The Mid-Autumn Festival, known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most cherished traditional holidays in Chinese culture. For young learners exploring English, understanding festival-related vocabulary can make the celebration more meaningful. This guide introduces key English words and phrases about the Mid-Autumn Festival, helping children expand their language skills while appreciating cultural traditions.
Moon-Related Vocabulary
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Moon (月亮 - yuè liang)
The central symbol of the festival. Example: "We admire the full moon during Mid-Autumn Festival." -
Full Moon (满月 - mǎn yuè)
Represents reunion and completeness. Example: "The full moon shines brightly tonight." -
Mooncake (月饼 - yuè bǐng)
The iconic festival treat. Example: "My grandmother makes delicious mooncakes." -
Moon Gazing (赏月 - shǎng yuè)
A traditional activity. Example: "Families gather for moon gazing on this special night."
Festival Traditions
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Lantern (灯笼 - dēng long)
Colorful decorations. Example: "Children carry lanterns in the evening parade."
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Rabbit (兔子 - tù zi)
Associated with the moon in folklore. Example: "The Jade Rabbit is a famous moon legend." -
Reunion (团圆 - tuán yuán)
The core theme of the festival. Example: "Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunion." -
Harvest (丰收 - fēng shōu)
Celebrates agricultural abundance. Example: "Farmers celebrate the harvest season."
Food and Activities
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Pomelo (柚子 - yòu zi)
A seasonal fruit. Example: "We eat pomelo for good luck." -
Tea (茶 - chá)
Often paired with mooncakes. Example: "Grandpa drinks tea with his mooncake."
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Riddles (谜语 - mí yǔ)
Written on lanterns for games. Example: "Solving lantern riddles is so fun!" -
Parade (游行 - yóu xíng)
Community celebrations. Example: "The lantern parade is my favorite part!"
Cultural Significance
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Legend (传说 - chuán shuō)
Stories like Chang'e flying to the moon. Example: "Parents tell the legend of Chang'e." -
Gratitude (感恩 - gǎn ēn)
Expressing thanks. Example: "We show gratitude to our teachers." -
Wish (愿望 - yuàn wàng)
Making heartfelt desires. Example: "I make a wish when I see the moon."
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Harmony (和谐 - hé xié)
A key cultural value. Example: "The festival teaches us about harmony."
Practical Usage in Sentences
- "During Mid-Autumn Festival, we eat mooncakes and admire the full moon."
- "My little sister loves carrying her rabbit lantern."
- "The story of the Jade Rabbit is my favorite legend."
Learning these words helps children share their cultural experiences in English. Parents and teachers can use flashcards or festival-themed games to make vocabulary practice enjoyable.
Mid-Autumn Festival is more than just a holiday—it’s a bridge between language learning and cultural heritage. By mastering these English terms, young students gain tools to express traditions confidently. Whether writing a festival diary or explaining customs to foreign friends, this vocabulary enriches communication.
The joy of Mid-Autumn Festival shines brighter when we can describe it in multiple languages. Happy Moon Festival!
