No one can be sure of the origins of the Harvest Moon Festival also called the Mid-Autumn Festival. The origins were romanticized by the story of Chang Er, who was believed to have taken a pill and became a fairy and flown to the moon to escape from the pursuit of her husband. It was thought that we could see Chang Er on the moon when it is at its brightest usually the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. The exact date in the Western calendar changes from year to year but it is approximately in September.

Another story is that on the fifteenth day that Yueh Lao, the old man in the moon who was supposed to help young people find their future marriage partners. On this day people enjoy music and dancing and eating round yellow Moon Cakes.

Chinese legends say that the moon is at its brightest and roundest on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Under this bright autumn moon, friendships are made and renewed. It is perfect for a romantic rendezvous. Chinese poets write about long lost lovers finding their way to each other on this special night.

The August Moon Festival is often called the Women's Festival. The moon symbolizes beauty and elegance, While Westerners worship the sun for its power, and people in the Far East admire the moon. The moon is the female principle and it is a trusted friend.

In fact, many ancient August Moon folktales are about a moon maiden. On the 15th night of the 8th lunar moon, little children on earth can see a lady on the moon. On this magical occasion, children who make wishes to the Lady on the Moon will find their dreams come true.

The Mid-Autumn Festival or Chinese Moon Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar.

Mid-Autumn is a time for family and loved ones to gather and enjoy the full moon that is a symbol of abundance, harmony and luck. Families enjoy picnics or special dinners. Adults will usually indulge in many different varieties moon cakes with a good cup of piping hot Chinese tea. Along with the delicious moon cakes, children enjoy brightly lit lanterns, puppet shows, and lantern processions.