

The Moon Goddess - One of the Stories of the Mid-Autumn Festival Chinese cultural influence in Asia meant that many states, such as Japan and Vietnam adopted the autumn celebration. It is believed that during the Tang dynasty the festival was formalized by Emperor Xuanzong (685-782 AD), who celebrated the autumn harvest in his palace. It was popularized under the Zhou dynasty and it is mentioned in the “ Book of Rites, a Confucius classic on bureaucracy and rituals written more than 2400 years ago” reports CNN. There is evidence that it was celebrated during China’s first historical dynasty the Shang (1600-1045 BC). The origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival are shrouded in mystery despite its great popularity. History of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival The celebrations are often a time when families are reunited and when people come together. The moon is of great symbolic importance.Īccording to the Sunday Mail the “circular shape of the moon symbolizes wholeness and unity” in Chinese culture. The moon is very important in the festival and in many parts of Asia people celebrate by admiring what is believed to be “the fullest moon of the year” according to CNN.
#Midautumn festival origin full#
They are pastries that are round like the moon and they are full of calories! These cakes are often topped with words expressing hopes for good fortune. Mooncakes are commonly consumed at this time. Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns in Chinatown, Singapore. However, there are great variations in the way that the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated across Asia. The festival is celebrated typically by lighting lanterns, lion dances, and street parties. For this year, the celebration begins today, 13 th September. Traditionally, the festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month, based on the lunar calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival is sometimes referred to simply as the Moon Festival. At this time, people in China and over much of Asia celebrate a successful harvest. The festival “marks the end of the autumn harvest ” according to the Sunday Mail. This holiday has a fascinating history and is associated with many myths. This is the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is an enormous party that has been celebrated for centuries and takes place today. Nearly everyone has heard of the Chinese New Year festival, but there is another festival that is very important in China and East Asia.
