Mid-autumn festival a highlight for Windsor Chinese church 

Windsorites of Chinese descent are celebrating as the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival brings their community together. 

One of the events was held recently at the Windsor Chinese Alliance Church on Seminole Street, but it’s a festival with a long history.

It began in the 600-800s in China, and over the years, the Mid-Autumn Festival has become one of the leading festivals in Chinese tradition. Because Chinese culture influences east and southeast Asia, it is also celebrated globally by the southeast Asian diaspora. In 2008, the Mid-Autumn Festival was listed as a national statutory holiday in China. 

The festival will fall on Oct. 4 this year, according to the lunar calendar, but the family dinners, dancing, music and food have already begun.

One traditional aspect of the festival is making moon cakes, which are Chinese pastries. 

Niu Zegang, a pastor with the Alliance church, said it truly brings all people together.  

“We invited a lot of friends, including students, new immigrants and brothers and sisters of the church. The church also wants to use this activity to bring the gospel of Christ to more people,” said Niu. 

International students from China also attended the event, and many of them felt a little closer to home. One international student, Abi Xu, said it meant a lot to her. 

 “I think this is a really meaningful event. And it is also related to the church beliefs. Actually, this is kind of an annual event in the church,” Xu said. 

“Today, we (came) to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is a really important traditional festival in China. So, in our indigenous culture, people come together and cook together. Family and friends stay together (and) ask questions about (each other) to express their care and love.” 

And after the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival party, the church also introduced the Christian beliefs to everybody.