166 CultureShock! China
Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhong Qiu Jie)
Known in China as the Full Moon Festival, it falls on the
15th day of the eigth lunar month, usually in October in the
Gregorian calendar. This is a traditional holiday for lovers
and rebels. Celebrated outdoors under the moonlight, people
eat mooncakes, gaze at the moon and light fireworks. Many
businesses and individuals give gifts of mooncakes to one
another. In the 4th centruy, mooncakes came in handy
to overthrow the Mongolian-led Yuan Dyansty. Messages
coordinating the time of the rebellion were passed inside
mooncakes, a flaked pastry stuffed with fillings.Birthday of Confucius (Kong Zi Sheng Ri)
28 September of the Gregorian calendar is the birthday of
Confucius, one of China’s most influential philosophers. He
was born in Qufu in Shandong, which celebrates his birthday
by hosting a huge party on his birthdate each year.Public Holidays
New Year’s Day 1 January
*Spring Festival
(Chun Jie)Follows the lunar calendar,
usually falls between late
January and mid February.
(3 days: New Year’s Eve,
1st and 2nd day of the first
lunar month)
International Labor Day 1 May
National Day 1 October (3 days: 1st, 2nd
and 3rd October)
Tomb Sweeping Day
(Qing Ming Jie)5 April (4 April in leap
years)
Dragon Boat Festival
(Duan Wu JieThe 5th day of the 5th
lunar month
Mid-Autumn Festival
(Zhong Qiu Jie)The 15th day of the 8th
lunar moth