In China, the festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, which means it tends to fall in mid-August, however, some years it falls in early September.
That evening, the family gathers together for a banquet—often held at midnight—and for gazing at the full moon above. In Chinese culture, the round shape of the moon symbolizes unity of the family. Because this festival is so family-oriented, even faraway members make a point of returning home for the event. You could think of it as a Chinese Thanksgiving.
As this festival focuses on harvesting and living off the land, it’s no surprise that traditions surrounding it are filled with animal symbolism. Butterflies, curiously, represent longevity. A red lobster signifies merriment, albeit more on behalf of the diner than the boiled crustacean. Even lanterns used for this festival often take the shape of animals.
