Reunited Under the Moon: My Memorable Mid-Autumn Festival

　　Reunited Under the Moon: My Memorable Mid-Autumn Festival

　　Mid-Autumn Festival is a significant traditional festival in China, where families and friends come together, share a sumptuous feast and admire the full moon. As an international student living in the United States, I always miss this special event in my home country, but this year, I had a different experience. It was my first time celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival overseas, yet I felt like I was back in China. The moon, the lights, and the warm atmosphere brought back sweet memories of my childhood. Let me share with you how I spent my memorable Mid-Autumn Festival.

　　As the day drew closer, I could feel the excitement building up inside me. I called a few friends and invited them to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival at my apartment. We all decided to make mooncakes, a traditional pastry made of sweet bean or lotus seed paste, wrapped in a thin shell, and imprinted with intricate designs. Making mooncakes was a tedious process, but it was worth it. We followed the recipe, measured the ingredients carefully and kneaded the dough with precision. We also had fun designing our unique imprints on the mooncakes. We made some round-shaped ones, some with characters, and some with the image of a rabbit or a flower. It was amazing to see our creations come to life, and it reminded me of the times I spent with my family, making mooncakes at home.

　　After making the mooncakes, we decorated my apartment with red lanterns and put up posters of the moon to give it a festive mood. I also prepared some Chinese tea for my friends to try, and we talked about our Mid-Autumn Festival traditions. We shared stories about how we used to light up colorful lanterns, play with firecrackers, and listen to ancient tales about the moon goddess Chang’e. It was enjoyable to discuss our diverse cultural backgrounds and connect over the shared experience of celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival.

　　As the night approached, we went out to a park nearby, where we could see the full moon. The sight was breathtaking, and I felt happy and nostalgic at the same time. We lit candles and placed them inside our lanterns, and we walked around the park, admiring the moon and chanting Mid-Autumn Festival poems to each other. It was an unforgettable experience to see the moon from a different perspective, to bask in its serene glow, and to feel the presence of my family and friends, even though they were far away.

　　After our walk, we returned to my apartment, where we lit more candles, drank tea, and ate mooncakes. We shared stories and jokes, played cards, and listened to Chinese music. It was a peaceful and joyful night, and I felt grateful for having such wonderful friends who celebrate diversity and embrace different cultures. It was a reminder that no matter where we are, we can always find ways to appreciate and share our traditions with others.

　　In conclusion, my memorable Mid-Autumn Festival was a combination of old and new traditions, experiences, and feelings. It was a celebration of my heritage, my identity, and my connection to the moon, where I reunited with my past and present, and shared it with my friends. I realized that even though I am studying abroad, I can still bring a piece of my culture with me and cherish it with people who value it. The moon may be the same in China and the United States, but the festiveness it brings is what makes it unique and unforgettable. I hope that one day, I will be able to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with my family again, but until then, every Mid-Autumn Festival is a delightful reminder of who I am and where I come from.