Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which usually corresponds to September or October on the Gregorian calendar. The festival is a time for family gatherings, moon watching, and enjoying sweet mooncakes. Here are some traditions and customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The Tradition of Mooncakes
Mooncakes are a key element of the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are round and typically filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolk. Some mooncakes have a thin crust while others are surrounded by a thick, flaky pastry. The cakes are often decorated with etchings of the moon or flowers. Mooncakes are an important gift to give during the festival, and families often exchange them with one another.
Moon Watching
Moon watching is another tradition during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Families will gather together outside to gaze at the full moon. It is said that the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival is the brightest and roundest of the year. Children will often carry lanterns and play games outside while their parents watch the moon.
The Legend of Chang'e
One of the most famous stories associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival is the legend of Chang'e. Long ago, there were ten suns in the sky that scorched the earth. A hero named Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns with his bow and arrow. As a reward, he was given a magical elixir that would grant him eternal life. However, his wife, Chang'e, drank the elixir and flew to the moon, where she has lived ever since. Today, the Chinese believe that Chang'e still lives on the moon, and they honor her during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Conclusion
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of warmth, family, and tradition. It is a time to appreciate the beauty of the full moon and savor the sweetness of mooncakes. Whether you celebrate the festival with your family or by yourself, take a moment to reflect on the traditions and customs that have been passed down for generations. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
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