Exploring the Traditions and Celebrations of Mid-Autumn Festival: A Detailed Essay in English
Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most celebrated traditional Chinese festivals, and is observed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. This festival holds great importance for the Chinese people because it symbolizes family reunions, traditions, and gratitude. The festival has been celebrated for over 3000 years, and it continues to be an important cultural event for the Chinese people around the world. In this essay, we will explore the traditions, customs and celebrations associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Firstly, one of the most significant traditions of this festival is the sharing of mooncakes. Mooncakes, a delicacy made of sweet fillings like lotus seed paste, with an egg yolk in the center, are a must-have during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are usually given as gifts to family and friends, and it is a symbol of unity and good fortune. The round shape of the mooncake represents the moon, and the pastry symbolizes the sky. Gift-giving is an essential part of the celebration, and it is common to give mooncakes as presents to show appreciation and love.
Secondly, it is believed that during this festival, the moon is the brightest and the fullest. Watching the bright and full moon is a must-do activity, and it is known as “admiring the moon.” The tradition of admiring the moon has been around since ancient times and is a symbol of appreciation and gratitude towards nature. Many people gather with their families and friends to watch the moon, and it is a time for people to bond and make memories together.
Thirdly, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also steeped in folklore and legends. One of the most famous legends is the story of Chang’e, the goddess of the moon. According to the legend, Chang’e swallowed the elixir of immortality and ascended to the moon, leaving her husband, Hou Yi, on earth. Since then, Hou Yi has been offering sacrifices to the moon every year on the Mid-Autumn Festival to commemorate his wife.
Fourthly, children also play an essential role in Mid-Autumn Festival traditions. It is common for children to carry brightly lit lanterns in the shape of animals, flowers, or cartoon characters, and walk around with them during the festival. It is a beautiful sight watching children parade around with their lanterns, and it adds to the festive atmosphere. It is said that carrying a lantern during the Mid-Autumn Festival brings good luck and blessings.
Finally, as with any Chinese festival, food plays a vital role in the celebrations. Apart from mooncakes, other traditional foods are consumed during the festival. One such example is the pomelo fruit, which symbolizes unity and togetherness. It is also customary to drink tea during the festivities, especially Osmanthus tea, which is made from a type of flower and is a reminder of the beautiful autumn season.
In conclusion, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a beautiful and meaningful celebration that brings family and friends together. The customs, traditions and legends associated with the festival have been passed down through generations, and it continues to be an integral part of the Chinese culture. It is a time for people to show love, appreciation, and gratitude towards one another, and towards nature. During these difficult times, it is more important than ever to keep these traditions alive and to celebrate with our loved ones. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
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