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.
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.
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.
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