The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is an important traditional Chinese holiday that typically falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Here's an overview of its origins, customs, and legends in English:
### Origin
The exact origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival are not clear, but there are several theories. One of the most widely accepted is that the festival originated in ancient China, around the 15th century, to celebrate the autumn harvest and to give thanks to the moon god. Another theory suggests that it was a time for the emperor to offer sacrifices to the moon, as seen in the Han Dynasty.
### Customs
#### Mooncakes
One of the most famous customs is the eating of mooncakes, which are round pastries symbolizing the full moon. Mooncakes come in various flavors and are filled with ingredients such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and salted egg yolk. The mooncake also serves as a way to distribute gifts among family and friends.
#### Lanterns
Another traditional activity is lighting lanterns, which symbolize brightness and good luck. Families and communities gather to release lanterns, often decorated with wishes for a happy and prosperous future.
#### Moon Viewing
Moon-viewing, or gazing at the full moon, is a popular custom. It's believed that the moon is at its brightest and fullest during this time, and it's a chance for family members to come together and appreciate the beauty of the night sky.
#### Peking Opera
In some areas, performances of Peking Opera are held during the festival to entertain families and guests.
#### Traditional Games
In some regions, children participate in traditional games like guessing mooncake filling and playing hide and seek with lanterns.
### Legends
#### Chang'e in the Moon Palace
The most famous legend of the Mid-Autumn Festival revolves around Chang'e, a goddess of the moon. According to the tale, there was an ancient medicine called the Elixir of Immortality. The Emperor of the Heavens gave it to his son, but the son died upon drinking it. His wife, Chang'e, secretly swallowed the medicine, causing her to become lighter and lighter until she was carried up into the sky, becoming the moon goddess.
#### Moon Deity Worship
The moon deity is also believed to have powers that bring fertility, luck, and protection. It is not uncommon for people to offer prayers and incense to the moon god during the festival.
In summary, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families to come together, express gratitude for the harvest, and enjoy the beauty of the full moon, all while engaging in various traditional customs and celebrating ancient legends.
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