Before artificial lighting, full moon was the brightest night of the month. In cultures spread across every continent, that turned into a natural occasion for gathering, feasting, and collective celebration. Some of these traditions have lasted millennia and are still alive, even in cities where no one needs the Moon's light to see the road anymore.
Happens on the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, usually September. The name literally means "moon viewing." The tradition comes from the Heian era, more than a thousand years ago, when aristocrats gathered to recite poetry under the autumn moonlight.
The modern version is simpler and popular: families place suzuki (tall grass) in vases near the window, offer dango (round rice dumplings, evoking the shape of the Moon) and sweet potatoes, and watch the Moon rise. Shops sell Tsukimi dango everywhere. Some Japanese fast food chains even launch burgers with a round egg in the "full moon" style to fit the season.
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