What is the legend behind the Chinese moon Festival?
The central legend associated with Mid-Autumn Festival concerns the goddess Chang’e. This tale tells of how, long ago, the Earth had 10 suns, the heat of which ravaged the world with a terrible drought. At the request of the Emperor of Heaven, the great archer Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns, saving life on Earth.
What does the moon represent in Mid-Autumn Festival?
The full moon is the symbol of family reunions in Chinese culture. It is said, sentimentally, that “the moon on the night of Mid-Autumn Festival is the brightest and the most beautiful”. Chinese people usually set a table outside their houses and sit together to admire the full moon while enjoying tasty mooncakes.
What is the story behind moon cakes?
There is a folk tale about the overthrow of Mongol rule facilitated by messages smuggled in moon cakes. Mooncakes were used by the Ming revolutionaries in their effort to overthrow the Mongolian rulers of China at the end of the Yuan dynasty. The pieces of mooncake were then eaten to destroy the message.
Why the moon takes an important role in Mid-Autumn Festival?
In Chinese culture, the moon is also associated with fertility. The full moon was traditionally said to represent a pregnant woman. Thus, worshipping the moon on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, when it was said to be at its brightest and fullest, was a popular activity among women in ancient China.
Are there any legends about the Mid Autumn Festival?
4 Legends of the Mid-Autumn Festival. There is an abundance of magical legends about the Mid-Autumn Festival. The “Lady Chang’e Flying to the moon”, “Jade Rabbit Mashing Herbs” and “Wu Gang Cutting Sweet Osmanthus” stories are among the many legends which are popular as folk tales.
When is the Moon Festival in mid autumn?
The Moon Festival, also called the Mid-Autumn Festival or Mid-Autumn Day, is second in importance only to the Spring Festival. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month when the moon is believed to be the fullest and roundest.
How is the Moon Festival related to the Lady of the Moon?
Like every other traditional Chinese festival, the Moon Festival’s origins come from a story passed on from generation to generation and it is always related to the moon lady Chang’e. According to a Chinese legend, there was a time when 10 suns hung in the sky, baking the earth dry, and depriving the people of water and life.
Who is the Lady of the Moon in China?
Chang’e, goddess of the moon. The Moon Festival and the Lady of the Moon. The Moon Festival, also called the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, is one of the major traditional holidays celebrated by Chinese people. It is always on the 15th day of the 8th month each year according to the Chinese lunar calendar.