The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival

 

The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival can be traced back to ancient China's worship of celestial phenomena, particularly the moon. Here is a detailed elaboration on the origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival:

I. Background of Origin

• Celestial Phenomena Worship: The Mid-Autumn Festival originated from the worship of celestial phenomena, especially the moon. The moon has always been regarded as a symbol of reunion and beauty in Chinese culture.
• Autumn Moon Sacrifice: According to the "Rites of Zhou," the Zhou Dynasty already had activities such as "welcoming the cold on Mid-Autumn night" and "sacrificing to the moon on the eve of the Autumn Equinox," indicating that ancient China had the custom of moon worship during autumn.

II. Historical Development

• Popularity in the Han Dynasty: The Mid-Autumn Festival began to gain popularity in the Han Dynasty, but it was not yet fixed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.
• Formation in the Tang Dynasty: By the early Tang Dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival gradually took shape and began to spread widely among the people. During the Tang Dynasty, the custom of moon appreciation on Mid-Autumn night became prevalent, and the festival was officially designated as the Mid-Autumn Festival.
• Prevalence in the Song Dynasty: After the Song Dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival became even more popular, becoming the second most important traditional festival after the Spring Festival.
• Development in the Ming and Qing Dynasties: During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the status of the Mid-Autumn Festival further increased, rivaling the New Year's Day in importance, and the festival customs became even more diverse and colorful.
  

  III. Major Legends

  • Chang'e Flying to the Moon: This is one of the most popular legends associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is said that after Hou Yi shot down nine suns, the Queen Mother of the West gave him an elixir of immortality. However, Hou Yi was reluctant to leave his wife Chang'e, so he entrusted the elixir to her. Later, Hou Yi's disciple Feng Meng forced Chang'e to hand over the elixir, and Chang'e swallowed it, ascending to the moon palace. Hou Yi missed Chang'e and would set up a feast in the garden every year on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, hoping that she would return to reunite with him. This legend adds a strong mythical color to the Mid-Autumn Festival.
  • Emperor Tang Minghuang Appreciating the Moon: Another story claims that the Mid-Autumn Festival originated from Emperor Tang Minghuang's appreciation of the moon. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Emperor Tang Minghuang appreciated the moon, and the people followed suit, gathering together to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the moon when it was full. Over time, this became a tradition that has been passed down.

  IV. Cultural Connotations

  • Reunion: The core cultural connotation of the Mid-Autumn Festival is reunion. On this day, no matter where people are, they will try to return home to reunite with their families, appreciate the bright moon together, and celebrate the festival.
  • Harvest: The Mid-Autumn Festival also coincides with the harvest season in autumn, so it also contains the meaning of praying for a bountiful harvest and happiness. People celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival to express their gratitude to nature and their best wishes for the future.
  • This translation provides a comprehensive overview of the origins, historical development, legends, and cultural connotations of the Mid-Autumn Festival.