A legend brought to life, mooncakes shared, families and friends connected – a timeless tradition came alive through joyful celebration at the Confucius Institute of the University of Szeged, where guests were invited to experience China’s most poetic holiday: the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar. It marks the height of autumn, when the moon is at its fullest and shines its brightest. This year, the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged brought this more than two-thousand-year-old tradition to life in Szeged on October 3.
The evening opened with a welcome speech by the Institute’s newly appointed Chinese director:
“The Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished occasion in Chinese tradition – a time for family reunions and shared joy. I am delighted to see so many guests and friends gathered here today. As we celebrate together, I hope we not only become friends, but members of one big family,” said Dr. Tao Qian, addressing the audience.
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| Mid-Autumn Festival at the University of Szeged’s Confucius Institute. Photo gallery: Karina Bartha |
Next, Li Jianyong, a staff member at the Confucius Institute, delivered a culturally rich presentation on the traditions of the fall festival to a full house. Guests learned that the celebration is closely tied to the moon, which symbolizes people’s longing for reunion and wholeness. They also gained insight into the famous Chinese legend associated with the festival – the tale of Chang’e, the woman who ascended to the Moon Palace.
“According to legend, in ancient times, ten suns rose into the sky, scorching the earth and bringing great suffering to humankind. A heroic archer named Hou Yi shot down nine of them, saving the world from disaster. As a reward, he was given the elixir of immortality – but he chose not to take it. One day, while Hou Yi was away, an evil man attempted to steal the elixir. To keep it safe, Hou Yi’s wife, Chang’e, had no choice but to drink it herself. As a result, she immediately ascended to the Moon Palace, forever separated from her husband, able only to gaze down at him from afar. This ancient tale of love and sacrifice continues to move people today and deepens their longing for their loved ones. That is why, on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month each year, families gather for a festive dinner and delight in the moon at its fullest and brightest,” explained Li Jianyong.
After the presentation, a raffle was held, followed by a series of interactive games. There was something for everyone: participants could test their aiming skills in the elegant Touhu (pitch-pot) throwing game, challenge their logic with the traditional Go board game, or join craft activities such as fan-making. They also had the opportunity to try on hanfu, traditional Chinese attire, and adorn themselves with hua dian, ornamental forehead decorations. Alongside a selection of Chinese teas, guests sampled yuebing, or mooncakes – the indispensable Mid-Autumn delicacy that symbolizes family unity.
“Wherever we are in the world, when we look up at the moon, it feels as if we can see the gaze of our loved ones. For the Chinese, the Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a time to enjoy mooncakes but also a moment to treasure the bonds that connect our hearts. We hope that today, every Chinese and Hungarian friend in the world – whether near or far from home – finds comfort in the warmth of family, the sincerity of friendship, and the joy of this shared celebration,” concluded Li Jianyong.
Original Hungarian article and photos by Karina Bartha
