DALLAS — On Tuesday, the full moon marks the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival in many East and Southeast Asian cultures. It's often known as the Moon Festival, and it's been a tradition for more than 3,000 years.
Families gather to eat moon cake, light lanterns, burn incense and admire what is believed to be the fullest moon of the year.
It marks the end of the autumn harvest and preparation for the winter.
In Dallas, George Kao celebrates with his family and customers. He is the owner of Royal China, a restaurant started by his parents 50 years ago when they moved to the United States from Taiwan.
"It's one of three major Chinese festivals," Kao said.
Kao continues to honor his heritage by celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Every year, families who celebrate tell their children the tale of the Moon Goddess, Chang'e.
"It's about one of the most beautiful girls," Kao said.
While there are many versions of this mythology, the storyline consistently ends with Chang'e taking an immortal elixir and flying to the moon with her rabbit.
"Her husband is missing her so on the brightest moon, he prepares the moon cake," said Kao.
Growing up, Kao said he and his friends always looked to the moon to see if they could spot Chang'e and her rabbit's shadow in the moon.
"You just used your imagination. You always looked at the full moon," he said.
While Kao's restaurant doesn't sell moon cakes, his family buys some to share with regular customers in gratitude.
Kao said his favorite moon cake flavor is lotus cake with egg yolk. The sweet, rich flavor is an annual delicacy Kao enjoys every year.