Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, typically in September or October. It is a time for family reunions and celebrating the harvest. Here is an introduction to the origin and customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival in English:
**Origin:**
The Mid-Autumn Festival has a long history, dating back over 3,000 years. There are several legends about its origin, but one of the most famous is about the moon god Chang'e. According to the story, Chang'e, the wife of the moon god, swallowed an elixir of immortality and flew to the moon. Her husband, unable to follow, placed a silver rabbit in the moon to keep her company. Since then, the festival has been celebrated in her honor.
Another legend is about the ancient Chinese hero Hou Yi, who shot down nine suns to save the world from overheating. He was given a magical elixir of immortality by the Queen Mother of the West. His wife, Chang'e, accidentally swallowed the entire pill, causing her to fly to the moon. To celebrate Hou Yi's bravery and Chang'e's perseverance, the Mid-Autumn Festival was established.
**Customs:**
1. **Mooncakes:** Mooncakes are the most iconic food of the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round pastries symbolize reunion and fullness. They come in various flavors, such as lotus seed paste, red bean, and egg yolk.
2. **Watching the Full Moon:** On the night of the festival, families gather to admire the full moon. The moon is believed to be the brightest and roundest during this time, symbolizing reunion and harmony.
3. **Lanterns:** Red lanterns are commonly seen during the festival. People release lanterns into the sky to wish for good fortune and health.
4. **Tea and Pomegranates:** Drinking tea and eating pomegranates are also part of the festival's customs. The pomegranate, with its many seeds, represents fertility and abundance.
5. **Dragon-Boat Festival:** While not directly related to the Mid-Autumn Festival, some regions combine the two celebrations. People may watch dragon-boat races and enjoy mooncakes at the same time.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families to come together and appreciate the beauty of the moon and the bounty of the harvest. It is a festival rich in history, customs, and cultural significance.
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