Moon Festival
Illustration by Caver Zhang
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or 中秋节, falls on September 21st (Tuesday) in 2021. With a history of over 3000 years, it is the second most important festival in China. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, people come together for dinner and engage in traditions such as lighting paper lanterns.
In ancient times, Chinese emperors worshipped the moon in autumn as a way to express gratitude for the harvest. Nowadays, the Mid-Autumn Festival is primarily celebrated as a time for family reunions, symbolizing the importance of togetherness. The full moon is also a significant symbol in the tradition, representing fullness and abundance.
One popular food during the Mid-Autumn Festival is mooncake, which is often shared among family members after the gatherings. It is customary to enjoy mooncakes with tea while appreciating the full moon together.
Today, we will be sharing works of illustrators that are related to the Mid-Autumn Festival, showcasing the diverse ways in which this festival is celebrated through different artistic perspectives.
Animation by BX-Planet
The animation project for President Butter by BX-Planet revolves around the theme of family union, with mooncake serving as the symbolic food that brings people together to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The joy of preparing mooncakes with President Butter is highlighted in this project, showcasing the warmth of family time.
The animation will feature a contrast of deep blue and light yellow colors, creating a visually appealing aesthetic. The deep blue represents the night sky and the moon, while the light yellow signifies the warmth and happiness of family gatherings. These contrasting colors will add depth and richness to the visuals, capturing the essence of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
BX-Planet, entrusted by BETC Shanghai, will oversee the entire animation production process, from creating style frames to the final production. Their expertise in animation will ensure that the project is executed with creativity and professionalism, bringing the concept of family union and the joy of mooncake preparation to life in a captivating and visually stunning television commercial animation.
Illustration by Wuyang Yu
Wuyang Yu has created an editorial illustration for Lelequ Publishing House in the form of an annual Almanac, showcasing various elements related to the Mid-Autumn Festival. The illustration features a family reunion dinner, the myth of 'Chang'e flying to the moon', mountain climbing, and other symbolic elements of the festival. Wuyang Yu skillfully combines scenes from ancient and modern times, using an interesting composition to depict the 3000-year history of celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The final production of this illustration was published by Lelequ Publishing House in 2020. Known for their focus on publishing pop-up book art, Lelequ has used the pop-up technique to bring this annual Almanac to life. The combination of Wuyang Yu's artistic skills and Lelequ's expertise in pop-up book art creates a unique and visually stunning representation of the Mid-Autumn Festival, showcasing the rich tradition and history of this beloved Chinese festival.
Illustrations by Lao Mo
Lao Mo has created a captivating series of illustrations that revolve around the ancient Chinese 24 solar terms, with a particular focus on the autumn-related solar terms. The illustrations depict the Beginning of Autumn, the End of Heat, White Dew, the Autumn Equinox, Cold Dew, and Frost's Descent, which are all significant moments in the changing seasons according to Chinese tradition.
The ancient Chinese system of dividing the annual motion of the sun into 24 equal segments reflects the traditional knowledge and social practices through which the Chinese people organize their perception of the regularity of seasons, astronomical laws, and other natural phenomena that occur throughout the year. Lao Mo's illustrations beautifully capture the essence of these autumn solar terms, showcasing the unique characteristics and changes that mark this time of year.
Through Lao Mo's artistic talent and attention to detail, the illustrations offer a visually appealing representation of the ancient Chinese 24 solar terms, allowing viewers to appreciate the cultural significance and rich heritage associated with these traditional timekeeping practices. The illustrations serve as a reminder of the deep connection between nature and human culture, as well as the profound wisdom and understanding that has been passed down through generations in Chinese tradition.
Illustration by Fan Zeng
Fan Zeng's loading-screen illustration for XiaMi Music App, a music app under Alibaba Group, is a stunning depiction of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. The illustration, which was displayed on the day of the festival, captures the essence of people coming together to share traditional Mid-Autumn festival food.
The round-shaped composition and elements in the illustration represent the concept of reunion, which is a central theme of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The circular shape of the mooncakes, lanterns, and other elements symbolizes the full moon of the festival and the completeness and unity of family gatherings during this special time.
Fan Zeng's artistic skill and attention to detail are evident in the intricate and vibrant illustration, which showcases the joy and warmth of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. The loading-screen illustration not only adds a festive touch to XiaMi Music App but also serves as a visual representation of the cultural significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival and the cherished tradition of family reunion during this auspicious occasion.
