The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China's most cherished traditional celebrations, marked by family reunions and the admiration of the full moon. This festival not only highlights the importance of familial bonds but also the appreciation of nature's beauty.
Mahya Mirsadeghi from Iran and Ekaterina Kaligaeva from Belarus, both studying in China, have shared their insights on the Mid-Autumn Festival and how similar celebrations are observed in their home countries.
Iranian Traditions: Shab-e Yalda
Mahya describes Shab-e Yalda, an Iranian celebration that occurs on the longest night of the year. Much like the Mid-Autumn Festival, Shab-e Yalda emphasizes family gatherings, storytelling, and enjoying seasonal fruits like pomegranates and watermelons under the moonlit sky.
Belarusian Celebrations: Kupala Night
Ekaterina talks about Kupala Night, a Belarusian festival celebrating the summer solstice. This event features bonfires, traditional songs, and dances, fostering a strong sense of community and a connection with nature, paralleling the communal and natural appreciation aspects of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Both Mahya and Ekaterina highlight the universal themes of togetherness and the reverence for nature that are central to these festivals, showcasing how different cultures celebrate similar values in their unique ways.
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Are there other celebrations similar to Mid-Autumn Festival?
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