One of the newer events I went to at OU was the Moon Festival, a cultural event celebrated by the Chinese and Vietnamese people. It takes place Mid-Autumn, which was October 5th this year. This festival goes all the way back to the 1st century, where Chinese farmers gave thanks to the harvest that supplied the summer. 

 

I also learned that there is a legend that gave origins to the festival. It was about this man Hou Yi who shot 9/10 suns to fight the blistering heat. He was awarded with an elixir that would send him to heaven to become a god. Instead, Hou Yi gave it to his wife, who drank it and was sent towards the Moon. Hou Yi sent food up to her as an offering, his wife became a goddess. 

 

I got there a little late, but I still got to witness some nice festivities! There were a ton of performances by students of different Asian organizations. Some students simply showed talents like singing/dancing, but others got in touch with their heritage and performed more traditional pieces. It was really nice! I invited my best friend, because she does not go to enough international events and wants to learn more about Asian culture. 

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The event ended with—as predicted— Asian food! It was so delicious, but I especially loved the mooncakes, which tasted like little pies.