I'm on Eater LA Talking about Mid Autumn Festival!

The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is traditionally celebrated across East and Southeast Asia in China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The holiday is rooted in the legend of the Chinese moon goddess who ascended to the moon after swallowing an elixir of immortality and was honored by her husband with offerings of fruits and cakes during the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese Lunar calendar.

This year, the festival falls on September 17, 2024, and is recognized throughout the Southland in Asian communities like Chinatown and the San Gabriel Valley by gathering with family, lighting lanterns, gazing at the moon, and eating mooncakes. The pastries’ round shape symbolizes the full moon and family unity, while the tradition of gifting mooncakes to family, friends, and business associates represents togetherness.

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