On September 17, Rong Haisheng, a reporter from China News Service, delved into the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival for individuals across the Taiwan Strait. “With a cloudless sky over the vast land, the Mid-Autumn Festival is the most complete night,” he remarked, highlighting how many from Taiwan participated in festive gatherings across mainland China. The theme of “reunion” emerged prominently, reflecting a shared longing for closer connections and familial ties among people from both sides.
On the evening of the 12th, Song Tao, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, celebrated the festival with Taiwanese compatriots in Fuzhou, Fujian. In his address, he underscored that celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with family is a cherished tradition among the Chinese, symbolizing love for their homeland and the yearning for family gatherings. He expressed that this sentiment is woven deeply into the cultural DNA of every Chinese person and serves as a motivating force for individuals on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to unite and progress together.
Song’s repeated emphasis on the concept of “reunion” underscored its traditional importance during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Chinese culture, reunion signifies family harmony and embodies happiness. Whether participating in traditional activities like moon watching, pomelo peeling, and sharing mooncakes, or embracing new customs like barbecuing that have emerged in Taiwan over recent decades, the essence of reunion remains constant in the hearts of people on both sides, despite the evolving traditions.
The drive to foster a sense of reunion has been a continuous effort from the mainland. A year ago, the “Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Supporting Fujian to Explore New Paths for Cross-Strait Integration and Development” was published. Over the past year, there has been an active promotion of the idea of “one family on both sides of the strait,” with actions aimed at advancing integration through exchanges, benefits, and emotional connections. A range of policies designed to benefit Taiwanese residents have made reunions more feasible.
To facilitate travel for Taiwanese people, the “Little Three Links” ferry services have seen a significant increase, rising from 26 weekly trips at the beginning of their reopening to a peak of 182 trips. The Xiamen Exit and Entry Border Inspection Station had predicted that during the recent Mid-Autumn holiday (September 15-17), passenger flow for the “Little Three Links” would exceed 14,000, reflecting a 28% increase in daily traffic compared to the Dragon Boat Festival.
Moreover, the “Fujian Province Archives Protection Regulations on Taiwan Relations” will take effect on October 1, supporting genealogical heritage activities. This regulation enables Taiwanese residents to trace their roots and partake in family reunions using Fujian and Taiwan-related archives.
For many in Taiwan, the Mid-Autumn Festival stands as a significant traditional holiday, second only to the Spring Festival, encapsulating the sentiment: “the moon is full in the sky, and families reunite on earth.” The festive spirit has been lively, with events like the 9th “Business Circle Carnival — Taipei Autumn Festival” and the Chiayi 2024 “Light and Shadow Art Exhibition” embracing Mid-Autumn themes. Additionally, the traditional “Tower Placement” festival, which originates from Fuzhou, has been celebrated in Keelung for several consecutive years, highlighting the importance Taiwanese people place on this festival and affirming the shared cultural heritage between both sides.
The moon of Mid-Autumn symbolizes the hope of reunion. With a shared heritage of blood, history, and culture, individuals across the Taiwan Strait share a collective responsibility for their nation. It is crucial to strengthen cultural confidence, resist any attempts at “de-Sinicization” within Taiwan, and protect, pass on, and promote Chinese culture. There is a strong belief that as people from both sides collaborate, the ultimate great reunion of the Chinese nation will be realized.
