The MidAutumn Festival,also known as the Moon Festival,is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the15th day of the8th month of the lunar calendar.The festival has a rich history and is deeply rooted in Chinese culture,with its origins dating back to ancient times.
The earliest recorded mention of the MidAutumn Festival can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty1046256BC.During this period,people worshipped the moon as a symbol of the harvest and offered sacrifices to the moon deity.This practice gradually evolved into a festival to celebrate the full moon and the harvest.
In the Tang Dynasty618907AD,the MidAutumn Festival became a popular event among the royal court and the general populace.Emperor Taizong of Tang was known to have enjoyed the festival with his courtiers,and it was during this time that the tradition of moon gazing and eating mooncakes became more widespread.
The festival is also associated with the legend of Change,the Moon Goddess of Immortality.According to the legend,Change was the wife of the archer Hou Yi,who shot down nine of the ten suns that were scorching the earth.As a reward,he was given an elixir of immortality.However,Change drank the elixir and ascended to the moon, where she became the Moon Goddess.This tale has been passed down through generations and is still celebrated today.
The MidAutumn Festival is a time for family reunions,as the full moon symbolizes unity and completeness.Traditional customs include moon gazing,lighting lanterns,and eating mooncakes.Mooncakes are round pastries filled with various sweet or savory fillings, and they represent the full moon and the unity of families.仲秋节
In modern times,the MidAutumn Festival continues to be an important cultural event in China and other East Asian countries.It is a time for people to come together,share food, and celebrate the harvest under the bright moonlight.The festival also serves as a reminder of the rich history and traditions that have shaped Chinese culture over the centuries.