The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Zhongqiu Jie (中秋节), is one of the most cherished traditional festivals in China. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, this festival is a time for family reunions, moon gazing, and enjoying delicious mooncakes. The festival has deep roots in Chinese culture and is surrounded by fascinating legends and traditions. In this article, we will explore the meanings, origins, and stories behind some of the key words related to the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Zhongqiu Jie (中秋节)

Zhongqiu Jie translates to "Mid-Autumn Festival" in English. It is celebrated when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest. The festival can be traced back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC). During this period, it was primarily a time to celebrate the harvest and give thanks to the moon for its bounty.  

The festival has agrarian roots, as ancient Chinese society was heavily reliant on agriculture. The full moon during the eighth lunar month symbolized a time of harvest, abundance, and reunion.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is deeply intertwined with the poignant legend of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess, and her husband, Hou Yi, the legendary archer. This tale adds a mystical and romantic element to the festival.

Hou Yi, a legendary archer in ancient China, saved the earth by shooting down nine of the ten suns that were scorching the land. As a reward, he received an elixir of immortality from the Queen Mother of the West. Not wanting to live without his wife, Chang'e, he hid the elixir. One day, while Hou Yi was away, a greedy apprentice tried to steal it. To prevent this, Chang'e drank the elixir and ascended to the moon, becoming a goddess. Heartbroken, Hou Yi offered sacrifices to the moon, hoping to be reunited with her.

Yue Bing (月饼)

Yue Bing, or mooncakes, are traditional pastries eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are round, symbolizing completeness and reunion. Mooncakes have been associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). They were initially used as offerings to the Moon Goddess.

During the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD), mooncakes played a key role in the Chinese rebellion against the Mongol rulers. Secret messages were hidden inside the mooncakes, leading to the successful overthrow of the Mongol government. Today, mooncakes are enjoyed by families as a symbol of unity and to honor the legend of Chang'e.

Chang'e (嫦娥)

Chang'e is the Moon Goddess in Chinese mythology and a central figure in the Mid-Autumn Festival. The story of Chang'e has various versions, but the most popular one involves her drinking an elixir of immortality and ascending to the moon.

Chang'e was married to Hou Yi, a skilled archer who saved the world by shooting down nine of the ten suns. As a reward, he was given the elixir of immortality. Chang'e consumed the elixir and floated to the moon, where she now resides. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, people offer sacrifices to the moon and tell the story of Chang'e, keeping the legend alive through generations.

Hou Yi (后羿)

Hou Yi is a heroic archer in Chinese mythology, known for shooting down nine suns to save the earth. Hou Yi's story is intertwined with that of Chang'e. He was rewarded with the elixir of immortality for his heroic deeds.

After shooting down the nine suns, Hou Yi became a revered figure. When Chang'e took the elixir and ascended to the moon, Hou Yi was left on Earth. He would lay out offerings to the moon in hopes of being reunited with his beloved wife. The story of Hou Yi and Chang'e adds a layer of romance and tragedy to the festival.

Tuanyuan (团圆)

Tuanyuan means "reunion" in Chinese. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families to come together and celebrate. The festival's emphasis on family reunion dates to ancient times when people believed that the round moon symbolized completeness and togetherness.

During the festival, family members gather to share meals, admire the moon, and express their gratitude for their togetherness and the good fortune they have. The concept of tuanyuan reflects the importance of family bonds and communal harmony in Chinese culture.

Yueliang (月亮)

Yueliang means "moon" in Chinese. The moon is a central symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The ancient Chinese worshipped the moon as a deity and celebrated its fullness during the autumn harvest.

The moon is celebrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival because it is believed to be at its brightest and fullest on this night. The festival includes moon-gazing and offering sacrifices to the moon. The round shape of the moon is seen as a symbol of reunion and completeness, making it a perfect occasion for family gatherings.

Shang Yue (赏月)

Shang Yue means "moon gazing" or "appreciating the moon." This practice dates back to ancient China when people would admire the full moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Moon gazing is an essential part of the festival. Families and friends gather outdoors to appreciate the beauty of the full moon, a symbol of harmony and prosperity. Many poets have written about the moon's beauty, and their works are often recited during the festival, adding a cultural and literary dimension to the celebrations.

Lanterns (灯笼)

Lanterns are an integral part of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. They are often carried by children and displayed in public places. The tradition of lighting and carrying lanterns dates back to ancient times and is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

Lanterns of various shapes and sizes, often decorated with artistic designs and riddles, are hung up or carried around during the festival. They symbolize the light of the moon and the hope for a bright future. In some regions, people write riddles on the lanterns and challenge others to solve them, adding a playful and interactive element to the festivities.

Chrysanthemum (菊花)

Chrysanthemums are flowers associated with autumn and the Mid-Autumn Festival. The flower has been celebrated in Chinese culture for centuries and is often associated with longevity and nobility.

During the festival, chrysanthemum flowers are admired for their beauty and used in decorations. They also appear in traditional poetry and paintings related to the Mid-Autumn Festival. The flower's association with autumn makes it a fitting symbol for the festival, and its presence adds a touch of elegance and refinement to the celebrations.

Osmanthus Wine (桂花酒)

Osmanthus wine is a fragrant wine made from osmanthus flowers, enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The tradition of drinking osmanthus wine dates back to ancient China, where it was believed to bring happiness and good fortune.

People drink osmanthus wine during the festival to celebrate the harvest and to wish for health and prosperity. The fragrance of the osmanthus flowers is said to blend perfectly with the crisp autumn air, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The wine's golden color and sweet taste make it a favorite during the celebrations, symbolizing good luck and happiness.

Conclusion

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of joy, reflection, and cultural expression. Each of the festival's key words—Zhongqiu Jie, Yue Bing, Chang'e, Hou Yi, Tuanyuan, Yueliang, Shang Yue, lanterns, chrysanthemum, and osmanthus wine—carries rich meanings and stories that have been passed down through generations. These elements collectively create a vibrant tapestry of traditions that celebrate the importance of family, the beauty of the natural world, and the enduring power of myths and legends.

As families gather to share mooncakes, admire the full moon, and light lanterns, they are not only participating in ancient customs but also creating new memories and reinforcing the bonds that hold them together. The Mid-Autumn Festival, with its blend of history, mythology, and communal spirit, remains a cherished and timeless celebration in Chinese culture.