The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the "Moon Festival," "Mid-Autumn Festival," or "Family Reunion Festival," is an important traditional festival in China and some East Asian countries and regions. It is one of China's four major traditional festivals, along with the Spring Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day, and Dragon Boat Festival.
origin
The Mid-Autumn Festival has ancient origins, originally linked to the ancient custom of worshiping the moon and praying for a good harvest. Records of "autumn dusk moon" date back to the Zhou Dynasty, and it gradually gained popularity during the Tang and Song dynasties, ultimately settling on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. This is the night when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, symbolizing perfection and reunion.
custom
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Moon-watching: Look up at the bright moon on the Mid-Autumn night to express your thoughts and wishes.
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Eating mooncakes: Mooncakes symbolize reunion, and people express family reunion and affection by sharing mooncakes.
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Drinking osmanthus wine symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and lasting happiness.
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Playing with lanterns : In some areas, people light lanterns, dance with fire dragons, and guess lantern riddles, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
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Worshiping the Moon : In ancient times, people offered moon cakes, fruits, osmanthus flowers and other sacrifices to express gratitude and prayers.
Cultural significance
The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a celebration of the harvest, but also emphasizes the beautiful meaning of "reunion of family and moon." Regardless of where people are, they spend this day thinking of their loved ones and expressing their best wishes. It has also become one of the most poetic festivals in Chinese culture, with numerous famous poems dedicated to the festival left by literati throughout the ages.
-Brewin Teaware
