What is Moon Festival?

Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival or Harvest Moon Festival is a traditional East Asian holiday that is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar. The Moon Festival is often considered a harvest festival. It falls around the autumnal equinox when crops are traditionally harvested. People celebrate the festival to give thanks for a bountiful harvest, and it serves as a time of gratitude for the abundance of food. This year in 2023, the festival dates fall on September 29th to October 6th.

What are some common Moon Festival traditions?

1. Mooncakes: Mooncakes are a traditional and iconic treat during this festival. They are round pastries filled with various fillings like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, nuts, and sometimes salted egg yolks to symbolize the full moon. Mooncakes often come in intricate designs and are exchanged as gifts among friends and family.

2. Reunion: Like many other Asian festivals, the Moon Festival is a time for family reunions. Families gather to enjoy a special meal together, often featuring dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

3. Lanterns: People often light lanterns and carry them around during the evening, creating a beautiful display of colorful lights. In some regions, lantern processions and contests are organized.

4. Moon-gazing: It is customary to go outside and gaze at the full moon during the festival (The Full Harvest Moon will be on Friday September 29 at 8:57 AM Pacific Time). The moon is associated with brightness, unity, and completeness, making it a symbol of family reunion.

5. Mid-Autumn Poetry: Poetry is an integral part of the festival. People often recite and compose poems that express their feelings and appreciation for the moon.

6. Traditional Performances: Various traditional performances and cultural activities, such as dragon and lion dances, are organized in some regions to celebrate the festival.

7. Pomelo Fruit: Pomelo fruit is often associated with the Moon Festival and is consumed during the celebrations. It is believed to bring good luck and happiness.

8. Autumn Themes: The festival is also a time to appreciate the beauty of autumn, with its cooler weather and colorful foliage.

How is Honey Belle celebrating Moon Festival this year?

We've teamed up with Erborian, a Korean skincare brand under L'OCCITANE. In every online order starting from Monday September 18th to Friday October 6th, receive a FREE Skin Hero* from Erborian with no minimum purchase while supplies last.

*Every order placed between 9/18/23-10/6/23 on livehoneybelle.com will include a FREE Erborian Skin Hero with no minimum purchase necessary. All you need to do is place your order, and our warehouse will automatically include a free 15ml Skin Hero inside your shipment. 

Erborian aims to change the approach to beauty by creating easy to use, benefit-oriented products that promise to put you and your skin first. We love that Skin Hero uses traditional asian-inspired herbal ingredients like Ginseng Root, Licorice Root, Wild Yam, and Horestail Extract. 

How else can I celebrate the Full Moon?

Full Moon is a time for completion, fulfillment, releasing, and letting go. Here are some activities you can practice during the full moon:

1. Moon Gazing or Moon Bathing: One of the simplest ways to celebrate the full moon is to go outside on the night of the full moon and gaze at it. Find a quiet, dark spot away from city lights to get the best view. You can do this alone or with friends and family. Just as you might sunbathe during the day, you can moonbathe at night. Find a comfortable spot outdoors, ideally with a clear view of the moon, and spend some time relaxing and absorbing the moon's energy.

2. Meditation: Meditating during the full moon is a common practice for many spiritual traditions. Sit in a comfortable and quiet place, preferably outdoors under the moonlight, and meditate on your intentions, goals, or simply to find inner peace and clarity.

3. Rituals: Many cultures and spiritual traditions have specific rituals associated with the full moon. These rituals can vary widely, so you can explore different traditions or create your own. Some may involve lighting candles, offering prayers, or performing specific actions to align with the energy of the full moon.

4. Full Moon Yoga: Practicing yoga under the full moon can be a unique and rejuvenating experience. Consider joining a full moon yoga class or practicing your yoga routine outdoors if possible.

5. Full Moon Journaling: Use the full moon as an opportunity for self-reflection and journaling. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and intentions. You can also create a list of things you want to release or manifest in your life.

6. Moonlight Walk: Take a peaceful walk in nature under the light of the full moon. It can be a meditative and tranquil experience, especially if you're near water like a beach or a lake.

7. Full Moon Bath: Draw a warm bath, add some soothing essential oils or bath salts, and enjoy a relaxing soak under the full moon. We also recommend pairing the bath with our Butterfly Gua Sha tool or using Chillmode Roll-on Remedy as a great way to unwind, detox, and cleanse your energy. 

We hope you enjoyed our brief overview about the Moon Festival!

When I was young, my family celebrated the Moon Festival by gathering together to feast (usually around a boiling hot pot dinner), eating moon cakes, drinking tea, and taking evening walks underneath the moon. Today in 2023, I'll be celebrating with my husband by moon-gazing, doing a spa day (taking a bath, putting on my DIY Detox Mask, and some Gua Sha therapy), as well as practicing full moon rituals with journaling, yoga, and a full moon sound bath at the local park.

All in all, Moon Festival has deep cultural and historical significance and is a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. It's a holiday that emphasizes family values and the importance of unity among loved ones.

How do you celebrate the Moon Festival? Do you have a favorite full moon ritual? Let me know! Happy Moon Festival, my honeys 🌕 🥮

With Love, Abundance, and Gratitude,

IC + Team HB