious mooncakes, and admire the beauty of the full moon. For preschoolers, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a fun and exciting way to learn about another culture and the importance of family, sharing, and traditions.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which usually falls in September or October. This festival is all about appreciating the full moon, which is believed to be at its brightest and most beautiful on this night. In Chinese culture, the full moon symbolizes reunion and togetherness, making it a perfect time for families to come together, enjoy a special meal, and share mooncakes.
The Mid-Autumn Festival has a rich history that goes back over 3,000 years. It’s traditionally a time to give thanks for the harvest and pray for good fortune. For preschoolers, we can celebrate this festival by sharing stories, enjoying special foods, and learning about the moon and stars.
There are many wonderful traditions associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, and families celebrate in fun and meaningful ways. Here are some key aspects of the festival that can be shared with preschoolers:
One of the most important parts of the Mid-Autumn Festival is moon-gazing. Families gather outdoors to admire the full moon, which is seen as a symbol of family unity. You can take preschoolers outside in the evening (with parents or caregivers) to look at the moon and talk about how bright and round it is. This can spark their curiosity about the moon, stars, and space.
Lesson for Preschoolers:
Mooncakes are a traditional pastry eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round, sweet cakes are filled with ingredients like red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or nuts, and they often have beautiful designs on top. Sharing mooncakes with family and friends is a symbol of unity and togetherness.
While mooncakes might be new to some preschoolers, you can introduce them to this tradition by making simple mooncake-inspired cookies or treats together. This activity helps them learn about the festival while enjoying a sweet treat!
Lesson for Preschoolers:
Another fun part of the Mid-Autumn Festival is lanterns. Children often carry brightly colored lanterns shaped like animals, flowers, or even the moon itself. These lanterns symbolize lighting the way to prosperity and happiness. You can make simple paper lanterns with preschoolers and let them decorate them with stars, moons, or their favorite colors.
Lesson for Preschoolers:
One of the most famous stories associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival is the legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. According to the story, Chang’e drank a magic potion and floated up to the moon, where she now lives with a jade rabbit. This tale is often shared with children during the festival, and it’s a fun way to introduce preschoolers to storytelling from another culture. You can tell a simple version of the story and encourage children to draw pictures of Chang’e and the moon.
Lesson for Preschoolers:
The Mid-Autumn Festival is not just about eating mooncakes and looking at the moon—it also teaches important lessons about family, gratitude, and sharing. Here are some of the values preschoolers can learn from this celebration:
Togetherness and Family: The Mid-Autumn Festival emphasizes spending time with loved ones and appreciating the special bond between family members. Preschoolers can learn how important it is to care for and spend time with their family.
Gratitude: Traditionally, the festival is a time to give thanks for the harvest and the good things in life. Preschoolers can practice gratitude by thinking about what they are thankful for, whether it’s family, friends, or the things they enjoy.
Sharing and Generosity: Mooncakes are shared with others as a way to spread happiness and good fortune. Preschoolers can learn the importance of sharing and being kind to others during this celebration.
Help preschoolers make simple paper lanterns by folding and cutting colorful paper. They can decorate their lanterns with stars, moons, or animals, and you can even hang the lanterns in the classroom to celebrate the festival.
Have the children create moon-themed art using white or silver paint on dark blue or black paper. Encourage them to draw the moon and stars or create their own version of the full moon.
If mooncakes are available, have a small mooncake-tasting activity. If not, you can make mooncake-inspired cookies or treats together with the children. Talk about the significance of sharing these sweet treats during the festival.
Tell the story of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, in a simple and engaging way. Afterward, let the preschoolers draw pictures of Chang’e on the moon or the jade rabbit. This is a fun way to introduce storytelling and creativity.
Sing a simple song about the moon, like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” and add a verse about the moon shining brightly. This helps preschoolers make the connection between the festival and the moon in a fun, musical way.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a beautiful celebration of family, gratitude, and the wonder of the moon. By introducing preschoolers to this festival through stories, crafts, and fun activities, we help them appreciate the importance of coming together, sharing with others, and learning about different cultures.
As they celebrate the festival, preschoolers can start to understand that even though people celebrate in different ways around the world, the values of family, kindness, and thankfulness are shared by everyone. This year, let’s celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival by looking up at the moon, sharing sweet treats, and spending time with the people we care about!