The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Here is an English translation of its origins and customs:
**Origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival:**
The Mid-Autumn Festival's origins are rooted in ancient Chinese agricultural practices and astronomical observations. It was initially associated with the harvest, as it occurs in the middle of the lunar eighth month, which typically corresponds to September or early October in the Gregorian calendar.
The festival was named after the full moon, which is said to be at its brightest and roundest during this time. It was believed that this full moon brought good luck and prosperity. Over time, the festival took on a more supernatural and spiritual significance.
One legend associated with the festival is the tale of Chang'e, a moon goddess. According to the story, Chang'e ascended to the moon after consuming an elixir of immortality, leaving her husband, Hou Yi, on Earth. Since then, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been celebrated to honor Chang'e and her husband, with lanterns and mooncakes symbolizing the union.
**Customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival:**
1. Mooncakes: These are round pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients, symbolizing the full moon. Eating mooncakes is one of the most well-known customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
2. Lanterns: During the festival, people hang lanterns in their homes and streets. These lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, but the most traditional ones are round, symbolizing the full moon.
3. Moon Viewing: The festival is a time for family reunions, and it is common for families to gather and view the full moon together. It's believed that the moon's light is at its best during this festival.
4. Dragon and Lion Dances: These traditional performances are thought to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits.
5. Paper Boats: In some regions, paper boats filled with joss sticks and candles are floated down rivers to honor ancestors and deities.
6. Pioneering the Future: In some parts of China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also considered a "Mid-Autumn Day" or "Harvest Festival," with a focus on celebrating the harvest and planting the crops for the next year.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a time for celebrating the moon and its beauty but also for honoring family and ancestors, making it a significant cultural event in many parts of China and Chinese-speaking communities worldwide.
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