One of the most important Vietnamese festivals, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, around the time of the autumn equinox (usually September 22). As the full moon on that night tends to inspire people’s anticipation for a family reunion, it is also called “Festival of Reunion.”

This day is also considered a harvest festival since farmers have just finished gathering their crops and bringing in fruits from the orchards. Overwhelmed with joy when they have a bumper harvest and quite relaxed after a year of hard work, they feel it is a time for relaxation and celebration. Food offerings – including the traditional and indispensable moon cakes- are placed on an altar set up in the courtyard.