When National Pride Meets Family Warmth: Celebrating China's Dual Festival
Dear Friends,
Imagine a holiday where the glow of national celebration blends with the soft light of a full moon—a time when two of China’s most beloved festivals come together. In 2025, National Day (October 1) and Mid-Autumn Festival (October 6) share an 8-day holiday, creating a unique moment that weaves "love for country" and "longing for family" into one beautiful tradition. Let me walk you through this special occasion.
Two Festivals, One Heartfelt Meaning
These two holidays carry distinct yet complementary values, like two sides of a coin:
🌍 National Day: Pride in the Motherland
On October 1, China celebrates the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Streets bloom with red flags, skyscrapers light up with patriotic messages, and public squares host flag-raising ceremonies where crowds sing the national anthem together. It’s a day to reflect on progress, honor shared history, and feel connected as a nation—much like how countries celebrate independence days, but with a collective joy that fills cities and villages alike.
🌕 Mid-Autumn Festival: The Festival of Reunion
Known internationally as Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival , this ancient tradition falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is at its roundest and brightest. For Chinese people, the full moon symbolizes "wholeness"—so families travel hundreds of miles to gather at the dinner table. The star of the meal? Mooncakes—round pastries filled with lotus seed paste, red bean, or even modern flavors like lava chocolate. Their circular shape isn’t just for looks: it’s a promise of "reunion" (tuanyuan in Chinese), the core of this festival .
When these two festivals overlap, it’s magic: we honor the country that gives us roots, while cherishing the families that give us warmth. As we say in China, "There is no home without a country"—"A nation makes a home possible."
What It Feels Like to Celebrate
During this 8-day break, China transforms into a tapestry of joy and tradition. Here’s what you might experience:
- Red and Gold Everywhere: Red flags flutter next to moon-shaped lanterns; shop windows display mooncakes alongside national-themed decorations. Even small towns hang strings of lights that spell out "Happy National Day" and "Happy Mid-Autumn."
- Family Feasts with a Patriotic Twist: Dinner tables feature hometown dishes and mooncakes. Grandparents might share stories of how the country has changed, while kids wave small flags between bites.
- Festivities for Everyone: Parks host "double festival" fairs—try traditional games like touhu (arrow-throwing) or watch lion dances, then stay for evening fireworks that light up the full moon. In cities, you’ll find free concerts where singers mix patriotic songs with moon-themed classics .
- Gifts That Speak Volumes: People give boxes of mooncakes to friends and colleagues, often with small flags attached. It’s a way to say, "Let’s share both family warmth and national pride."
A Wish for You
This dual festival is more than just a holiday—it’s a window into Chinese values: love for country, devotion to family, and gratitude for togetherness. Whether we’re watching the flag rise or sharing mooncakes under the moon, the feeling is universal: joy in belonging.
So if you’re in China during this time, accept a mooncake, look up at the full moon, and listen to the sound of flags fluttering. If you’re far away, maybe bake a round treat (or even a cookie!) and imagine the millions of families and citizens celebrating the same moment.
Wishing you a holiday as bright as the national flag and as sweet as mooncakes—may your heart feel both connected and complete! 🥮
Shenzhen Leadray Optoelectronic Co, Ltd.
Happy National Day! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
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