The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival中秋节的由来
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese festival celebrate on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which usually falls in September or early October in the Gregorian calendar. It is also called the Moon Festival, as it is celebrated with various traditions related to the moon, such as eating mooncakes, lighting lanterns, and watching the moon.
The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (16th century BC - 11th century BC), when it was a ceremony to celebrate the autumn harvest. In the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC - 256 BC), it became an occasion for people to express their appreciation for the moon and to pray for a bountiful harvest.
One of the most popular legends about the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival is related to the story of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess. According to the legend, Chang'e decided to live on the moon after drinking the elixir of life given to her by her husband, Yi. To commemorate her, people started to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and enjoy the moon together.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions and for people to enjoy the full moon together. It is also a time to appreciate the beauty of nature and to celebrate the cycle of life.
农历八月份正好是秋季的第二个月,所以被称为“仲秋”,而农历八月十五正好是秋季的一半,所以被称为“中秋”。
Originally, this day was set as a festival for the ancient emperors to worship the moon, and slowly evolved into the Mid-Autumn Festival.
最初这一天被定为古代帝王祭月的节日,慢慢就演变成为中秋节。