By Ashley Anousaya
In the heart of Philadelphia stretching from Vine Street. to Arch Street, lies Chinatown, an area rich with culture and livelihood. The Asian Student Association (ASA) and Thomas Jefferson University students had the opportunity to visit this area on the weekend of Saturday, September 30 for Chinatown’s Mid-Autumn Festival event. Run by Asian Americans United (AAU), the event presented performances, food, crafts, and more. The festival is a widely observed holiday that originated in China, and traditionally, it occurs on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese Lunar calendar. The festival falls on the night of a full moon to represent the historical use of moon phases during the autumn harvest. There are many celebrations centered around the moon, including ceremonies and prayers that are directed towards prosperity and good fortune. The Mid-Autumn Festival is also celebrated in other countries than just China, including Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
ASA got to enjoy a lot of different activities in Chinatown, such as printmaking, lantern making, mask and fan making, and more. Students at the event observed that the community at the event was so supportive, especially in the face of the recent news about a possible 76ers stadium overtaking Chinatown. Along with crafts, there were many performances from groups including Modero & Company, Hope For Tomorrow (H4T), Stephanie Sun, Lion Dances, and more.
Source by Ashley Anousaya
ASA members enjoy performances in the heart of Chinatown.
“I really enjoyed the performances we watched of the dance groups,” said junior Jessica Jumamil.
Another part of the event was getting to meet with community organizers such as Students for the Preservation of Chinatown (SPOC). This organization helped captain the #SaveChinatown movement regarding the stadium and were even screen printing shirts, tote bags, and prints available to take by donation.
“SPOC was selling posters as well as tote bags. They have previously visited our school to inform us on what is happening with the arena situation and how it would affect Chinatown. Seeing the Chinatown community all together on this day shows how important it is that we can do as much as we can to help prevent the building of this arena. This goes to show how people all over came to the Mid-Autumn Fest and gathered as a big family and it warmed my heart,” said sophomore Lexi Nguyen.
Chinatown is also well-known for their cuisine. One food shared on this holiday are mooncakes, which are a snack or dessert pastry that can either have a sweet or savory filling. They are usually round to reflect the moon shape but can also be square-shaped. Typically, there is a mold stamped on top with the name of the filling. The event even had a mooncake eating competition for the prize of bubble tea and a champion hat. Some other places members visited in Chinatown for Mid-Autumn Fest were Heng Fen Noodle, Mochinut, and Chu Shang Spicy. Supporting the small businesses in the community allow them to thrive and visitors can enjoy an authentic meal in Chinatown.
Sources by Ashley Anousaya
ASA members smile for a picture at the Mid-Autumn Festival; a mural encapsulates many residents' feelings regarding the possibility of a new stadium in Chinatown.
ASA was thrilled to attend this event three years after the pandemic, and they were awed with the sense of community and pride in the Chinatown area. They went back to enjoy more of the culture during the Chinatown Night Market on October 12. The next event that ASA is looking forward to is a collaboration with the Filipino Student Association (FSA) on Monday, October 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Tuttleman Auditorium for the Halo-Haloween Karaoke Night. Attendees can purchase either Halo-Halo or Thai Tea for $2 each at the event or win a costume contest for a chance to get a free one.
The Multicultural Fashion show will be on Friday, November 10 in Downs Auditorium from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, and is in collaboration with both FSA and Albanian Student Association. The event is currently looking for members to walk the runway in cultural clothes or bring food for the potluck style serving at the event. ASA is looking forward to these large events and is always looking to welcome more members. Find out more on their Instagram: @asa.jef.
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