Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival
Origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated by many countries in Asia. The festival occurs on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month and usually falls in September or October. The origins of the festival date back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty in China. The festival was originally a way to give thanks for a good harvest and to worship the moon. Later on, the festival became associated with the legend of Chang'e, the goddess of the moon. The festival has evolved over time and is now a time for family reunions, eating mooncakes, and appreciating the beauty of the full moon.
Traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival
One of the most iconic traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival is eating mooncakes. Mooncakes are round pastries with a savory filling, often made with lotus seed paste or red bean paste. They are usually decorated with intricate designs and symbols, and are given as gifts to friends and family during the festival. Another popular tradition is lighting lanterns or walking under the moonlight. Lanterns come in many shapes and sizes, and are often made with colorful paper or silk. Children often participate in lantern parades or hang lanterns outside their homes during the festival. Finally, the festival is also a time for family reunions. People often travel long distances to be with their families during the festival, and enjoy a special dinner together. Traditional dishes include mooncakes, pomelos, and taro.
The Mid-Autumn Festival Today
The Mid-Autumn Festival is still widely celebrated today, not only in China but in other countries with a significant Chinese population, such as Vietnam, Korea, and Malaysia. However, the festival has also evolved with the times. Today, people often celebrate the festival by sending greetings and wishes to each other online, using social media or messaging apps. Many cities also hold lantern festivals or other cultural events during the festival period, attracting visitors from all over the world. Despite the changes, the spirit of the festival remains the same – a time to celebrate family, give thanks, and appreciate the beauty of the moon.
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