On the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, many Chinese celebrate
the Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhong Qiu Jie) also known as the
Mooncake Festival or the Festival of Lanterns (Yuanxiao).
Significance
The moon is at its brightest, being nearest to
earth on this date. Thus the association with the moon and the
"moon appreciation" parties (shang yue). It
also coincides with the end of the autumn harvest and marks the
end of the Hungry Ghost Festival on the 7th month. Thus, the
day is also traditionally auspicious for weddings, particularly
because the moon goddess is believed to extend conjugal
bliss to the happy couple.
History
The festival probably started off as a post-autumn harvest
celebration more than 2,000 years ago. The celebrations were
devoted to giving thanks to the gods. It was during the reign
of Emperor Tai Tsung of the Song Dynasty that the 15th day of
the 8th moon was set as the Mid-Autumn Festival and praying to
the moon became popular. Legends associated with the full moon
were later attached to this festival.
Legends
Hou Yi and Chang-E
An archer, Hou Yi, saved the earth from scorching when he
shot nine suns that originally circled the earth. As a
reward, Hou Yi obtained the Elixir of life but he became so
tyrannical that his wife, Chang-E, stole the Elixir and drank
it. Chang-E found herself ascending to the moon and thereafter
was escalated to status of Moon Goddess. Hou Yi in turn was
given a cake by the Queen Mother of the Western Paradise (Xi
Wangmu). He could withstand heat upon eating the cake and
was sent to remain in the sun. With a special talisman he was
able to visit his wife Chang-E on the 15th of every month. Thus
the moon's brightness on this day. This legend is believed
to have been started during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907
AD) although some believe it may have started earlier,
tracing it to the rule of Emperor Yuan (2346
BC).
Rabbit in the moon
Buddha had disguised himself as a hungry, old man and
approached three animals; a fox, a monkey and a rabbit,
for help. The fox caught a fish for him, the monkey brought
some fruits but the rabbit offered its own body as meat by
throwing itself into the fire. In gratitude, Buddha resurrected
the rabbit and sent it to the moon to be venerated.
Overthrow of the Mongols
Mooncakes played a major role in liberating Yuan China
(1206 - 1341 AD) from the oppressive Mongols in the
14th century. Despite a prohibition against large gatherings,
Zhu Yuan Zhang was able to instigate a rebellion by placing
secret messages in mooncakes. The rebellion took place during
the Mid-Autumn Festival and henceforth the celebration of the
festival and the eating of mooncakes took on a different
meaning.
Celebrations
The Mid-Autumn Festival is held in conjunction with the worship
of the God of Heaven. On this night, many houses are
illuminated with lanterns, and feasts and dance parties are
held on a grand scale. The month of the festival is a popular
month for family gatherings with "moon viewing"
parties, or shang yue, and the tradition of Tam
Tang Lon, "lantern carrying".
Offerings of mooncakes and pomelo are made to the moon.
Thirteen types of offerings to the moon, which signify the
number of months in a full lunar year, are prepared by the
female members of the family. Each offering has its own
significance. Cosmetics are also placed on the altar in the
belief that it would beautify the user.
The "galloping horse" lantern (zou ma deng) is
popularly used during this time. The use of lanterns is a
transference of the local Chap Goh Meh tradition to the
Festival of Mooncakes.
