Mooncake Festival
Today we went to Lucheng Square (green city) the park across the street from Dashang Market where we met a group of high school students who were dressed in traditional Han clothing. The Han Province is the most populous in China save Tibet and Xinjiang. Tonight we will go back to the park to watch fireworks and see more of the different groups perhaps even see a dragon dancing. The festival honors Chang’e and the moon and this event is yearly and happens after the harvest of most goods has been brought in from the fields. While at the park this afternoon I got books for me and Nate to practice writing Chinese characters. And before we even got in the park we were able to get cotton candy. I like theirs, it wasn’t as sweet as cotton candy tends to be in the states. Nate said savory but I don’t think it goes that far, just less sweet but still plenty sweet. Perhaps they use something other than crystalized sugar maybe a natural sugar from fruit instead. This seemed like a county fair in the states except there were no rides, but if you went across the street a carosel and a bounce house are set up for the children. All the vendors have toys and gifts for children.
For more information on the Han people of China please go here: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/253850/Han
First I tried on a very pretty purple outfit and then a brown dress that tied in the same fashion as our karate ‘gi’s. This is a very somber rite and we bowed three times to the moon in lines of 3 or 4. I tried very hard to pay attention to what was going on around me so that I could perform this rite to the best of my abilities. Tonight took me back to my college days when I was a member of the Society of Creative Anachronism or SCA on the Shenandoah University Campus. A group that dressed in the period ‘garb’ of an earlier time; much like tonight’s event. Our dress
was period for the ancient ‘Han’the largest group in Chinese culture. I can't tell you how very honored I am that I was able to participate. Thank you Vera, Angela and the rest of your group. I will not forget this and wish for you all the very best that life has for each of you.
We also got to see water display to pre-recorded music, it reminded me of Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, GA; just didn't have children running through the water. I also found out that my son doesn't share my love of history. Sorry son but when am I ever going to be part of history like this?