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The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as 中秋节 (), is one of the most important traditional celebrations in China. It is held every year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, a date that usually corresponds to the roundest and brightest full moon of the year. This festival is not only a time for family reunions but also a period of gratitude for abundant harvests.
Origin and Legends
The history of the Mid-Autumn Festival dates back more than 3,000 years, with roots in moon worship rites and harvest celebrations. Several legends are associated with this festival, but the most famous is that of 嫦娥 (), the moon goddess.
According to legend, long ago, ten suns burned in the sky, making life on Earth unbearable. A hero named 后羿 (), a famous archer, managed to shoot down nine of them, thus saving the world. As a reward, he received an elixir of immortality, which he wished to share with his wife, 嫦娥 (). However, one day, a greedy man tried to steal the elixir, and 嫦娥 drank it to protect the precious potion. She then flew to the moon where she has lived ever since. Every year, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese pay homage to 嫦娥 by admiring the moon.
Traditions and Celebrations
The main tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the family reunion. As a Chinese proverb says: "The moon is brighter and people are closer on this day." Families gather to share meals, admire the full moon, and enjoy the famous moon cakes (月饼 ), a symbolic dish of the festival.
Moon cakes, round like the full moon, represent family reunion and harmony. They are often filled with various ingredients such as red bean paste, salted egg yolk, or lotus seeds, and decorated with traditional patterns. Offering moon cakes to loved ones is a way to express best wishes.
In addition to festive meals, some regions organize dragon and lion dances, lantern exhibitions, and moon worship ceremonies. Lanterns shaped like animals or plants, often carried by children, light up the streets, creating a magical and joyful atmosphere.
Symbolism of the Moon
The moon plays a central role in this festival. In China, it symbolizes gentleness, purity, and reunification. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, contemplating the moon is a traditional practice. For the Chinese, the moon also reminds them of family members who are far away, as even when separated by distances, everyone can admire the same moon.
The Mid-Autumn Festival Today
Although the Mid-Autumn Festival is rooted in tradition, it continues to evolve with time. Today, it is celebrated not only in China but also in many other Asian countries such as Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. Modern cities often organize grand festivals with light shows, art exhibitions, and cultural fairs.
Moon cakes, for their part, have adapted to contemporary tastes, with innovative versions based on chocolate, green tea, or even ice cream. Despite these changes, the spirit of the festival remains: a special time to gather with family and celebrate harmony and gratitude.
Conclusion
The Mid-Autumn Festival is much more than a simple seasonal celebration; it is a reflection of Chinese culture, its values, and its attachment to family and nature. Through the centuries, this festival has evolved while preserving its traditional essence. Whether through moon contemplation or moon cake tasting, the Mid-Autumn Festival reminds us of the importance of family bonds and moments of sharing.
