As people all across the world are celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, we continue to explore the various traditions in many regions of China.

I wouldn't be a proper Mid-Autumn Day without mooncakes. This baked treat with its various fillings is an indispensable part of the holiday. But of course, the origin of the festival comes from something a bit loftier. In ancient China, emperors offer sacrifices to the full moon, while common folks saw the full moon as a blessing and made the day a time for family reunion. In the Song Dynasty, the day was officially declared Mid-Autumn Festival.

For Beijing kids, clay rabbits are another special treat for on Mid-Autumn Day. In olden times, local residents call the figure "Lord Rabbit," a nickname that combines the cuteness of rabbit and the appearance of power, such as wearing a warrior's armor and riding on a tiger. The offering soon became a children's toy, as well as favorite bit of tourist memorabilia.

Bai Dacheng, handicraft artist, said, "Rabbits are cute, delicate figures with long ears, while the tiger is regarded as 'king of all animals.' So the fun comes from the contrast of a rabbit dominating a tiger. And a rabbit on a black tiger is the incarnation of the god of wealth."

Heading southeast to Fujian Province, Jianning people hang up beautiful lanterns and pray for blessings. Chaoshan people in Guangdong eat taro as a typical Mid-Autumn treat, while Nanjing people have their famous local cuisine, Guihua duck alongside mooncakes.

However, the most inspiring ceremony is performed by the people of Foshan. They fill several pagodas with wood, straw and firecrackers, and then light it up.

The local folks say, the higher the flame, the richer the blessing for prosperity and long life.

(CNTV.cn September 13, 2011)