| According to the book, Good Luck Life: The Essential Guide to Chinese American Celebrations and Culture, the Festival of the Mid Autumn Moon is celebrated in mid to late September (the 8th Lunar month on the Chinese calendar). Rosemary Gong writes, ”In old rural China, the Moon Festival was an occasion for celebrating a bountiful harvest.” The moon is at its fullest at this time of year. The “roundness symbolizes the unity of a family circle, the cycle of life and the old folklore that connects the past, present and hereafter.” The author of Good Luck Life describes the event as an “evening of feasting at a family dinner followed by dessert taken when the moon is at its height of intensity. At the height of the full moon the family dines on snacks, fruits, tea and moon cakes. Paper lanterns in the shapes of rabbits, fish, birds, butterflies and horses may decorate the home. The evening closes when everyone has taken time to release secret wishes to the moon goddess. Some symbolic items placed on the Moon Festival table include: Gourds for long lasting togetherness, apples for peace (“apple” sounds like the word “peace” in Chinese), pomegranates (their many seeds mean many children.), Asian pears, persimmons, grapes, peaches, melons and other round moon-shaped fruits and a tea services complete with tea pot and cups.” Date: Saturday September 20, 2008 Place: Meadow Park Church of God 2425 Bethel Rd Columbus, OH 43220 The church is east of Sawmill Rd. and right next to Graeter's. Schedule: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Times are approximate!! 4:00 to 5:30 crafts, Badminton, play ground, hopscotch... 5:30 to 6:30 Dinner (bring your own dinner, beverage , blankets, chairs to sit on---this is an outdoor event. We can move inside if the weather is bad. 6:00 to 6:30 The Autumn Moon Story, Special Music, 7:00 to 7:30 Dessert and Tea (provided by COFCC, but we are asking for donations to cover the cost of the moon cakes and the strawberry cake) 7:30- 7:45 Clean Up 7:45-8:00 Lantern parade 8:00 departure Do you have a badminton set? Would be willing to bring it to the Autumn Moon event for all to use? Please contact Marla or Karen! Also, we are looking for musicians, vocal or instrumental, who might be able to share a few selections of Chinese music. If you or someone you know can do this please contact Marla or Karen! We hope to see you all at the Autumn Moon Celebration!! |
"Supporting Families with Children Adopted from China" |