On September 14 2024 MGY Sponsored a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration filled with Taiwanese flavor at the Oakton Library in Virginia with FASCA-DC students. The event was lively and vibrant, introducing the unique cultural significance and historical origins of Taiwan's Mid-Autumn Festival to the local community and children through various traditional customs and interactive games.

For Taiwanese people, the Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a time for family reunions but also an important occasion to worship the Earth God and pray for a bountiful harvest. In the lunar calendar, the fifteenth day of the eighth month is not only the night of the full moon but also the second birthday of the Earth God in Taiwan's traditional beliefs. Known as "Village Chief," the Earth God is the protector of the land and people in rural Taiwan, and his kind image is deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture. In the fields, people place flags symbolizing the Earth God to pray for favorable weather and abundant crops.

At the event, the FASCA team carefully designed a series of interactive games and crafts that incorporated the unique traditions of Taiwan's Mid-Autumn Festival. This allowed children to gain a deeper understanding of these customs through hands-on participation. Participants learned how to build traditional red-brick houses, gaining insight into the old-style homes where people once lived in Taiwan. They also engaged in Mid-Autumn activities such as moon gazing, eating pomelos, enjoying mooncakes, and barbecuing, creating a strong festive atmosphere for all the families present.

This event not only shared Taiwan's traditional culture with the local community but also promoted cultural exchange between Taiwan and the U.S., helping more people appreciate and cherish these unique cultural treasures of Taiwan. By the end of the event, everyone was immersed in the beautiful fusion of moonlight and culture, celebrating an unforgettable Mid-Autumn Festival filled with the flavor of Taiwan.

• OCAC News