The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival is introduced in English, please refer to the following:
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals celebrated by Chinese people worldwide.?
It falls on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. The festival has a rich history and a deep cultural significance , making it an integral part of Chinese heritage.
The origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival can be traced back over 3,000 years to ancient China. The festival's roots are closely associated with various myths and legends, one of which involves the beautiful moon goddess, Chang'e.?
According to folklore, there were originally ten suns in the sky, causing great suffering to the people due to the scorching heat. Hou Yi, a skilled archer , shot down nine of the suns, saving humanity. As a reward, he was given the elixir of immortality by the Queen Mother of the West.?
However, Hou Yi did not consume the elixir immediately; instead , he hid it at home. One day, while Hou Yi was away, his wife, Chang'e, came across the elixir and, fearing its misuse, decided to consume it herself.?
Upon drinking the elixir, she became weightless and floated to the moon, where she has lived ever since. On the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, Hou Yi would prepare Chang'e's favorite food and offer sacrifices to the moon, marking the beginning of the Mid -Autumn Festival.
Another popular legend associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival is the story of Wu Gang and the Cherry Bay. Wu Gang was banished to the moon as a punishment for his immorality.?
He was tasked with cutting down the self-healing cherry tree on the moon as a way to earn his redemption. However, every time he chopped down the tree, it miraculously grew back, making his eternal punishment.
Apart from these myths, the Mid-Autumn Festival also has historical roots. It is believed that the festival originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when it became an official celebration.?
Over the centuries, the festival has evolved, incorporating various customs and traditions. One of the most iconic aspects of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the consumption of mooncakes, a round pastry filled with sweet lotus seed paste, salted egg yolks, and sometimes nuts.?
Mooncakes are often intricately designed and packaged, making them popular gifts during the festival.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, families and friends gather to admire the full moon, a symbol of reunion and completeness in Chinese culture.?
In addition to mooncakes, people enjoy a variety of traditional foods, such as pomelos, grapes, and osmanthus flowers, which are in season during this time. Lanterns are also a common sight during the festival, adding to the festive atmosphere.