News > September 18, 2008

By Emily Prezioso | Contributing writer

The Chinese Moon Festival on Sept. 13 on the Reynolda patio attracted crowds of university undergraduate and graduate students as well as local Winston-Salem residents. A large buffet of Chinese food, riddles lining the balcony, signs representing Chinese characters, various performances and lively conversation contributed to the celebration.

click to enlarge

Attendees of the Chinese Moon Festival enjoy some food during the holiday celebration. (Andrea Kensey/Old Gold & Black)

The event, sponsored by the China Student and Scholar Association, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Asian Student Interest Association, took place overlooking Manchester Plaza.

The Moon Festival is typically celebrated on the 15th of the eighth lunar month each year, usually falling in mid to late September. The tradition of celebrating the Chinese Moon Festival began approximately 3,000 years ago with China’s Shang Dynasty.

The turnout was impressive, despite the almost 90-degree heat. Junior Nitya Anand, vice-president of the Asian Student Interests Association (ASIA), noted the need for extra food after running out last year. The event has clearly begun to draw a larger crowd in the past few years.

Performances included Chinese poetry readings, dance routines, vocal and instrumental pieces and a tae kwon do demonstration.

The acts opened with a string trio’s rendition of the “Can-can.” Before playing, one of the musicians welcomed the audience to dance along.

A few university students began dancing while small children enthusiastically gathered around the performers.

The university’s own multicultural dance crew, called the “Dirrrty Crew,” followed with an impressive routine. The festival has a large mythological background, but it is usually celebrated to bring families together and give thanks for the blessings of the year.

“In China, it is a time for families to celebrate,” Anand said.

The university’s celebration holds a somewhat different purpose than the traditional Moon Festival.

Families typically celebrate at night while watching the full moon rise in the sky.

“Here on campus it serves as a way to involve the student organizations on campus and to build community with Winston-Salem,” Anand said.

Qiang Gu, a resident of Winston-Salem, came to participate in the celebration with his wife and children after receiving an e-mail regarding the festival.

The event has become an annual activity for the family, who participated in the festival for the first time two years ago. Gu enjoys the various performances, and when asked about his favorite part of the festival, he said, “the food is delicious.”

In past years, Gu celebrated the festival by eating mooncakes and other special foods at home with his family.

Mooncakes, small round pastries frequently made from lotus seed paste, are a staple of the festival.

The event also gives university students that may be unfamiliar with the celebration the opportunity to learn more about it. It allows individuals to gain a better understanding of the depth and complexity of the Chinese culture as well.

“The festival is more of an exhibition. It gives students a chance to try mooncakes and other Chinese food that is different from typical Chinese takeout food,” said Anand.