WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
The Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Moon Festival) is one of the largest holidays celebrated by ethnic Chinese worldwide (e.g., China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia..etc.). This traditional harvest festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month on the Chinese Lunar calendar. On this day, the Chinese people go home for family reunions and/or to pay respect to their ancestors.
MYTHOLOGY
The Mid-Autumn Festival is also a time of the year that the moon is at its brightest. Hence, there are a number of folktales that are attached to the celebration. The most famous of them would be the story of the Goddess of the Moon - Chang Er ( 嫦娥 ).
According to the legend, Chang Er and her husband Hou Yi ( 后羿 ) were immortals who lived in Heaven. At that time, there were 10 suns in the sky. They burned all the plants on the earth and people were suffering from hunger and the heat. Hou Yi did not want to see people continue to suffer so he decided to take on the responsibility of solving this problem. One day, he used his bow and arrows to shoot down 9 of the suns. People were grateful and he soon became a hero on earth.
To appreciate his bravery, the Queen Goddess of the West gave Hou Yi a small bottle of elixir of immortality. Chang Er wanted to stay young and beautiful so she stole the bottle of elixir. After drinking the elixir of immortality, Chang Er escaped to the Moon to live forever.
To appreciate his bravery, the Queen Goddess of the West gave Hou Yi a small bottle of elixir of immortality. Chang Er wanted to stay young and beautiful so she stole the bottle of elixir. After drinking the elixir of immortality, Chang Er escaped to the Moon to live forever.
OTHER COUNTRIES THAT CELEBRATE THIS DAY
Korea
In Korea, it is called Chuseok (추석/秋夕). It means “Autumn Night.”
In Korea, it is called Chuseok (추석/秋夕). It means “Autumn Night.”
Japan
It is known as 15th Night (十五夜) or the Bright Moon of Mid-Autumn (中秋の名月).
It is known as 15th Night (十五夜) or the Bright Moon of Mid-Autumn (中秋の名月).
Vietnam
In Vietnam, this day is called Tết Trung Thu, which also means “Mid-Autumn Festival.” This day is also called Tết Trông trăng. It means “Moon Watching Festival.
In Vietnam, this day is called Tết Trung Thu, which also means “Mid-Autumn Festival.” This day is also called Tết Trông trăng. It means “Moon Watching Festival.
HOW DO YOU GREET A CHINESE ON THIS DAY?
“Happy Mid-Autumn Festival” is 中 zhōng 秋 qīu 節 jié 快 kuài 樂 lè in Mandarin. It sounds like “jong chew jieh kwai luh."