The Autumn Moon Festival is a harvest festival celebrated in China and across many east Asian countries. The festival dates back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE) and takes place outdoors during an autumn full moon, usually in September or October. The festival is nearly as important a holiday in the Chinese calendar as is the Chinese Lunar New Year and is a legal holiday in many countries. The moon’s perfectly round shape is a symbol of family harmony and unity. Even if they are apart, loved ones are united as they gaze up at the moon together. Common festivities as part of Portland's festival include a lantern viewing, performances of dragon and lion dances, opera and storytelling, poetry and calligraphy activities, and eating mooncakes, a rich pastry decorated with designs and filled with a variety of fillings including seeds, nuts, date paste, and smashed beans. Additionally, there are many games played at twilight regarding flights of the soul, spirit possession, or fortune telling.
The Autumn Moon Festival is a harvest festival celebrated in China and across many east Asian countries. The festival dates back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE) and takes place outdoors during an autumn full moon, usually in September or October. The festival is nearly as important a holiday in the Chinese calendar as is the Chinese Lunar New Year and is a legal holiday in many countries. The moon’s perfectly round shape is a symbol of family harmony and unity. Even if they are apart, loved ones are united as they gaze up at the moon together. Common festivities as part of Portland's festival include a lantern viewing, performances of dragon and lion dances, opera and storytelling, poetry and calligraphy activities, and eating mooncakes, a rich pastry decorated with designs and filled with a variety of fillings including seeds, nuts, date paste, and smashed beans. Additionally, there are many games played at twilight regarding flights of the soul, spirit possession, or fortune telling.
The Autumn Moon Festival is a harvest festival celebrated in China and across many east Asian countries. The festival dates back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE) and takes place outdoors during an autumn full moon, usually in September or October. The festival is nearly as important a holiday in the Chinese calendar as is the Chinese Lunar New Year and is a legal holiday in many countries. The moon’s perfectly round shape is a symbol of family harmony and unity. Even if they are apart, loved ones are united as they gaze up at the moon together. Common festivities as part of Portland's festival include a lantern viewing, performances of dragon and lion dances, opera and storytelling, poetry and calligraphy activities, and eating mooncakes, a rich pastry decorated with designs and filled with a variety of fillings including seeds, nuts, date paste, and smashed beans. Additionally, there are many games played at twilight regarding flights of the soul, spirit possession, or fortune telling.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862. The year 2020 marked the 36th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Portland; it is the largest multicultural festival in the state of Oregon. The Fiesta features performances and art, food and drinks, and activities for the whole family. Festivities include mariachi music and baile folklórico. Mariachi music is a genre of Mexican music dating back to the 18th century played by a band. The bands typically consist of violins, trumpets, and guitars, including a guitar-like string instrument called a Mexican vihuela, as well as an acoustic bass guitar called a guitarrón. All players take turns singing lead and singing backup vocals. Baile folklórico is a collective term for traditional Mexican dances that emphasize local folk culture with ballet characteristics. Each region in Mexico is known for a handful of locally characteristic dances.
The Autumn Moon Festival is a harvest festival celebrated in China and across many east Asian countries. The festival dates back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE) and takes place outdoors during an autumn full moon, usually in September or October. The festival is nearly as important a holiday in the Chinese calendar as is the Chinese Lunar New Year and is a legal holiday in many countries. The moon’s perfectly round shape is a symbol of family harmony and unity. Even if they are apart, loved ones are united as they gaze up at the moon together. Common festivities as part of Portland's festival include a lantern viewing, performances of dragon and lion dances, opera and storytelling, poetry and calligraphy activities, and eating mooncakes, a rich pastry decorated with designs and filled with a variety of fillings including seeds, nuts, date paste, and smashed beans. Additionally, there are many games played at twilight regarding flights of the soul, spirit possession, or fortune telling.
Obon Festival is a Japanese Buddhist celebration held in the summer to honor one’s ancestors. According to a Buddhist legend, a disciple of Buddha had a meditative vision of his mother suffering in the World of Hungry Ghosts. Buddha instructed him to provide a feast for the monks returning from their retreats. After this act of kindness, his mother was released and danced for joy. To honor this story, participants in the festival take part in a Bon Odori (Obon dance), hang lanterns, visit memorials, and offer food. The first record of this celebration in the United States was in San Francisco in 1931. Since then, the festival has traveled along the west coast, and Portland was no exception. The Oregon Buddhist Temple annually hosts an Obon Festival where more experienced Bon Odori dancers lead groups in traditional dances. They also provide entertainment and vendors such as lion dancers. The emphasis is on ignoring ego and dancing for joy.
Obon Festival is a Japanese Buddhist celebration held in the summer to honor one’s ancestors. According to a Buddhist legend, a disciple of Buddha had a meditative vision of his mother suffering in the World of Hungry Ghosts. Buddha instructed him to provide a feast for the monks returning from their retreats. After this act of kindness, his mother was released and danced for joy. To honor this story, participants in the festival take part in a Bon Odori (Obon dance), hang lanterns, visit memorials, and offer food. The first record of this celebration in the United States was in San Francisco in 1931. Since then, the festival has traveled along the west coast, and Portland was no exception. The Oregon Buddhist Temple annually hosts an Obon Festival where more experienced Bon Odori dancers lead groups in traditional dances. They also provide entertainment and vendors such as lion dancers. The emphasis is on ignoring ego and dancing for joy.
Obon Festival is a Japanese Buddhist celebration held in the summer to honor one’s ancestors. According to a Buddhist legend, a disciple of Buddha had a meditative vision of his mother suffering in the World of Hungry Ghosts. Buddha instructed him to provide a feast for the monks returning from their retreats. After this act of kindness, his mother was released and danced for joy. To honor this story, participants in the festival take part in a Bon Odori (Obon dance), hang lanterns, visit memorials, and offer food. The first record of this celebration in the United States was in San Francisco in 1931. Since then, the festival has traveled along the west coast, and Portland was no exception. The Oregon Buddhist Temple annually hosts an Obon Festival where more experienced Bon Odori dancers lead groups in traditional dances. They also provide entertainment and vendors such as lion dancers. The emphasis is on ignoring ego and dancing for joy.
Obon Festival is a Japanese Buddhist celebration held in the summer to honor one’s ancestors. According to a Buddhist legend, a disciple of Buddha had a meditative vision of his mother suffering in the World of Hungry Ghosts. Buddha instructed him to provide a feast for the monks returning from their retreats. After this act of kindness, his mother was released and danced for joy. To honor this story, participants in the festival take part in a Bon Odori (Obon dance), hang lanterns, visit memorials, and offer food. The first record of this celebration in the United States was in San Francisco in 1931. Since then, the festival has traveled along the west coast, and Portland was no exception. The Oregon Buddhist Temple annually hosts an Obon Festival where more experienced Bon Odori dancers lead groups in traditional dances. They also provide entertainment and vendors such as lion dancers. The emphasis is on ignoring ego and dancing for joy.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862. The year 2020 marked the 36th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Portland; it is the largest multicultural festival in the state of Oregon. The Fiesta features performances and art, food and drinks, and activities for the whole family. Festivities include mariachi music and baile folklórico. Mariachi music is a genre of Mexican music dating back to the 18th century played by a band. The bands typically consist of violins, trumpets, and guitars, including a guitar-like string instrument called a Mexican vihuela, as well as an acoustic bass guitar called a guitarrón. All players take turns singing lead and singing backup vocals. Baile folklórico is a collective term for traditional Mexican dances that emphasize local folk culture with ballet characteristics. Each region in Mexico is known for a handful of locally characteristic dances.
