Raquel, a vibrant Spanish woman from Barcelona, never imagined that her journey to Beijing would transform her life and bring new traditions to her homeland. Studying Chinese at Renmin University of China and Beijing Language and Culture University for a year and a half, Raquel immersed herself in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.
During her time in China, Raquel became particularly enchanted by the Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration of reunion and gratitude marked by sharing mooncakes under the full moon. The legends and customs surrounding the festival resonated deeply with her, fostering a lifelong appreciation for Chinese traditions.
After graduating, Raquel chose to work in Beijing, spending four more years deepening her connections with the people and culture. Although she eventually returned to Barcelona, her memories of China remained vivid and cherished.
This year, as the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, Raquel decided to share this meaningful celebration with her friends in Spain. Inviting them to her home, she recounted the ancient legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, and explained the significance of the festival. Together, they tasted traditional mooncakes and gazed at the full moon, symbolizing unity and togetherness across continents.
“I wanted my friends to experience the beauty of this festival that meant so much to me in China,” Raquel said. “It’s a way to bridge our cultures and understand each other better.”
Raquel’s story exemplifies the growing interconnectedness of our world, where cultural exchanges enrich lives and foster global understanding. Through sharing traditions like the Mid-Autumn Festival, individuals like Raquel help to build bridges between Asia and the rest of the world.
Reference(s):
'We Talk': Spanish woman tells the legend of Mid-Autumn Festival
cgtn.com
