Views: 669 Author: Insight kitchen knife Publish Time: 2024-09-19 Origin: Site
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional celebrations in China. With roots tracing back over 3,000 years, this festival is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, mythology, and history. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, it typically falls in September or early October, coinciding with the harvest season. The festival is marked by family gatherings, moon gazing, and eating mooncakes, but its origins are intertwined with ancient agricultural rituals and fascinating myths.
The origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival can be traced to ancient agricultural practices. In ancient China, the harvest was of great importance, and the 15th day of the 8th lunar month was a time when the moon was believed to be at its fullest and brightest. Farmers would give thanks to the moon for the harvest and pray for future abundance. The roundness of the full moon symbolized unity and harmony, which also became central themes of the festival.
During the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE), moon worship was a common practice. It was believed that by offering sacrifices to the moon, people could secure a good harvest. This early form of the festival was a time to appreciate nature and give thanks for its bounty, though it was not yet formalized into the Mid-Autumn Festival we know today.
One of the most famous and enduring myths associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival is the legend of Chang’e, the goddess of the moon. According to the most popular version of the story, Chang’e was married to Hou Yi, a legendary archer. During this time, ten suns rose in the sky, scorching the earth and causing great suffering. Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns with his bow, saving the world and becoming a celebrated hero.
As a reward for his heroism, Hou Yi was given an elixir of immortality. However, Hou Yi did not want to live forever without Chang’e, so he entrusted the elixir to her for safekeeping. One day, a jealous apprentice of Hou Yi named Feng Meng tried to steal the elixir. To protect it, Chang’e drank it herself and, as a result, ascended to the moon, where she lives to this day.
Heartbroken but filled with love, Hou Yi would gaze at the moon each night, hoping to catch a glimpse of his beloved wife. It is said that on the night of the full moon, one can see the figure of Chang’e on the lunar surface. This romantic story of eternal love and sacrifice has become a central part of Mid-Autumn celebrations, with people admiring the moon and remembering the story of Chang’e.
Mooncakes, the traditional pastry eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, also have a legendary origin. According to one tale, during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 CE), China was under Mongol rule. The Han Chinese people, wanting to overthrow the Mongols, came up with a clever plan. Rebel leaders hid messages inside mooncakes, which were distributed to households under the guise of a festive treat. The messages coordinated an uprising that eventually led to the overthrow of the Mongol rulers.
Though the tale of the mooncake rebellion is likely a later addition to the festival’s history, the pastry has come to symbolize unity and family togetherness. The round shape of the mooncake mirrors the full moon, and just as families reunite under the full moon, sharing mooncakes represents sharing the completeness of family and life.
During the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), the Mid-Autumn Festival became more formalized as a cultural event. It was a time of great cultural flourishing, and moon worship was integrated into the imperial court’s traditions. The practice of admiring the moon, composing poems, and holding grand banquets under the full moon became popular among the elite. The festival spread from the aristocracy to the general population, solidifying its place in Chinese tradition.
By the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), the festival was fully established as a national holiday. Families would gather, make offerings to the moon, and celebrate with feasts. The tradition of mooncakes became popular during this time, and moon-viewing parties became a social event where people gathered to enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
At its core, the Mid-Autumn Festival represents reunion. The full moon symbolizes wholeness and unity, which is why it is a time for families to come together. In Chinese culture, the family is considered the most important social unit, and the festival serves as a reminder of familial bonds. Whether families are near or far, they are united in spirit as they gaze at the same full moon.
Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival continues to be celebrated with mooncakes, lanterns, and family gatherings. It remains a time to give thanks, appreciate the beauty of the moon, and reflect on the importance of unity and harmony. In modern times, the festival is also celebrated in other East Asian countries such as Vietnam and Korea, where it has taken on local customs and traditions.
The Mid-Autumn Festival’s rich history, blending agricultural practices, mythology, and social customs, reflects the deep connection between Chinese people and nature. Its enduring themes of family, love, and gratitude have allowed it to remain one of China’s most cherished holidays. Whether through the story of Chang’e, the ritual of eating mooncakes, or the simple act of admiring the moon, the festival continues to inspire people to reflect on the past while celebrating the present.
