Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival: A Joyous Tradition in China
Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Zhongqiu Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture and has a history of over 3,000 years. This festival is celebrated by millions of people around the world, regardless of their cultural and ethnic backgrounds. In this essay, we will explore what Mid-Autumn Festival is, why it is celebrated, and how it is celebrated.
What is Mid-Autumn Festival?
Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese festival that dates back to the Shang dynasty (16th to 11th BC). It marks the end of the summer harvesting season and the beginning of the autumn season. This festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which usually falls on the full moon night in September or October in the Gregorian calendar.
The main feature of Mid-Autumn Festival is the mooncakes, round pastries with sweet fillings, that are eaten during the festival. In addition to mooncakes, families often gather to enjoy the full moon, drink tea, light lanterns, and spend time together.
Why is Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated?
Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated to honor Chang'e, the moon goddess, and her husband Houyi, a skilled archer. According to legend, Houyi shot down nine suns from the sky, leaving only one, which led to him receiving an elixir of immortality. However, his wife accidentally consumed the elixir, which caused her to float to the moon, where she has lived ever since. Chang'e is regarded as a symbol of love and beauty, and the Mid-Autumn Festival is seen as the day when she is closest to the earth.
Mid-Autumn Festival also represents family reunions and unity. In ancient China, people were often separated from their families for long periods due to work or war. The full moon of the Mid-Autumn Festival is seen as a symbol of reunion, and as such, families gather together to celebrate.
How is Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrated?
Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in different ways across China, but the following are some of the most common traditions.
Eating Mooncakes
Mooncakes are the most significant and visible aspect of Mid-Autumn Festival. The round shape of the mooncake represents completeness, while the filling represents the sweetness of family reunions. There are many types of mooncakes, including sweet or savory, with various fillings such as bean paste, lotus paste, and egg yolk.
Enjoying the Moon
Mid-Autumn Festival is also a time to admire the full moon. On this night, the moon is at its brightest and roundest, making it a perfect time to appreciate its beauty. Many families and friends gather together to supplement the moon viewing with tea and mooncakes.
Lighting Lanterns
Lanterns are an essential part of Chinese culture and are a significant part of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Lanterns come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from traditional red lanterns to more elaborate animal-shaped lanterns. Lanterns are usually lit and hung outside people's homes or on street lantern poles.
Playing Moon Games
On Mid-Autumn Festival, many traditional games are played to celebrate the occasion. One of the most popular games is called "Tiangou," where people try to spot the mythical moon-eating creature called Tiangou in the moon. Other games include dice games, arts and crafts, and storytelling.
Conclusion
Mid-Autumn Festival is a joyous and significant celebration in Chinese culture, representing family unity and love, and the moon's beauty. This festival has a rich history and deep-rooted traditions that have been passed down through generations. Whether one is a Chinese native or someone interested in learning about Chinese culture, Mid-Autumn Festival is an excellent opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the beauty and significance of this traditional festival.
TAGS： 中国的传统节日月饼与家庭团聚赏月传统及意义传统文化与现代庆祝方式