Group 1 - The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China's four major traditional festivals, symbolizing the hope for family reunions and national prosperity [1] - The festival occurs on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, marking the midpoint of autumn [3] - This time of year showcases nature's vibrant colors and signifies a bountiful harvest in China [5] Group 2 - Traditional customs during the Mid-Autumn Festival include celebrating the harvest, admiring osmanthus flowers, playing with lanterns, and eating mooncakes [7] - The most poetic custom is moon gazing, where the bright moonlight evokes deep reflections and connections across time [9] - People engage in activities such as climbing to view the moon and boating to enjoy the moonlight, emphasizing the theme of reunion [11]

Core Viewpoint - The Mid-Autumn Festival, rich in cultural significance, symbolizes reunion and gratitude for the harvest, with various traditional customs evolving over time, particularly in Shanghai, where many practices have been preserved and innovated under the framework of intangible cultural heritage protection [1][2][26]. Summary by Categories Traditional Customs - In Shanghai, the Mid-Autumn Festival, known as "August Half," features various customs such as moon worship, lantern viewing, mooncake consumption, and the drinking of osmanthus wine, reflecting the community's gratitude and wishes for a bountiful year [2][26]. - Historical records from the Qing Dynasty document the customs of mooncake gifting and moon viewing, indicating the longstanding cultural practices associated with the festival [2]. Intangible Cultural Heritage - There are currently 18 intangible cultural heritage projects related to the Mid-Autumn Festival in Shanghai, including traditional rituals, lantern festivals, and mooncake-making techniques [2][26]. - The preservation and innovation of these customs have been supported by policies aimed at protecting intangible cultural heritage, allowing them to thrive in contemporary society [26]. Types of Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects - The "Mid-Autumn Series" intangible cultural heritage projects can be categorized into ritual ceremonies, lantern festivals, and mooncake craftsmanship [3]. Ritual Ceremonies - Notable projects include the Sanlin Old Street Folk Ceremony and the Zhelin Shangzhen Temple Mid-Autumn Fair, which emphasize the core essence of moon worship [4][9]. - The Sanlin Old Street Folk Ceremony, recognized as a municipal intangible cultural heritage project, reflects the agricultural traditions of the Jiangnan region and includes various folk activities following the moon worship ceremony [5][6]. Lantern Festivals - The Zhujing Lantern Festival, a significant cultural event in Shanghai, has evolved into a comprehensive celebration featuring lantern displays, folk performances, and trade markets, attracting numerous visitors [13][14]. Mooncake Craftsmanship - Mooncakes, a traditional delicacy of the festival, have various regional styles represented in Shanghai's intangible cultural heritage, including the craftsmanship of Guang-style mooncakes from the renowned brand, Xinghualou [17][18]. - Other notable mooncake-making techniques include the production of fresh meat mooncakes and the Tiling mooncake-making skills, showcasing the rich culinary heritage associated with the festival [19][22]. Conclusion - The intangible cultural heritage related to the Mid-Autumn Festival in Shanghai continues to thrive, reflecting the enduring charm and vitality of traditional culture, while adapting to modern societal needs and lifestyles [26].

Group 1 - The article reflects on the cultural significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, emphasizing themes of family reunion, nostalgia, and the beauty of the full moon [2][21][24] - The narrative includes personal anecdotes about a family’s tradition of observing the festival, particularly focusing on the blooming of the osmanthus tree and the making of osmanthus-flavored delicacies [5][11][12] - The evolution of the Mid-Autumn Festival is highlighted, showcasing how modern technology and social media have transformed traditional practices, allowing for virtual connections among families [22][23][24] Group 2 - The article discusses the impact of digital technology on the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, including live streaming events that connect people across distances [22][24] - It mentions the introduction of innovative products like 3D-printed mooncakes and NFT digital mooncakes, which reflect a blend of tradition and modernity [23][24] - The enduring values of reunion, longing, and wishes for a better life associated with the festival remain unchanged despite technological advancements [24]