The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节), also known as the Moon Festival, is one of China’s most important and widely celebrated holidays. Held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar (usually in September or early October), the festival marks the full harvest moon and serves as a time for family reunions, thanksgiving, and celebrating the beauty of the moon.
Origins and Legends
The Mid-Autumn Festival has a rich history dating back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty. It was originally a time for ancient Chinese emperors to worship the moon, seeking good harvests. However, over time, the festival became closely associated with various legends.
The lore of the Mid-Autumn Festival is rich with ancient myths and legends, particularly centered around themes of the moon and the longing for reunion. The most well-known legend tied to this festival is the story of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, but there are also other narratives and symbols, such as the Jade Rabbit, that play a significant role in the festival’s folklore.
The Legend of Chang’e and Hou Yi
The most famous legend begins with Hou Yi, a renowned archer, and his wife, Chang’e. In ancient times, the earth was scorched by the heat of ten suns. The emperor of heaven tasked Hou Yi with shooting down the extra nine suns to save the world. After he succeeded, the Queen Mother of the West (西王母) rewarded him with the elixir of immortality. Hou Yi, being deeply in love with his wife Chang’e, did not drink the elixir and entrusted it to her for safekeeping.
However, one day while Hou Yi was away, one of his apprentices tried to steal the elixir. In a desperate attempt to keep it safe, Chang’e drank the potion herself and ascended to the moon, where she resides to this day. Heartbroken, Hou Yi would lay out offerings of her favorite foods under the full moon, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. This act of offering and worship became a central tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival, symbolizing reunion and yearning.
The Jade Rabbit and its Symbolism
The Jade Rabbit (玉兔), or Moon Rabbit, is another important figure in Mid-Autumn lore. The rabbit is often depicted as Chang’e’s companion on the moon, diligently pounding herbs to make the elixir of immortality. This image is said to come from a combination of Chinese folklore and the pattern of the craters on the moon, which some say resemble a rabbit.
There are a few versions of how the Jade Rabbit ended up on the moon, but the most popular story is about the rabbit’s self-sacrifice. According to the tale, three deities came down to earth disguised as poor, hungry old men. They encountered three animals: a fox, a monkey, and a rabbit. The three animals wanted to offer food to the travelers. The fox caught fish, the monkey gathered fruits, but the rabbit had nothing to offer. In a gesture of profound kindness, the rabbit threw itself into the fire to offer its own body as food. Touched by the rabbit’s sacrifice, the deities saved it and sent it to live on the moon, where it became the Jade Rabbit, eternally preparing the elixir of life.
The rabbit’s role in the festival is linked to ideas of selflessness, purity, and immortality, qualities admired and celebrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Jade Rabbit also symbolizes longevity and good fortune, making it a fitting companion to Chang’e on the moon.
Mooncakes: A Symbol of Unity
A hallmark of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the sharing of mooncakes (月饼), round pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and salted egg yolk. The round shape symbolizes unity and completeness, and mooncakes are traditionally given as gifts to family and friends. The act of sharing mooncakes represents the gathering of families under the full moon, a time for reunion.
Key Traditions
- Moon Gazing: Families gather to admire the full moon, which is believed to be at its brightest and most beautiful during the festival. It is common to set up a table outdoors, often with mooncakes, fruits like pomelo, and tea, and spend the evening in quiet appreciation of the lunar beauty.
- Lanterns: Lantern displays, especially in southern China, are an iconic part of the festival. Children and adults alike create and release colorful lanterns, some shaped like animals or symbols of prosperity, into the sky or float them on rivers as a way of wishing for good fortune.
- Dragon and Lion Dances: In some regions, dragon and lion dances are performed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, adding to the festive atmosphere. These performances are meant to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
- Worshipping the Moon: While this practice is less common in modern times, some people still perform rituals to honor the moon, offering food and burning incense to express gratitude for the harvest.
Cultural Significance
The Mid-Autumn Festival is deeply tied to Chinese values of family unity and togetherness. For many, it’s a time to reflect on the importance of familial bonds, especially for those separated by distance. This sense of reunion resonates with people across China and in other Asian countries, including Vietnam and South Korea, which have similar celebrations.
Additionally, the festival holds significant agricultural importance as it marks the end of the autumn harvest. Farmers give thanks for the abundance of crops, and the round, full moon is seen as a sign of prosperity and fulfillment.
Modern Celebrations
In modern times, the Mid-Autumn Festival is both a traditional celebration and a public holiday in many parts of China. Many cities, especially in Hong Kong and Taiwan, host elaborate lantern displays and cultural performances to commemorate the day. Families travel to reunite, and the exchange of mooncakes has become a major part of the gifting culture, with bakeries and restaurants offering luxurious, creative mooncake variations to cater to modern tastes.
While the legends of Chang’e, Hou Yi, and the jade rabbit remain central, the festival continues to evolve, blending ancient traditions with contemporary celebrations, and remains a beloved holiday that brings families and communities together.
In Summary, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time to reconnect with loved ones, appreciate the natural beauty of the full moon, and indulge in delicious mooncakes. Whether rooted in ancient legends or celebrated through modern festivities, the festival continues to be a cherished part of Chinese culture, fostering a sense of unity, gratitude, and joy.
