Chinese Holidays

Since it’s Christmas season in the U.S., now would also be a fitting time to learn about the major Chinese holidays.

Mid Autumn Festival

• Also commonly known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival
• A Harvest Festival, usually in August, similar to Korea’s Chuseok
• Traditionally celebrated with the hanging of lanterns and eating of mooncakes

National Day

• October 1st
• Commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China
• Celebrated with fireworks, concerts, and parades

Dragon Boat Festival

• Occurs near the summer solstice
• Commemorates the life and death of the famous Chinese poet and scholar, Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States Period
• Tradition of making and eating zongzi
• Boat-racing competitions

Chinese New Year

• The most widely-known and celebrated Chinese Holiday
• Traditional dishes include dumplings and spring rolls
• Celebrated with dragon dances and parades
• Occurs sometime in February

Side note: other than National Day, the specific dates of Chinese holidays are not the same every year since it operates on the Lunar Calendar, which will annually change.

Hanna Sha

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