Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals, second only to the Lunar New Year, and it certainly has its share of legends.
There’s nothing like a full moon to stir your sense of wonder, and that’s a big part of the history behind Mid-Autumn Festival, which has its origins in several different legends. The most romantic is called "Chang’e Flying to the Moon".
Legend has it that the Mother Goddess of Heaven gave Chang’e’s husband, a valiant archer, a pill that would grant immortality. But Chang’e stole the pill and ate it herself. As a result, she lost control and flew into space, finally settling on the Moon. Accompanied by a jade rabbit, Chang’e became the moon goddess.
Chinese people traditionally worship her throughout Mid-Autumn Festival. The occasion is held as an auspicious rite, bringing promises of abundance, harmony and good fortune.
And it wouldn’t be a proper celebration without moon-cakes. This baked treat, with its various fillings, is an indispensable part of the festival. The traditional round moon-cake represents unity, one of the most important themes during the Mid-autumn festival. And in ancient times, they served as a sacrifice to the moon.
Liu Wenwen, Beijing, said, "The Mid Autumn Festival in China is steeped in tradition and cultural practices. Each year, as the full moon heralds the start of the festival, families gather together to eat moon-cakes, in some cases worship the moon and also give thanks for the recent harvest. Today, however, the emphasis is on spending quality time with your family. "
"I always have dinner with my son and my grandkids. It’s a good time for eating and chatting while appreciating the beautiful moon. "
"I can’t go home this year because of work. So I wish good health to my parents. When is this airing? I want to tell them so they can see me."
"I just received the moon-cakes my mom sent me. I can’t spend the festival with my parents this year and I really miss them."
As an ancient poem goes, the Mid Autumn Festival is a great tradition connecting family members, even thousands of miles away, after all, we’re all under the same moon.