As one of the four most important Chinese traditional festivals, the Mid-autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month for family reunion and peace. It is believed that on this day the moon is the biggest and fullest, and a full moon symbolizes reunion, prosperity and happiness. This year it falls on September 21st.
The term “Mid-Autumn” first appeared in the book “Rites of Zhou (周礼)”, written in the Warring States Period (475–221 BC), but it was not a festival yet. Later in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), appreciating the moon became quite popular and many poems were written related to the moon during this time. But it was not until the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127 AD) that the 15th day of the 8th lunar month was established as the “Mid-Autumn Festival”.
In China, the festival is mostly celebrated by household. Usually, family members will get together to have a big dinner, and will appreciate the moon – eating mooncakes, talking, laughing, enjoying a time full of happiness. While the family watches and appreciates the moon, usually a grandmother will tell the children the mythological legend of Chang E, a fairy living in the moon palace with her jade.
This autumn take some time to come back home and watch the moon with your families! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
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