Asian Moonlight Encounters Vienna
The moon, a silent witness to human history on earth, has been an object of observation and admiration since ancient times. The lunar calendar, in particular, has profoundly influenced Asian cultures, providing a common framework for festivals and traditions. Together, we would like to share these rich cultural landscapes to Austria.
Der Mond, ein stummer Zeuge der Menschheitsgeschichte auf der Erde, ist seit der Antike Gegenstand der Beobachtung und Bewunderung. Insbesondere der Mondkalender hat die asiatischen Kulturen tiefgreifend beeinflusst und einen gemeinsamen Rahmen für Feste und Traditionen geschaffen. Heute möchten wir Ihnen diese reichen Kulturlandschaften näherbringen.
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📅 the 15th day of the 8th lunar month
China - Mid-Autumn Festival
In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is deeply rooted in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This lunisolar is based on the cycles of the moon and sun and reflects the Chinese philosophy of harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity. The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. Families gather to share mooncakes, symbolizing reunion, and admire the moon together.
The waxing and waning of the moon remind us to cherish the present, for although we may be separated, we all gaze upon the same moon. As one of the most famous ancient poems says: "Men have sorrow and joy; they part or meet again; The moon is bright or dim and she may wax or wane. There has been nothing perfect since the olden days. So let us wish that man will live as long as he can, and as fulfilled as he can too!"
📅 the 15th day of the 8th lunar month
Korea - Chuseok
In Korea, "Chuseok" (also known as Korean Thanksgiving) is the most important festival of the year.
It's a time for families to reunite and pay respects to their ancestors and celebrate the Autumn harvest. People prepare and share traditional foods like songpyeon and enjoy folk games. The full moon on this day is considered the brightest and most beautiful of the year.
📅 the 15th day of the 8th lunar month
Vietnam: Tết Trung Thu
Tết Trung Thu, or the Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of Vietnam's most significant traditional celebrations. Held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month when the moon is at its fullest, this festival symbolizes reunion, harmony, and the harvest season. It's a time for families to gather, particularly cherished by children. The celebration holds deep cultural importance in Vietnamese society.
During Tết Trung Thu, people engage in various festive activities. These include lighting lanterns of different shapes and sizes, which represent hope and guidance. Families and friends share mooncakes, often filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks, as a symbol of unity and completeness. Traditional performances like the lion dance are also integral to the celebrations, bringing communities together to honor cultural traditions and appreciate the beauty of the full moon.
📅 the full moon of the 12th lunar month
Thailand - Loy Krathong
Thailand's "Loy Krathong" festival is celebrated on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month.
People release decorated baskets (krathongs) into rivers and lakes, carrying candles, incense, and flowers. These floating offerings are to pay respects to the water spirits and symbolize letting go of misfortunes.
📅 the 15th day of the 8th lunar month
Philippines - mythical folklore
In the Philippines, the Moon Festival is celebrated particularly in areas like Manila's Chinatown, which marks the end of the autumn harvest and features activities such as lantern lighting, dragon dances, fireworks, and the making and sharing of mooncakes among family and friends.
The moon also plays a significant role in Filipino folklore and agriculture. Many farmers still follow lunar cycles for planting and harvesting. The full moon is often associated with supernatural beliefs and is a time for storytelling about mythical creatures.
Libulan for example, is the goddess of the moon, who has the ability to manipulate the power of the moon.
📅 from the 14th to the 18th of Kartik, the Nepali calendar.
Nepal - Tihar
Nepal celebrates "Tihar," also known as the Festival of Lights, which coincides with the new moon in autumn. It is celebrated over five days from the 14th to the 18th of Kartik, the Nepali calendar.
While not directly a moon festival, it honors Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, and includes the worship of crows, dogs, and cows. The festival is marked by beautiful light displays and intricate rangoli patterns.
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📅 Monthly celebrated at full moon dates
Indonesia - Purnama
In Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world, the harvest as well as the full moon are celebrated with different customs and festivities across the country’s 17,000 islands. Although the festivities may differ between the regions, they all aim to express gratitude for the blessings of the harvest and of life in general.
One example is in Bali, the full moon is considered a sacred time. "Purnama" or full moon ceremonies are held at temples across the island. People gather to make offerings, meditate, and seek blessings. The moon is seen as a source of positive energy and spiritual enlightenment.
#togetherunderthemoon
Here in Vienna, our Asien community is weaving these diverse traditions into Austria's cultural tapestry. As we celebrate the first Vienna Moon Festival, we are not just observing traditions—we are creating a new one in this city we live & love.
Cheers to cross-cultural friendships because of Vienna. Let us together define what the Vienna Moon Festival means forward!
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