Learning About the Moon Festival
Sharing other cultural traditions
On Monday, October 6, Ms. Julie Springer’s Kindergarten class was treated to a dazzling blend of celestial wonder and cultural celebration, all centered around the Mid-Autumn Festival. Two amazing homeroom moms, Dr. Wenhui Qiao from China, and Mrs. Shinhea Kong from South Korea, brought this vibrant tradition to life with stories, maps, and a fun-filled art project.
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Dr. Qiao kicked things off by showing the class where China and South Korea are on a globe and a map. The kids’ jaws dropped when they saw the size difference between the two countries—China is HUGE compared to South Korea, and it's also shaped like a rooster, she pointed out. Talk about a geography lesson with a wow factor!
Mrs. Kong shared how both China and South Korea, rooted in ancient agricultural traditions, have long relied on the lunar calendar to guide their farming. Enter the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival—a joyful celebration of the harvest and the glowing full moon, much like our own Thanksgiving. It’s a time for families to come together, give thanks for the year’s blessings, and feast on delicious foods.
The class dove into the magic of the festival with Moon Festival Wishes by Jillian Lin, a charming story about a young girl and her family preparing for the celebration. The kids were captivated!
"In China, people traditionally eat mooncakes—round pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings—which symbolize reunion and completeness," said Mrs. Kong. "The festival is also connected to the legend of Chang’e, the goddess who lives on the moon, and people admire the moon while sharing wishes for happiness and good fortune."
Mrs. Kong also shared that in South Korea, the same lunar day is celebrated as Chuseok, one of the year’s biggest holidays. Families travel to their hometowns for charye (ancestral rites) and seongmyo (visiting and tending to family tombs). They savor special harvest foods like songpyeon (half-moon-shaped rice cakes) and celebrate the joy of reconnecting with loved ones.
Both festivals shine a light on gratitude, family, and the beauty of the full moon, reminding us how deeply we’re connected to nature and each other. Lantern displays and moon-gazing are beloved traditions that make these celebrations sparkle.
The Kindergarteners got in on the fun with a hands-on project, crafting traditional lanterns from colorful paper. Their creativity was on full display, and they proudly took home their beautiful creations to show off to their families.
Sharky is over the moon when parents share their unique cultures with our students! These moments open young minds to the wonders of the world, fostering curiosity and connection. A huge thank you to Dr. Qiao and Mrs. Kong for making this a day to remember!
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