The Mid-Autumn Festival evolved from the autumn festival to worship the moon in ancient times. The original "Festival to worship the moon" was on the autumnal equinox of the 24 solar terms. However, due to the integration of calendars in historical development, the lunar calendar was used, and it was later transferred to August 15 of the lunar calendar. Influenced by Chinese culture, Mid-Autumn Festival is also a traditional festival for overseas Chinese in some countries in East and Southeast Asia, especially local Chinese.

According to China's calendar, August in the lunar calendar is the middle of autumn and the second month of autumn, which is called Mid-Autumn, while August 15th is in the "Mid-Autumn", so it is called Mid-Autumn Festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival comes from the traditional "Autumn Equinox Sacrificing the Moon", which, as one of the important ceremonies of folk festivals, has gradually evolved into activities such as appreciating and praising the moon.

Traditional activities of Mid-Autumn Festival:

1, sacrifice to the moon

Sacrificing the moon is a very old custom in China. In ancient times, there was a custom of "autumn dusk and evening moon". Evening moon, that is, worship the moon god. Since ancient times, in some parts of Guangdong, people have the custom of worshipping the Moon God (Moon Mother and Moonlight) on the Mid-Autumn Festival night. In Yue Bai, a big incense table was set up, offering sacrifices such as moon cakes, watermelons, apples, red dates, plums and grapes.

2. Burn the lamp

On the night of Mid-Autumn Festival, there is a custom of burning lanterns to help the moonlight. Nowadays, there is still a custom of burning lamps on the tower with tiles stacked on it in Huguang area. There is a custom of making lantern boats in the south of the Yangtze River. The custom of burning lanterns in modern Mid-Autumn Festival is more prosperous.

3. Enjoy the moon

The custom of enjoying the moon comes from offering sacrifices to the moon, and serious sacrifices have become relaxed pleasures. It is said that the moon is closest to the earth this night, and the moon is the largest, roundest and brightest, so there is a custom of drinking and enjoying the moon since ancient times. In ancient times, there were different customs in the north and south, and there were different customs in different places. The written records of Mid-Autumn Festival activities appeared in the Wei and Jin Dynasties, but they did not become a habit. In the Tang Dynasty, it was quite popular to enjoy and play with the moon in the Mid-Autumn Festival.