Let's Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival
The Story of Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. The festival originated from the legend of Chang'e, the goddess of the moon, and her husband Hou Yi.
According to the legend, Hou Yi shot down nine suns to save the earth and was rewarded with an elixir of immortality. However, his wife Chang'e accidentally consumed the elixir and flew to the moon. Ever since then, on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, people look up at the full moon and remember the story of Chang'e and Hou Yi.
Traditions and Celebrations
Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunion. Families gather together to appreciate the full moon, eat mooncakes, and drink tea. Mooncakes are round pastries filled with various ingredients such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and egg yolks. They symbolize reunion and completeness.
In addition to eating mooncakes, people also enjoy pomelo, a large citrus fruit that is believed to bring good luck and happiness. Children often play with lanterns in the shape of animals or cartoon characters, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Mid-Autumn Festival Around the World
While Mid-Autumn Festival is predominantly celebrated in China, it is also observed in other parts of Asia such as Vietnam, Korea, and Singapore. In Vietnam, it is known as Tet Trung Thu and features lion dances and parades. In Korea, it is called Chuseok and is a time for ancestor worship and traditional games.
The Mid-Autumn Festival has even been recognized by the United Nations as a cultural heritage event. In 2008, the festival was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, ensuring its preservation and recognition around the world.
Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a cultural celebration but also a time to reflect on the importance of family and unity. Whether you are eating mooncakes or admiring the full moon, let's take a moment to appreciate the people in our lives and the beauty of the world around us.
