Ep 1. The Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival

Fantastic Festivals of the World is a thrilling new series that explores unique and fascinating festivals held in different countries around the globe. In season one, viewers are taken on a journey to witness the eclectic and captivating traditions and customs that are celebrated by different cultures.

In episode one of season one, titled The Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, viewers are introduced to a vibrant and colorful festival held in China. The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which falls between September and October. It is a time when the autumn harvest comes to an end and the moon is believed to be at its roundest and brightest.

The episode begins by taking viewers to the streets of China, where people are busy preparing for the festival by decorating their homes with paper lanterns and preparing traditional foods. During the festival, people believe that the moon is a symbol of love and family reunions, and so it is customary for families to get together and share mooncakes, a type of pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings.

As the sun sets, the streets come to life with the colorful and intricately designed lanterns that are carried or displayed by people of all ages. The lanterns range from simple and traditional designs to more elaborate and extravagant ones crafted in the likeness of animals or other objects. The lanterns are made from a variety of materials that range from paper and silk to bamboo and wire, and they are often decorated with intricate embellishments.

Throughout the night, people take part in various activities, including dragon dances, parades, and performances that showcase Chinese culture and history. The streets are lined with food stalls selling traditional Chinese dishes, and people can be found enjoying the festivities while admiring the beautiful lantern displays.

Not only is the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival a joyous celebration of Chinese culture and tradition, but it also holds a rich history. The festival has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and was originally a way for the Chinese to worship the moon and the gods. It is also believed that the festival played a role in the overthrow of the Mongols during the Yuan Dynasty. The Chinese used the festival as a cover for a rebellion and used the messages hidden inside mooncakes to coordinate their efforts.

Overall, episode one of Fantastic Festivals of the World is an informative and entertaining look at one of China's most beloved festivals. Weaving together history, tradition, and culture, viewers are given a glimpse into the heart of the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival and the significance it holds for the Chinese people.