What Is the Origin of Mid-Autumn Festival? A Brief History
What Is the Origin of Mid Autumn Festival? A Brief History The Mid Autumn Festival, one of China’s most cherished and widely celebrated holidays, has a history that stretches back
What Is the Origin of Mid-Autumn Festival? A Brief History
The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China’s most cherished and widely celebrated holidays, has a history that stretches back over 3,000 years. For international travelers, understanding its origins adds a rich layer of meaning to the mooncakes, lanterns, and family reunions you might encounter during a trip to China in autumn.
Ancient Roots: Moon Worship and Harvest Thanks
The festival’s earliest origins lie in ancient Chinese moon worship. The moon’s cycles were vital for agricultural societies, and the full moon of the eighth lunar month (usually falling in September or early October) marked the end of the harvest season. Emperors of the Zhou Dynasty (1045–256 BC) held grand ceremonies to offer sacrifices to the moon, thanking the heavens for a bountiful harvest.
This practice gradually spread from the royal court to the common people. Families began to celebrate the harvest moon with simple outdoor gatherings, sharing food and giving thanks. The round, full moon became a symbol of family unity, completeness, and prosperity.
The Festival Takes Shape: The Tang and Song Dynasties
The Mid-Autumn Festival as we know it today began to take formal shape during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). Emperor Xuanzong is said to have held moon-viewing parties at his palace. The festival became a fixed, popular celebration, with people enjoying mooncakes, a round pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings that symbolized reunion.
The festival truly flourished during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD). It was declared an official holiday, and celebrations became more elaborate. People would light lanterns, write poems about the moon, and stay up late to enjoy its brightness. The custom of giving and eating mooncakes became widespread, often as a way for families to send wishes for togetherness to absent loved ones.
The Legend of Chang’e: The Moon Goddess
The most famous legend associated with the festival is the story of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. According to the tale, the archer Hou Yi shot down nine of ten suns that were scorching the earth, saving the people. As a reward, he was given an elixir of immortality. His wife, Chang’e, drank the elixir to prevent a wicked apprentice from stealing it. She floated up to the moon, where she has lived ever since. Hou Yi, heartbroken, would offer her favorite foods under the full moon, a practice that some say inspired the tradition of moon gazing and feasting.
On a clear Mid-Autumn night, you might see the dark patches on the moon’s surface—to some, they form the shape of a woman, Chang’e, forever gazing down at the world.
The Modern Festival: A Time for Unity
Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a public holiday in China and many other East Asian countries. It remains a time for family reunions, much like Thanksgiving in the United States. People travel home, share elaborate dinners, light colorful lanterns, and of course, eat mooncakes. For travelers, it’s a wonderful opportunity to witness Chinese culture at its most heartfelt, with cities, parks, and temples often hosting special events and lantern displays.
Practical Travel Advice for the Mid-Autumn Festival
If you plan to be in China during the Mid-Autumn Festival, here are a few tips:
- Book Early: This is a major travel period. Trains, flights, and hotels fill up quickly. Secure your accommodation and transportation well in advance.
- Embrace the Food: Try mooncakes, but be aware they are dense and rich. Look for modern flavors like ice cream or fruit-filled versions if the traditional lotus seed paste or red bean is too sweet.
- Visit Local Celebrations: Many parks and historical sites hold special evening events with lantern displays and moon-viewing parties. Chinatowns around the world also celebrate, but being in China offers an authentic experience.
- Check Opening Hours: Some museums and attractions may have adjusted hours or close early on the evening of the festival.
- Prepare for Crowds: Popular destinations like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, or scenic spots in Guilin and Zhangjiajie will be very busy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated? It falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, so the date changes each year on the Gregorian calendar. It typically occurs in late September or early October.
What is the main symbol of the festival? The full moon, symbolizing unity and completeness, is the central symbol. Mooncakes, lanterns, and the Goddess Chang’e are also iconic.
What do people do during the festival? The primary activities include family dinners, giving and eating mooncakes, lighting and carrying lanterns, and admiring the full moon. It is a joyful and family-oriented holiday.
Is it a good time to travel in China? Yes, but with the caveat that it is a peak domestic travel period. The weather in autumn is generally pleasant across much of China, making it a beautiful time to see national parks and cultural sites, despite the larger crowds.
Conclusion
The Mid-Autumn Festival is far more than a public holiday—it is a living link to centuries of Chinese tradition, centered on gratitude, family, and the beauty of the natural world. For an international traveler, experiencing this festival in China, whether in a bustling city or a serene national park, offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Chinese culture.