An Orange County-based Chinese association enriched the locals’ cultural experience by organizing the Fall Fun Festival in Otisville on Oct. 7, sharing authentic Chinese traditions, customs, and culture.
One performance showcased traditional Chinese wedding rituals. A young couple adorned in formal Chinese wedding attire paid homage to Heaven and Earth, demonstrating reverence for their parents, exchanged gestures of respect toward one another, and concluded the ceremony as the groom gently lifted the bride’s red wedding veil using a ceremonial stick.
“We are here to introduce the Moon Festival and Double Ninth Festival, promote traditional Chinese culture, along with all kinds of gourmet Chinese food,” said Mela Wu, president of the Mount Hope Chinese Association (MHCA), which hosted the event at Otisville Veterans Memorial Park.
The Moon Festival, also called the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, is one of the major Chinese traditional holidays celebrated by Chinese people. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of each year in the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it falls on Sept. 29 in the Gregorian calendar. Traditionally, it is a time when family members gather to celebrate the harvest, appreciate the beauty of the full moon, and enjoy mooncakes—a special pastry filled with various fillings.
The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival, falls on the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. It falls on Oct. 23 in the Gregorian calendar this year. Many Chinese people celebrate the festival by hiking up a mountain and drinking chrysanthemum wine.
In addition to the wedding ceremony, the festival featured dance and music performances, a lion dance, and actors playing Chinese historical heroes.
‘A Great Event’
Local government officials, including New York Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, expressed their appreciation for and enjoyment of the event.“This is a great event,” Otisville trustee Lance Davoren told The Epoch Times. “The association brings us together, so we understand each other.”
Mr. Davoren said he and his son enjoyed the dumplings and mooncakes and looked forward to more such events in the park.
Otisville Mayor Brian Carey was impressed by the dance performances, particularly the costumes and the rich history expressed by the dancers.
“[It’s] very important to know your history, American history, world history, because that’s where you see the mistakes of the past and make a better world tomorrow,” Mr. Carey told The Epoch Times.
“The food was very, very delicious,” he added.
Mount Hope Councilwoman candidate Keri Lee Carey spoke highly of the “fantastic” event, food, and the “wonderful performances.”
Ms. Carey told The Epoch Times that she’s interested in learning Mandarin.
“[I’m] looking forward to signing up for the Chinese language class [hosted by the MHCA]. It’s important to learn about each other’s cultures.”
Mount Hope Councilman Chris Furman said the event was educational.
“Every time the MHCA puts up a different event, you learn different things every time. For myself, [learning] the different things about culture is great. We look forward to more events, many more events. All the food is good; everything is phenomenal,” said Mr. Furman, adding that the dumplings were his favorite food.
