I. Introduces
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. This year, it falls on October 1st in the Gregorian calendar. The festival, which dates back over 3,000 years, is a time for families and friends to come together to appreciate the full moon and enjoy delicious mooncakes. As one of the most significant festivals in Chinese culture, it is no surprise that there are various customs and traditions associated with this celebration. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of the Mooncake Festival, as well as the different ways people around the world greet each other during this festive season.
II. Origin and History
Mythological origins
The Mooncake Festival has its roots in ancient Chinese mythology, and there are various legends that surround its origin. One popular legend is the story of Chang’e and Houyi. According to the legend, Chang’e was the wife of the legendary archer, Houyi. Houyi was known for his strength and accuracy with the bow and arrow, and he had ten suns as his sons. However, one day, the ten suns became bored and decided to rise together, causing extreme heat and drought on earth. Houyi shot down nine of the suns, leaving only one to provide enough light and warmth for the world. His heroic act made him a hero among the people and gained him the favor of the Jade Emperor.
One day, while Houyi was away hunting, an evil man named Peng Meng came to their home and demanded the elixir of life that Houyi had received from the Jade Emperor. Chang’e, who did not want the elixir to fall into the wrong hands, drank it herself and immediately flew up to the moon, where she became a goddess. When Houyi returned, he was devastated to find his wife gone. To honor her memory, he would offer sacrifices and food to the moon, which eventually turned into the tradition of offering mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This legend also gave rise to the belief that Chang’e resides on the moon with the jade rabbit, pounding the elixir of life.
Another popular legend is the story of the jade rabbit. According to this legend, three immortals disguised themselves as poor old men and came to earth seeking food. A monkey, an otter, and a jackal offered their services to the immortals and brought them food from the mountains, river, and forest. The immortals were pleased with their gifts and decided to reward them by testing their generosity. They transformed into three old people, and the monkey, otter, and jackal helped them find shelter and food. Only an old man with an empty stomach refused to help, so the immortals punished him by turning him into the Jade Rabbit. This legend symbolizes the importance of kindness and selflessness, which are values that are often associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Historical Development
The origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE). During this period, moon worship was prevalent among the ancient Chinese people. The mid-autumn day, which falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, was considered a time for paying respects to the moon deity and celebrating the harvest season. The festival became particularly significant during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), where it was celebrated with grand ceremonies and activities such as lion dances, lantern processions, and poetry readings. It was also during this period that mooncakes were first created and offered as sacrifices to the moon deity.
Over time, moon worship in China declined, and the Mid-Autumn Festival became more of a social gathering to appreciate the full moon and enjoy mooncakes with family and friends. However, the festival remained an essential part of Chinese culture and continued to evolve with each passing dynasty, incorporating new customs and traditions.
Influence of moon worship in ancient China
Moon worship has been an essential element in ancient Chinese spiritual beliefs and practices. In Taoist and Confucianism traditions, the full moon is associated with the moon goddess Chang’e, who is seen as a symbol of femininity and beauty. In Taoist philosophy, the moon also represents balance and harmony, which are essential values in Chinese culture. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, people offer sacrifices to the moon goddess and pray for blessings of good fortune, happiness, and longevity.
In ancient times, it was believed that the full moon had a significant influence on the human body and emotions. Therefore, during the Mooncake Festival, people would gather to look at the bright full moon, believing it would bring positive energy and dispel negative thoughts and emotions. Moon gazing parties were popular, where families and friends would sit outside, light lanterns, and appreciate the beauty of the full moon. This tradition continues to this day, with many people still gathering to enjoy the full moon’s mesmerizing glow.
III. Customs and Traditions
Appreciating the Full Moon
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. The full moon holds great significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing wholeness, unity, and prosperity. It is often seen as a time for family reunions, as the round shape of the full moon represents the completeness and unity of the family. The full moon is also associated with the harvest season, making it an important time for giving thanks and celebrating abundance.
Moon Gazing Parties
One of the most popular customs during the Mid-Autumn Festival is to appreciate the beauty of the full moon by having a moon gazing party. Families and friends will gather in open spaces such as parks, gardens, or rooftops to admire the full moon together. Often, lanterns and candles are lit to create an atmosphere of warmth and joy. Children will also play with lanterns shaped like the moon, stars, or animals, adding to the festive mood. Moon gazing parties are a perfect time for bonding and creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Lanterns and Decorations
Lanterns play an essential role in the Mid-Autumn Festival. They represent joy, prosperity, and good luck. Traditionally, lanterns were made of paper on a bamboo frame, but nowadays, lanterns come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Some popular designs include the rabbit, fish, dragon, and lotus flower. Lanterns are often hung up in homes, streets, and parks, adding to the festive mood of the celebration.
Apart from lanterns, other decorations such as paper cutouts, banners, and paintings with images of the moon, rabbits, and Chang’e are also put up during the festival. These decorations not only add to the festive atmosphere but also hold symbolic meanings and stories that are passed down through generations.
Symbolism of the Full Moon
The full moon is rich in symbolism and has been a source of inspiration for artists, poets, and philosophers throughout history. In Chinese culture, the moon represents beauty, femininity, and yin energy. The full moon’s round shape also symbolizes completeness and reunion, making it the perfect time for family gatherings. Furthermore, because the moon waxes and wanes, it is seen as a symbol of life cycles, reminding people of the importance of balance and harmony in our lives.
Mooncakes
Mooncakes are a traditional delicacy eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are round pastries with various sweet or savory fillings, such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, egg yolk, and nuts. The pastry is often stamped with intricate designs and patterns, and the most common one is the Chinese characters for “longevity” or “harmony.” Mooncakes are also known for their rich, dense texture, which symbolizes unity and completeness.
Ingredients and Varieties
The ingredients of mooncakes can vary depending on the region and individual preferences. However, the main components are flour, sugar, oil, and water. The fillings can be sweet or savory, and many modern varieties have emerged in recent years, such as green tea, ice cream, chocolate, and durian. In Southeast Asia, where the festival is also celebrated, mooncakes may have a mochi (glutinous rice) or snow skin covering, giving them a softer texture.
Significance and Symbolism
Mooncakes have a rich cultural significance in Chinese society. They are seen as a symbol of family unity, as they are often eaten with family and friends during the festival. The round shape of the mooncake also represents completeness and reunion, while the intricate designs stamped on them hold various meanings such as good fortune, longevity, and prosperity.
Traditional and Modern Flavors
The most traditional and common flavor of mooncakes is lotus seed paste, which has a slightly sweet and nutty taste. Red bean paste is another popular flavor, and it is often mixed with lotus seed paste for a more complex taste. However, with the rise of modern tastes and preferences, more unconventional flavors have emerged, such as chocolate, coffee, and even spicy Szechuan peppercorn. While these flavors may not be as traditional, they cater to the changing palates of younger generations and reflect the festival’s adaptation to modern times.
Family Reunions and Gatherings
The Mid-Autumn Festival is an essential time for family reunions. In Chinese culture, family holds a high value, and the full moon serves as a reminder to appreciate and spend time with loved ones. For those living away from their families, this festival is often a time to return home and celebrate with their parents and relatives. It is a time to catch up, reminisce, and strengthen family bonds.
Importance of Family in Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, family is considered the most important unit of society. From a young age, children are taught to value and respect their parents and elders. Family members are expected to support and take care of one another, and filial piety is highly regarded as a virtue. The Mid-Autumn Festival is an excellent opportunity for families to come together and reinforce these values, passing them down to younger generations.
Reunion Dinners and Celebrations
Similar to other major Chinese festivals, such as Chinese New Year, the Mooncake Festival is also celebrated with lavish reunion dinners. In traditional Chinese households, the eldest male member of the family will host the dinner, which often includes dishes that have symbolic meanings, such as dumplings for prosperity and fish for abundance. After dinner, families will gather to appreciate the full moon and enjoy mooncakes and other desserts.
Apart from reunion dinners, families may also organize moon gazing parties, where they can play games, light lanterns, and enjoy each other’s company. Some families may also visit temples or cultural performances during this time, making it a well-rounded celebration of Chinese culture and traditions.
Games and Activities During the Festival
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, there are many traditional games and activities that families and friends can indulge in. One popular game is to guess lantern riddles, where lanterns are hung up with a riddle written on them. If someone guesses the answer correctly, they can keep the lantern as a prize. Another common activity is to make and light Kongming lanterns, which are paper lanterns with a candle inside that float up into the sky when lit. This is a fun and memorable way to celebrate the festival and welcome the full moon.
IV. Regional Celebrations
China
The Mooncake Festival is widely celebrated throughout China, and each region has its unique customs and traditions. In the northern parts of China, people often eat wheat-based mooncakes, while in the south, rice-based mooncakes are preferred. In Beijing, a popular tradition is to make and eat “mooncake burgers,” where two pieces of fried dough are filled with sweet or savory fillings and topped with a mooncake. This combines traditional flavors with modern tastes, making it a popular choice among younger generations.
In Guangzhou, lanterns play a significant role during the festival. The Cantonese believe that lanterns have the power to ward off evil spirits, and they will light up their homes with colorful lanterns. In the countryside, where there is less light pollution, people may also hang up fruit lanterns, which are hollowed-out fruits with a candle inside. This creates a beautiful view of the full moon and adds to the festive atmosphere.
Southeast Asia
As a region with a significant Chinese population, Southeast Asian countries also celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. However, due to cultural influences and differences, their celebrations may vary from those of mainland China. In Malaysia and Singapore, where there is a large Chinese community, the festival is known as the Mooncake Festival, similar to the Chinese name. However, in Indonesia, which also has a substantial Chinese population, it is known as the Lantern Festival, and it is celebrated with more focus on lanterns and lights.
In these countries, mooncakes are still an essential part of the festival, but they may have a softer texture due to the use of mochi or snow skin. It is also common for non-Chinese people to join in and celebrate the festival, making it a time for cultural exchange and unity. In some regions, such as Penang in Malaysia, the festival is also marked by a parade of floats decorated with lanterns, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Other Parts of the World
With the globalization and commercialization of Chinese culture, the Mid-Autumn Festival has gained popularity in other parts of the world. In Western countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, where there are significant Chinese communities, the festival is celebrated with similar customs and traditions.
However, due to the lack of traditional ingredients and cultural influences, mooncakes may not be as prevalent in these regions. Instead, people may opt for more modern versions, such as ice cream or chocolate mooncakes. The festival has also become a tourist attraction, with many cities holding lantern festivals and cultural performances during this time. This provides an opportunity for people of different cultures to learn about and experience the Mooncake Festival, adding to the festival’s diversity and adaptability.
V. Greetings and Well-wishes
Greetings and well-wishes play an essential role in Chinese culture, and the Mid-Autumn Festival is no exception. It is a time where people express their love and good intentions towards one another, often through verbal, written, and non-verbal means. Here are some traditional and modern ways people greet each other during the Mooncake Festival.
Traditional Greetings
The most common traditional greeting during the Mid-Autumn Festival is “Zhongqiujie Kuai Le,” which translates to “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.” This greeting is suitable for family members, friends, and acquaintances, and it expresses the hope that the person will have a happy and joyous festival.
Another popular greeting is “Yi Shi Er Yi Dian Zhong,” which means “Gather for the full moon at midnight.” This greeting implies that people should come together to appreciate the full moon, which is at its brightest and fullest at midnight on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.
Another traditional greeting that is less common but holds great significance is “Qing Yuan Wan Shou Wu Jiang,” which means “May we share long life and longevity.” This greeting
