An Essay on the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon Festival
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivities. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which usually corresponds to the middle of September on the Gregorian calendar. The festival has a history of over 3,000 years and is celebrated by Chinese people all over the world. In this essay, I will further explore the traditions and customs of this unique festival.
Origin and Legend
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration of the harvest and the full moon. The harvesting season usually starts in the seventh lunar month and reaches its peak in the eighth lunar month, leading to the Mid-Autumn Festival. The full moon symbolizes reunion and completeness, and it is believed that on this day, the moon is the brightest and most round. The festival is often considered a time for families to gather, appreciate the full moon, and enjoy mooncakes.
There are many legends and stories surrounding the origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival. One of the most popular folklore stories is the tale of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. According to the legend, Chang’e drank an elixir of immortality and floated up to the moon, where she has since resided. Her husband, Hou Yi, was a great archer who shot down nine suns to save the earth. Hou Yi was rewarded with a pill that would make him immortal. However, he did not take it immediately, and when he left to retrieve necessary items, Chang’e ate the pill and floated up to the moon. On this day, people celebrate Chang’e and her celestial home with offerings of fruit, mooncakes, and burning incense.
Customs and Traditions
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with several customs and traditions, many of which have been passed down from generation to generation. One of the most iconic customs is the consumption of mooncakes. Mooncakes are round pastries with various fillings such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, mixed nuts, and egg yolks. The significance of the round shape of the mooncakes represents completeness, and the egg yolks symbolize the full moon. Mooncakes are gifted to friends and family as a token of love and respect. There are also various regional differences in the shape, taste, and ingredients of mooncakes, reflecting the diversity of the Chinese culture.
Another popular tradition is the practice of admiring the full moon. Families and friends gather under the moonlight and appreciate the beauty of the full moon, reciting poems, and wishing for good luck and happiness. People often decorate their homes with lanterns and put on lion and dragon dance performances on the streets. The red lanterns symbolize prosperity and joy, and they often come in the shape of animals, fruits, or other auspicious symbols. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the atmosphere is filled with song and laughter, bringing people together in a time of peace and harmony.
Conclusion
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is a time-honored tradition with deep cultural meanings. It serves as a reminder of the importance of family, harmony, and gratitude. The customs and traditions associated with the festival not only reflect the richness and diversity of the Chinese culture but also inspire people worldwide to appreciate the beauty of nature and the value of family ties. It is a celebration of the unity and harmony, bringing joy and blessings to people from all walks of life.
TAGS： MooncakesFamilyReunionsLanternsTraditionsandcustoms