Students might see some extra lighting on the north patio of the Rhatigan Student Center today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Vietnamese Students Association (VSA) is hosting a celebration called Lantern Invasion 2013 to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Those who participate will experience have a chance to create their own lantern and enjoy a Lion Dance performance, two essential elements of the celebration.

“I was born in Vietnam and came to America at age thirteen, so I did have some memories about the Moon Festival back home,” said David Nguyen, former vice president of VSA. “[In Vietnam], on this day, there are lantern competitions for the kids, and lion dancing going around the neighborhood.”

The festival occurs every year on the 15th day of the eighth Lunar Month. It is also believed that the moon is the brightest and roundest on this day.

The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is one of the most important traditions for the Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. The Festival comes from a legend popular in both countries. However, the legend of each country uses a different character name.

In Chinese culture, it is said that Chang Oh, the wife of Hou Yi, who shoots the suns in the ancient mythology of China, flew to the moon and has lived there ever since. In Vietnamese culture, it is Chu Cuoi who flew to the moon.

David also said the experience is completely different in the United States, where only a small number of people celebrate the festival. In Vietnam, a whole town will participate.

One reason the VSA celebrates the Moon Festival is to keep the tradition alive for young Asian people growing up and living in United States. Many only experience it through events similar to the Lantern Invasion 2013 or at the local church or temple.

“Not until I became friends with a bigger crowd of Asians did I learn more about the Moon Festival,” said Huan Le, who came to the U.S. at the age of three.

VSA member Peter Nguyen said his family celebrates by holding a family gathering. The children spend time with the adults, giving thanks and eating moon cake, the official festival food.

“It has a weird taste but I think it is okay,” Nguyen said.

Despite the legend and the long history of the Moon Festival, today many people believe the festival is meant for a younger population.

“The lion dance parade and the lighting of the beautiful lanterns are designed for children,” Nguyen said.