Tsukimi Autumn Moon Festival | Learn about this interesting Japanese festival

Tsukimi Autumn Moon Festival | Learn about this interesting Japanese festival with tags tsukimi, japan, lantern festival, autumn moon festival, tsukimi autumn moon festival, festivals, festivals for kids, social studies, learn bright

Have you ever looked up at the moon and seen the shape of a rabbit? In Japanese folklore, the craters on the moon’s surface represent a rabbit making mochi. In this educational video for kids we are going to learn about Japan’s Tsukimi (Autumn Moon) festival, and also build a lantern together!

The Autumn Moon Festival is a unique event that celebrates the full moon. In fact, the word, Tsukimi, means “moon viewing!” The history of this special festival goes all that way back to Japan’s Heian period, which lasted from 794 to 1185 CE. At the time, royals and nobles would gather together to admire the full moon. They believed that the moon’s reflection on the water had special significance, so they would usually view the moon while sitting in boats or being near a body of water. Special rice dumplings called dango were also made to honor the moon and give thanks for a good harvest.

Today, Tsukimi keeps many of these traditions alive, while adding in more modern touches. Because of the folklore tale of rabbits living on the moon making rice cakes called mochi, rabbits are now a symbol of the festival. And traditional foods featuring rice as a key ingredient, including dango, are also served.

We hope you and your student(s) enjoyed learning about Japan’s Tsukimi Festival! If you want even more information, head over to our website and download one of our many free lesson plans, full of activities, worksheets, and more!

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