中秋节是怎么来的

Introduction

As one of the most significant traditional Chinese festivals, Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month every year. It is celebrated across China and other regions with Chinese communities, including Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. In this article, we will explore the origin and customs of Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Origin of Mid-Autumn Festival

The celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). During the Tang Dynasty, it became a popular custom to worship the moon in autumn. People believed that the moon at this time was at its fullest and brightest, and on this day, it was customary to gather and make offerings to the moon, including mooncakes, fruits, and other delicacies.

The story behind the Mid-Autumn Festival dates back even further, to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). According to legend, there was a brave archer named Hou Yi who shot down nine suns to prevent the earth from scorching. He was rewarded with a pill that granted him immortality, but his wife, Chang'e, accidentally consumed the pill and flew to the moon, where she became a goddess. Since then, people have worshiped the moon on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, and Chang'e has become a symbol of beauty and femininity.

Customs and Traditions of Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families to gather and enjoy each other's company. The most well-known tradition is eating mooncakes, which are round, sweet cakes filled with lotus seed paste or other fillings. The round shape symbolizes completeness and unity, while the sweetness represents happiness and good luck. Mooncakes are often given as gifts to friends and family during this holiday.

Another popular tradition is carrying colorful lanterns, which are usually shaped like animals, flowers, or other objects. Children will parade around with their lanterns, adding to the festive atmosphere of the holiday. There are also various performances, such as lion dances and dragon dances, which are meant to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.

Conclusion

Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families to come together and celebrate the beauty of the moon. Whether you are enjoying mooncakes, parading with lanterns, or watching a dragon dance, this holiday is a wonderful way to honor tradition and spend time with loved ones.