September 17th holds special significance in the Chinese calendar as it marks the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. This traditional Chinese festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, which typically falls in September or early October. The festival is a time for families to reunite, give thanks for the harvest, and pray for good fortune.
The Mid-Autumn Festival has a long history dating back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty in ancient China. The festival’s origins can be traced back to the worship of the moon, as the full moon on the 15th day of the 8th month is considered the brightest and roundest of the year. Legend has it that the festival originated as a way to give thanks to the moon goddess Chang’e and to celebrate the bountiful harvest.
17 September Chinese Calendar
Traditions and Customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival
On September 17th, families gather together to enjoy a feast of traditional foods such as mooncakes, pomelos, and tea. Lanterns are lit and carried during the evening to symbolize the brightness of the full moon. Another popular tradition is the lighting of incense to pay respects to ancestors and pray for their blessings. Children also participate in the festival by carrying colorful lanterns and playing with traditional Chinese toys.