The Story
About the Asian Moon Festival The Asian Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a cherished tradition celebrated across various Asian cultures. It is a time for family reunions, giving thanks, and expressing hopes for happiness and prosperity. The festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. Historical Significance The origins of the Moon Festival date back over 3,000 years to the Zhou Dynasty in China, where it was associated with moon worship and harvest celebrations. It has since evolved into a major cultural event celebrated in many Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Legends and Stories Several enchanting legends are associated with the Moon Festival: Chang'e and Hou Yi: One of the most famous legends is that of Chang'e, the moon goddess, and her husband Hou Yi, a heroic archer. According to the tale, Hou Yi shot down nine out of ten suns to save the earth from scorching heat. As a reward, he was given an elixir of immortality. To prevent the elixir from falling into the wrong hands, Chang'e drank it and ascended to the moon, where she resides to this day. The Jade Rabbit: Another beloved story is that of the Jade Rabbit, who lives on the moon with Chang'e. The rabbit is said to be constantly pounding the elixir of life in a mortar. Wu Gang Chopping the Laurel Tree: This tale involves Wu Gang, a man punished to chop down a self-healing laurel tree on the moon for eternity as a penance for seeking immortality. Celebrations and Traditions The Moon Festival is marked by various customs and activities: Mooncakes: Eating mooncakes is a central tradition. These round pastries, filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or other ingredients, symbolize family unity and completeness. Lanterns: Lanterns of all shapes and sizes are lit and displayed, creating a beautiful and festive atmosphere. In some regions, people write riddles on lanterns for others to solve. Family Gatherings: Families come together to appreciate the full moon, enjoy festive foods, and share stories. It is a time to strengthen family bonds and honor ancestors. Dragon and Lion Dances: In some areas, dragon and lion dances are performed to bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits. Cultural Performances: Traditional performances such as Chinese opera, Vietnamese folk singing, Korean drum dances, and Japanese tea ceremonies are showcased, highlighting the rich cultural diversity within the Asian community. Business Excellence Celebration In conjunction with the Moon Festival, we also celebrate Business Excellence within the Asian community. This event honors the achievements and contributions of Asian entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses that have excelled in their fields. Objectives Recognition: Acknowledge and celebrate the successes of Asian business leaders and their impact on the community. Networking: Provide a platform for professionals to connect, share ideas, and build valuable relationships. Cultural Appreciation: Celebrate and share the diverse cultural heritage of the Asian community through traditional and contemporary performances. Highlights Keynote Speakers: Inspirational talks from renowned business leaders who share their journeys and insights. Awards Ceremony: Presentation of awards to outstanding businesses and individuals for their contributions and achievements. Cultural Performances: The celebration will feature cultural performances such as traditional music, dance, and art from various Asian cultures. Performances may include Chinese dragon and lion dances, Vietnamese water puppetry, Korean traditional drumming, and Japanese tea ceremonies. These performances not only entertain but also educate attendees about the diverse cultural heritage of the Asian community. Bringing It All Together The Asian Moon Festival and Business Excellence Celebration is a unique event that blends cultural heritage with modern achievements. It is an opportunity to honor traditions, celebrate successes, and look forward to a prosperous future. By hosting this festival, we aim to create a space where the community can come together to appreciate the richness of Asian culture and recognize the remarkable accomplishments within the business world.
VIP Speakers
Opening Speech
Lieutenant Governor:
Sara Rodriguez
Deputy Assistant to the President and Asian American and Pacific Islander Senior Liaison:
Erika Moritsugu
Senior Director at Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation:
Eugene Manzanet
Vice Chancellor for Community Empowerment & Institutional Inclusivity and Professor of History:
Dr. Chia Youyee Vang
President & General Manager at Milwaukee's NPR: David Lee
State Representative: Francesca Hong
District Director at Small Business Administration:
Eric Ness
Reginal Director at U.S. Small Business Administration: Geri Aglipay
Business Excellence Awards
Business Partner of The Year
Digital Marketing Excellence Awards
Excellence in Digital Media
Sustained Sponsorship Award
Business Award of the Year
Culinary Service Award
Outstanding Service Award
RECTIFY SERVICES LLC-TOAN LY
Professional Excellence Award
CHASE BANK-MINNA DINH-STUVER
Leadership and Community Impact Awards
EUGENT MANZANNET
FRANCESCA HONG
Dedication to Service Award
GINGER YUAN
DVIDE MO
Performance
The Lion Dance is a vibrant and dynamic traditional Chinese performance that captivates audiences with its energetic movements and colorful costumes. Rooted in centuries-old customs, the Lion Dance is believed to bring good fortune, ward off evil spirits, and celebrate the Chinese New Year and other significant events. Performed by skilled dancers who mimic the lion’s majestic movements, the Lion Dance combines martial arts, acrobatics, and rhythmic drumming to create a spectacle of strength, grace, and coordination. The lion, adorned in elaborate costumes and vibrant colors, symbolizes power, wisdom, and prosperity. As the performers bring the lion to life with their impressive choreography and synchronized beats, they invite you to experience the rich cultural heritage of China. This performance not only entertains but also connects us to ancient traditions, embodying the spirit of celebration and renewal that is central to the Lion Dance.
Step into a world of timeless elegance with our Qipao Show! This special event celebrates the beauty and sophistication of the qipao, a cherished symbol of Chinese culture. On our event site, you’ll find a showcase of breathtaking qipaos, each meticulously crafted to highlight intricate designs and luxurious fabrics. Experience the rich history and evolving style of this iconic garment as it takes center stage in a stunning presentation. Explore the artistry of the qipao and enjoy a visual feast of grace and elegance.
Prepare to be enchanted by our Qipao Dance performance! This captivating display brings the qipao to life through dynamic choreography and graceful movement. Watch as our talented dancers showcase the elegance of the qipao, blending tradition with contemporary flair. The performance, featured on our event site, highlights the qipao's cultural significance while offering a fresh, vibrant perspective. Enjoy the seamless fusion of dance and fashion as the qipao's beauty and charm are celebrated in an unforgettable performance.
Tibetan Dance is a captivating and vibrant expression of the rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions of the Tibetan people. Rooted in centuries of history, Tibetan Dance combines intricate footwork, graceful hand movements, and colorful costumes to convey stories of myth, religion, and daily life. Often performed during religious ceremonies, festivals, and cultural celebrations, Tibetan Dance reflects the deep connection between the Tibetan people and their natural environment, as well as their reverence for deities and spiritual practices. The dances are characterized by their dynamic rhythms, symbolic gestures, and the use of traditional musical instruments that enhance the experience with their unique sounds. As you witness this mesmerizing performance, you’ll be transported to the majestic landscapes of Tibet, experiencing the grace and beauty of a dance form that celebrates the resilience, spirituality, and vibrant culture of the Tibetan people. Through this performance, we honor and share the essence of Tibetan tradition and artistry.
The erhu, often called the "Chinese violin," is a two-stringed traditional Chinese instrument with a rich history spanning over a thousand years. Its soulful, expressive sound is capable of conveying deep emotions, from sorrowful to joyful melodies. In performances, the erhu captures the essence of Chinese culture, blending technical precision with artistic expression. Played with a bow, the erhu’s unique timbre and dynamic range make it a captivating centerpiece in both solo and ensemble settings, often evoking a deep connection with the audience.
The guzheng, a traditional Chinese zither with a history spanning over 2,000 years, is known for its elegant, melodic sound. Featuring 21 to 25 strings, it produces a range of tones from deep and resonant to bright and clear. During a guzheng performance, the musician uses both hands to pluck the strings, creating a captivating blend of harmony and rhythm. The instrument's expressive capabilities allow it to evoke a wide spectrum of emotions, making it a central piece in both classical and contemporary Chinese music.
Japanese taiko drum performances are a dynamic and powerful art form that blends rhythm, movement, and cultural tradition. Rooted in ancient Japanese rituals and ceremonies, taiko has evolved into a modern performance art that captivates audiences worldwide. The performers, known as taiko drummers, engage in synchronized and highly energetic movements, combining precision, strength, and endurance. The deep, resonant sound of the drums is complemented by choreographed routines that convey both individual expression and collective unity. Taiko performances often evoke themes of nature, battle, and celebration, making them a profound and exhilarating experience. The history of taiko drums dates back centuries, deeply rooted in Japanese religious ceremonies, rituals, and folklore. Originally used in Buddhist and Shinto practices, the drums were believed to represent the voice of the gods. Over time, their role expanded to include secular functions like theater, festivals, and even wartime communication. Today, taiko symbolizes cultural pride and unity, performed at various events ranging from traditional religious ceremonies to modern concerts and educational programs. The powerful beats and rhythmic patterns make taiko a captivating experience, reflecting its rich history while adapting to contemporary tastes.
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