The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It is a time for family reunions and the appreciation of the moon's beauty.
**Origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival:**
The Mid-Autumn Festival has a long history, with its origins dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). There are several legends associated with this festival, but the most popular one is about the Moon Goddess, Chang'e. According to the story, Chang'e was a beautiful woman who accidentally swallowed an elixir of immortality, causing her to become a moon goddess. Her husband, Hou Yi, was left on Earth, and they were separated by the moon. The festival is celebrated to symbolize their love and longing for each other.
**Folk Customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival:**
1. Moon Viewing: The most important custom of the Mid-Autumn Festival is moon viewing. Families gather together to admire the full moon, which is considered to be the brightest and roundest of the year. They often enjoy mooncakes, a type of pastry, while doing so.
2. Eating Mooncakes: Mooncakes are round pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients, such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or meat. They symbolize reunion and prosperity. It is customary to share mooncakes with family and friends during the festival.
3. Lighting Lanterns: In some regions, lanterns are lit to celebrate the festival. These lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, including those shaped like animals, flowers, and traditional Chinese symbols.
4. Dragon and Lion Dances: Dragon and lion dances are performed to bring good luck and fortune. These dances are accompanied by music and are a popular way to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in many communities.
5. Playing Games: Traditional games, such as playing with a riddle game called "Guessing the Moon," are played during the festival. Participants read riddles about the moon, and others try to guess the answers.
6. Offering Sacrifices: In some areas, people offer sacrifices to the moon god and ancestors. This may include burning incense, offering food, and lighting candles.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for people to come together, appreciate the beauty of the moon, and celebrate the bond between family and friends. It is a time of joy and harmony, and its customs have been passed down through generations, making it one of the most cherished festivals in China.
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