As the full moon adorned the night sky on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, people across China and beyond gathered to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Among them was Bonnie, a young woman from France who has developed a deep appreciation for Chinese culture.
To honor this traditional festival, Bonnie chose to recite the renowned poem \”Thoughts on a Silent Night\” by the famous Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai. Delivering the verses in both Chinese and French, she conveyed her admiration for the festival and its rich heritage. Her bilingual recital highlighted the universal themes of longing and homesickness that resonate across cultures.
\”I fell in love with Chinese poetry because it beautifully expresses emotions that are timeless and borderless,\” Bonnie shared. \”Reciting Li Bai’s poem during the Mid-Autumn Festival allows me to connect with the cultural significance of the occasion.\”
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a time for family reunions, moon gazing, and enjoying mooncakes—a pastry symbolizing unity and completeness. Bonnie’s heartfelt performance symbolizes the festival’s spirit of bringing people together, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
Bonnie’s engagement with Chinese traditions reflects the growing global interest in Asia’s cultural and historical treasures. Her story illustrates how festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival can foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
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A French girl celebrates Mid-Autumn Day by reciting Chinese poem
cgtn.com
