Successful Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrated at Georgia State University
GSU’s Unity Plaza was filled with excitement on September 16, as 413 students, faculty, staff, and community members came together to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Sponsored by the Department of World Languages and Cultures and the College of Arts and Sciences, and co-hosted by the GSU Chinese Program, Korean Program, German Program, and the GSU Chinese Club, the event, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offered a rich array of cultural activities and food from various traditions.
Attendees enjoyed traditional, round-shaped, mooncakes with a variety of fillings, including red bean, lotus seed paste, and salted egg yolk, providing a delicious taste of one of the most iconic Mid-Autumn Festival treats.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most significant traditional holidays in Chinese and Korean cultures, symbolizing family reunion and harmony. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar (which is Sep. 17 of 2024), it is a time for families to gather, share mooncakes, and admire the full moon, which represents unity and completeness. As this ancient festival gains international recognition, it has become an opportunity for global communities to connect and share in its rich traditions.
The event was not only a feast for the palate but also a cultural showcase. Traditional games like the Chinese Jianzi (shuttlecock kicking), and popular Korean games engaged students in friendly competition. A highlight of the day was the Korean traditional costume show, featuring the graceful hanbok, which delighted attendees and added a visual dimension to the cultural exchange. Also at the Chinese calligraphy table, participants had the opportunity to try their hand at writing Chinese characters, while others tested their coordination and skills at the Jianzi game.
GSU’s event was a testament to the Department and College’s dedication to fostering cultural exchange and inclusivity, bringing students of diverse backgrounds together to celebrate and learn from each other. The world languages department has recently become known for its dedication to international cultural celebrations, as attested by the massively successful “International Snacks Festival” in March 2024 as well as the highly popular Lunar New Year Celebration Party in February 2024. (wlc.gsu.edu/news). The success of the Mid-Autumn Festival at Georgia State University highlighted the power of community and the beauty of shared traditions.
To learn more about the innovative, and career-focused, programs offered through the Department of World Languages and Cultures, please visit: https://wlc.gsu.edu/academics/undergraduate/
