Ambassadors from 18 countries celebrated the Mid-autumn Festival in traditional Chinese style, from the middle of a lake. Together with their families and Chinese friends, the diplomats had the perfect setting -- the waters of the West Lake -- from which to enjoy the full moon in all its glory.
Ambassadors from Columbia, Yugoslavia, Egypt, Peru, Morocco, Uzbekistan and other countries took part in the event in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province.
The mid-autumn festival, which occurs on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, is a traditional day in China dating back to the days when people worshipped the full moon. It is also an occasion for families to get together.
Although "the Moon Lady" was somewhat shy of putting in an appearance on the night, spending much of her time hiding behind clouds, the ambassadors and their families enjoyed themselves with sweet moon cakes, traditional folk songs and dances. "It is a beautiful night. I know that mid-autumn is a very precious moment for Chinese people and I am so glad to be among them at this very special time to share the joy with them," said Dimitar Tzanev, the Bulgarian ambassador.
(China Daily September 23, 2002)
