The fragrance of blooming osmanthus filled the air as the International Education College recently hosted the cultural event "Full Moon on Mid-Autumn Festival – Strengthening Cross-Cultural Bonds." Nearly one hundred international students from 28 countries, alongside Chinese faculty and students, gathered to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and engage with the cultural significance of reunion in traditional Chinese society.
The activities commenced with a presentation by the host, who introduced the historical origins and cultural traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival through the symbolic theme of the moon. Drawing upon mythological narratives such as the legend of Chang'e ascending to the moon, as well as customary practices including moon viewing, moon worship, and the sharing of mooncakes, the host provided a comprehensive overview. Classical poetic expressions, such as Su Shi’s renowned verse “May we all be blessed with longevity; though miles apart, we are still able to share the beauty of the moon,” were incorporated into the narrative. Enhanced by visual and textual materials, the presentation effectively conveyed both the cultural depth of the festival and its global resonance among Chinese communities. The audience, particularly international students, listened attentively and expressed appreciation throughout.
This was followed by an interactive activity titled "Moon Matching," which significantly enhanced participant engagement. Volunteers distributed cards depicting various lunar phases—crescent, half, and full moons. Attendees were invited to locate complementary halves to form a complete moon, after which they paired up to exchange insights about festivals associated with reunion in their respective cultures.
In the subsequent hands-on workshop, participants collaboratively crafted traditional Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns. Under the guidance of student volunteers, attendees used wooden frames and colored paper to cut, assemble, and decorate their lanterns. As the lanterns took shape, international students added artistic elements such as depictions of the moon and the jade rabbit, reflecting both creativity and cultural curiosity. This segment offered a meaningful avenue for experiential learning and intercultural interaction.
Towards the conclusion of the activities, participants shared mooncakes, a central symbol of the festival. Many international students documented the moment by taking photographs, noting that this was their first direct experience of the Mid-Autumn Festival and that it evoked a sense of warmth and belonging. Mark, a student from Uzbekistan, remarked, “It has been a long time since I last returned home, and while I do miss the flavors of my homeland, I feel truly welcomed here at Textile University. The faculty consistently organize enriching activities and provide substantial support in both academic and personal matters. The mooncakes are sweet, but the kindness I have received makes my heart even sweeter.”
The activities concluded with a collective photograph, as all participants held aloft their handmade lanterns and crafts, preserving a joyful and harmonious memory of cross-cultural unity.
This activities not only facilitated an immersive understanding of Mid-Autumn Festival traditions among international students but also served as a platform for mutual cultural exchange. Moving forward, the International Education College is committed to organizing similar events to foster intercultural dialogue, promote civilizational mutual learning, and advance the internationalization of the campus environment.
