On Oct. 9, the Asian Student Alliance (ASA), in collaboration with the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) and the South Asian Student Association (SASA), held a celebration in honor of the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon or Mooncake Festival.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, primarily celebrated in East and Southeast Asia, is a time for families to come together, light lanterns and enjoy a variety of food. Some of the festival’s celebrations stem from an ancient myth about the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e. The story says that she rose to the moon after drinking her husband’s immortality elixir, to protect it from a thief. She fled to the moon, leaving her husband alone. In his sorrow, he began leaving out her favorite desserts as offerings, a practice many continue to this day.
SASE performed their own interpretation of the myth to teach the audience about the festival’s origins.
After the performance, attendees were invited to craft their own paper lanterns — a traditional way to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival — and paint with watercolor. They also enjoyed a wide range of snacks, including various flavors of mooncakes and had plenty of time to catch up with one another.
In addition to traditional customs, people also find unique and personal ways to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
“My family usually has a good dinner. Hot pot is my favorite,” said second-year Elana Yu, a biological sciences major and secretary of ASA.
ASA plans to hold several more events throughout the year that will allow participants to learn about and engage with Asian culture, as well as others focused on fun and building a stronger sense of community on campus. ASA’s Lunar New Year Celebration is one of the biggest events of the year that brings together many DU community members.
“In hard times, it’s important to find your community and where you feel comfort and we hope ASA can bring that comfort to people on campus,” noted Yu.
Be sure to follow ASA, SASA, and SASE on Instagram, and join their Crimson Connect groups for more information about upcoming events.
