Mid
-Autumn Festival, also known as the Harvest Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. While most people are familiar with its customs like eating mooncakes and admiring the moon, here are some lesser-known facts about this festive occasion. 1. The story behind Chang'e, the moon goddess One of the most well-known legends associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival involves Chang'e, the moon goddess. According to the myth, there were ten suns in the sky which were causing great harm to the people. The archer Hou Yi was called upon to shoot down nine of the suns leaving only one. As a reward for his feat, the emperor offered him a potion of immortality which he gave to his wife Chang'e for safekeeping. Unable to resist the temptation, Chang'e drank the elixir and ascended to the moon. Today, Chang'e is said to reside on the moon with the jade rabbit and is worshipped by many during the Mid-Autumn Festival. 2. Mooncakes have a secret meaning Mooncakes are probably the most recognizable food symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival. However, did you know that these delicious pastries have a hidden meaning? During the Yuan dynasty, the Chinese were under the rule of the Mongols who spoke a different language. To communicate with each other, Chinese rebels inserted messages inside mooncakes which they then smuggled to their allies. This ultimately led to the successful overthrow of the Mongol dynasty and the establishment of the Ming dynasty. The tradition of eating mooncakes has since become a symbol of unity and resistance against oppression. 3. The Mid-Autumn Festival's association with rabbits In Chinese folklore, the moon is said to be inhabited by a jade rabbit who is the companion to Chang'e. This is why rabbits have become a significant symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival. In addition, the Chinese character for rabbit (兔) is often used as a shorthand way of referring to the festival itself. The reason for this association is unclear, but some speculate that it may be due to the rabbit's ability to move quickly and easily, like the moon. 4. The significance of pomelos Besides mooncakes, another traditional food consumed during the Mid-Autumn Festival is the pomelo. This large, grapefruit-like fruit is believed to represent fertility, wealth, and longevity. Pomelos are often given as gifts during the festival and are also placed on the family altar as an offering to the gods. Since they also have a thick, protective skin, it is believed that eating pomelos during the festival can help ward off evil spirits. 5. The scientific significance of the Harvest Moon Finally, the Mid-Autumn Festival also coincides with the Harvest Moon phenomenon. This is when the moon appears larger and brighter than usual because it is closer to the Earth. Historically, this was significant for farmers who used the moon's light to harvest crops well into the night. Nowadays, we can still witness the beauty of the Harvest Moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival and appreciate it as a reminder of our connection to the natural world. In conclusion, the Mid-Autumn Festival is not just about eating mooncakes and admiring the moon. It is a festival rich with history, mythology, and culture that has endured for thousands of years. By learning about its nuances and complexities, we can deepen our appreciation for this beloved tradition and the values it represents.
