Chinese have a special fondness for the Moon. There is no doubt about that, particularly if you have got a chance to celebrate the well-known Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival in this country.

Every year as the Autumn Moon waxes full, Chinese people gather under the night sky in admiration. The festival is held as an auspicious rite, bringing promises of abundance, harmony and good fortune.

The festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month. It is the second most important in Chinese tradition, after the Spring Festival. It's also an occasion for eating moon-cakes and enjoying family reunions.

Many people are drawn to the Moon's mystery and charm. So it's not surprising that the celestial body is the theme of many songs, movies, operas, poems and plays. The Moon is often associated with romantic affairs. In the classical tune "The Moon Represents My Heart", it represents deep and faithful love.

The moon, crescent or full, never fails to trigger people's infinite wonder.

(CNTV August 26, 2011)