The UT Confucius Institute will hold the inaugural Chinese Moon Festival 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 in the Student Union Auditorium.

The Moon Festival is a popular harvest event celebrated by Chinese people. The festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar. It is called Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon Festival, because of the celebration’s association with the full moon on this night, as well as the traditions of lunar worship and moon gazing.

The festival consists of three fundamental meanings that are closely tied to one another: gathering, such as family and friends coming together; thanksgiving, to give thanks for the harvest; and praying such as for babies, a spouse, or other family members for a good future.

“This event is free and will feature a variety of activities celebrating Chinese culture,” said Minhua Wu, Confucius Institute assistant director. “Participants will be able to do a variety of art projects such as make a Chinese bracelet, design a paper lantern, or create wish cards for friends and family.

“We will have an opportunity where people can practice Chinese calligraphy, take a photo under the full moon at the photo booth, learn to speak a little Chinese, and visit an Asian market featuring Chinese souvenirs. ”

The Confucius Institute at The University of Toledo serves the northwest Ohio region by providing education in Chinese language and culture, the development of and enhancing China-related scholarly research/discovery, academic programs, and educational/training programs that support business outreach/engagement, and offering opportunities for cultural exchanges between China and the United States.

For more details on the Chinese Moon Festival, visit utoledo.edu/cisp/moonfestival.