EARLIEST ORIGIN OF MIDAUTUMN FESTIVAL FULL

Knowing that she could not win against Peng Meng, Chang E swallowed the contents of the elixir immediately. Unfortunately, Peng Meng secretly saw Hou Yi give the potion to his wife and three days later, while Hou Yi was out hunting, Peng Meng rushed into the backyard and demanded that Chang E hand over the elixir. Instead of drinking the potion, Hou Yi took it home and presented it to Chang E to keep. Wangmu presented him an elixir which, if he drank, woudl cause him to ascend immediately into heaven and become a god/goddess. One day, on the way to meet an old friend, Hou Yi came across Wangmu(teh queen of heaven). Later, Hou Yi married a beautiful and king-hearted woman named Chang E and lived a happy life. Once word spread of Hou Yi's accomplishments, people came from far and wide to learn from him. Hou Yi, a hero, was able to shoot down with his great strength, nine of the ten suns. It was believed that in ancient times, ten suns existed and the extreme heat made living very difficult. The story of Chang E is predominantly the most accepted tale regarding the moon and the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The legends of Mid-Autumn festival are widely told during the celebration and are closely related to the moon. In our modern days, families also may choose to go for a walk in the park, to appreciate the moon's beauty and to look at the decorations made for the festival.

Eating is very important in Chinese culture, thus it is easy to understand why moon-cakes were introduced. The shape and material of the lanterns used changed over time, with each design having a significant meaning. Lanterns were used not only as a source of lighting outdoors, but were a symbol of fertility. Lanterns and moon-cakes became popular objects associated with the festivals.

This could be attributed to the increased understanding of science, influence of foreign economy as well as different cultures and regions. Eventually, the concepts of the festival changed as there was a better understanding of the moon. Later on, according to a legend, after Emperor Xuanzong (king during Tang Dynasty) explored the Moon-Palace, he started to host great formal celebrations in his palace.Īs time progressed, more legends were made and more materials, events, and objects were involved in the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The ancient Chinese believed that the moon was associated with rejuvenation. Moon gazing is a very old tradition that can traced to the Tang Dynasty(618-907 AD). In the beginning, Chinese celebrated their harvest with families gathering under the moon to recount stories about the moon as well as its imaginary inhabitants. Knowing that the Chinese had a strong connection between the moon and life, it is apparent that they would associate their celebration of harvest with the moon. Also, because people did not understand why the moon constantly changed shape, they associated that occurrence with the lives of humans and animals. When it was discovered that plants grew at night, people believed that the moon was responsible for plant life. In ancient China, the moon was seen as one of the most magnificent natural object for many reasons. Traditions and myths related the Mid-Autumn Festival were formed based on these three concepts. Lastly, thanks are given for the gathering of crops and unification of families. Gathering represents the union of family members as well as the harvesting of crops. In prayer, a spouse, children, beauty, long life and good future are asked for. The festival focuses on three main concepts: The Mid-Autumn Festival, which in the pinyin system is Zhōngqiū Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which usually falls between early September to early October in the Gregorian calendar.

EARLIEST ORIGIN OF MIDAUTUMN FESTIVAL FULL

Eventually, the Chinese stated to call the 8th full moon day the Mid-Autumn Festival. It was agreed upon, since the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC), that the 8th lunar moon is the happiest day for celebrating harvest. Autumn is the best time for harvesting crops, just as the Chinese character for autumn means best time for harvesting and gathering crops. Due to the close relationship between the moon and daily life, the Chinese began associating their prehistorical celebration of the harvest with the moon. Nevertheless, in the quest to understand more about the moon, many myths were created and the moon was used as the main reference in setting up a calendar. In the earlier days, the Chinese found the moon to be the most incredible phenomena, however it was also the most difficult for them to understand. Chinese culture is one that has a deep and profound appreciation for nature.

Earliest origin of midautumn festival