The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Lantern Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Its origin is rooted in various legends and customs, with one of the most famous being the story of Chang'e.
**Origin and Legends:**
1. **Chang'e Flying to the Moon:**
The most famous story of the Mid-Autumn Festival is about the moon goddess Chang'e. According to the legend, there was a celestial herb called the "Elixir of Immortality." When the archer Hou Yi obtained this herb, his wife Chang'e decided to eat it herself, hoping to become immortal. However, the herb was too strong, and Chang'e floated up to the moon, where she has lived ever since. Hou Yi, in his sorrow, used his skills to make the first mooncakes, which he offered to the moon, hoping to communicate with Chang'e.
2. **Mooncakes:**
Mooncakes have become a symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are round and rich in symbolism, representing the full moon. People eat mooncakes during the festival, as a way to honor Chang'e and her story.
3. **Lanterns and Lighting:**
Another popular tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival is lighting lanterns. People hang lanterns outside their homes, symbolizing the hope for a good harvest and a prosperous year. In ancient times, lanterns were also used to guide Chang'e to the moon.
4. **Rituals for Ancestors:**
In some regions, families gather to honor their ancestors on this day. Offerings are placed on altars, and incense is burned to show respect and gratitude for the deceased.
5. **The Moon God and Queen:**
Some versions of the Mid-Autumn Festival's origin involve the Moon God and the Moon Queen. They are believed to celebrate their wedding anniversary on this day, leading to the various customs that are part of the festival.
In summary, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in honor of Chang'e's journey to the moon, with various legends, rituals, and customs that have been passed down through generations. It is a time for families to gather, celebrate, and pay tribute to their ancestors while enjoying the full moon's beauty.
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