The Origin of Mid-Autumn Festival
The Legend of Chang'e Flying to the Moon
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. According to legend, the festival originated in ancient China when Hou Yi, a famous archer, shot down nine suns to save the earth. As a reward, he was given the elixir of life, but he did not drink it because he did not want to leave his wife, Chang'e, alone. However, a wicked man named Feng Meng tried to steal the elixir when Hou Yi was away. To prevent him from taking the elixir, Chang'e drank it and flew to the moon. From then on, people held the Mid-Autumn Festival to express their longing for their loved ones who are far away from them and to commemorate Chang'e's sacrifice.
The Customs and Traditions of Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions and moon appreciation. On this day, people eat mooncakes, a kind of pastry with different fillings such as lotus seed paste and egg yolks, and enjoy the moonlight while chatting with their relatives and friends. Besides, they also light colorful lanterns, play with them, and solve the riddles written on them. The customs and traditions of the festival reflect the Chinese people's pursuit of happiness, harmony, and auspiciousness.
The Significance of Mid-Autumn Festival
As one of the most important festivals in China, the Mid-Autumn Festival carries rich cultural connotations. It not only embodies the Chinese people's love for family, friends, and country but also reflects their respect for nature and gratitude for harvest. Moreover, the festival serves as a platform for cultural exchanges between China and other countries, promoting mutual understanding and friendship. The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a cultural heritage of the Chinese nation but also a valuable legacy of human civilization.
