The origin and legend of moon worship during the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It is a time for family reunions, moon worship, and enjoying the full moon. The practice of moon worship during the Mid-Autumn Festival has a rich history and a fascinating legend.
**Origin:**
The Mid-Autumn Festival has a long history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). During this time, the festival was mainly a harvest celebration. People would offer thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest and pray for a good harvest in the following year. Over time, the festival evolved, and the worship of the moon became a central part of the celebration.
**The Legend of Chang'e:**
The most famous legend associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival is that of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess. According to the story, there was a beautiful woman named Chang'e who lived on Earth. She was married to Hou Yi, a famous archer who was known for shooting down nine suns that were causing chaos on Earth.
One day, Hou Yi was given a magical potion that would allow him to become immortal. However, he decided to share the potion with Chang'e. When Hou Yi went out to hunt, Chang'e accidentally drank the potion, causing her to become immortal. Fearing the consequences of her action, she flew into the sky and landed on the moon.
Since that day, Chang'e has lived on the moon, and she is believed to be the Moon Goddess. The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated to honor her and the moon. During the festival, people look up at the full moon, thinking of Chang'e and the beauty of the moon.
**Moon worship during the festival:**
On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, families gather together to appreciate the full moon. They set up altars in their homes and offer mooncakes, fruits, and tea to the moon. They also place incense and candles on the altar to show their respect and gratitude to the Moon Goddess.
The mooncakes, which are round and symbolize the full moon, are the most important food during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are often filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or meat. Eating mooncakes is a symbol of abundance and happiness.
In conclusion, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family, food, and moon worship. The legend of Chang'e adds a magical touch to the festival, and the practice of looking up at the full moon has been passed down through generations.
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