Twenty students attended the Otsukimi celebration, which was sponsored by the Society of Undergraduate Students With Interest in Japan.
Otsukimi is a traditional Japanese holiday that is similar to Americans' traditional Halloween and Thanksgiving celebrations.
The purpose of the holiday is to give thanks for the crops of the year. Every year children in Japan go around their neighborhoods collecting crops such as odango, manjuu, sweet potatoes and many other fruits and vegetables.
The holiday is celebrated in October on the night of the full moon, or Juugoya, which means fifth night. Five susuki plants are placed in homes to symbolize the Juugoya, said SUSHI co-president Noriko Satake.
Thursday night, the group listened to a CD of traditional Japanese music performed by children about "bunnies in the moon" and the importance of the holiday.
A pumpkin decorating project also was part of the festivities. From Carolina blue pumpkins to pumpkins that resembled mice, the group members used the painting project to incorporate Halloween celebration activities.
SUSHI Co-president Cynthia Rawling said the night served two purposes by including both Japanese and American traditions.
She said SUSHI helps exchange students enjoy America by exposing them to American holidays and events. They also hold traditional Japanese events to expose non-Japanese members to the culture and give the exchange students a small taste of home.
"I used to celebrate this holiday when I was younger, but I haven't celebrated it in two years until today," said Yoko Kaji, a member of SUSHI and an exchange student from Japan.
