Origin & history
The Mid-Autumn Festival has ancient origins related to moon worship in Chinese agrarian society. As early as the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE), the Chinese offered sacrifices to the moon to thank it for the harvest. The festival became officially established during the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) and gained prominence in the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE).
One popular legend associated with the festival is the story of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess. According to lore, the archer Hou Yi shot down nine of ten suns to save the earth, and as a reward, he received an elixir of immortality. His wife, Chang'e, drank the elixir to prevent it from falling into evil hands, floated to the moon, and became the moon goddess. On the night of the full moon, people believe they can see her silhouette on the moon.
Another story involves Wu Gang, a man who was punished to cut an ever-growing laurel tree on the moon, and the Jade Rabbit, who pounds medicine for the immortals. These legends enriched the cultural significance of the moon and the festival.
Customs & traditions
The most iconic tradition is eating mooncakes—round pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks. They symbolize family unity and completeness. Families gather for a reunion dinner, often featuring seasonal foods like pomelos, taro, and crabs.
People also engage in moon gazing, lighting lanterns, and carrying brightly colored lanterns of various shapes. In some regions, there are dragon dances, performances, and fireworks. Another custom is 'Bole' or moon worship, where families set up an altar with mooncakes and fruits under the moon. Modern celebrations include sending mooncakes as gifts to relatives and friends, and many cities host outdoor events and concerts.
In recent years, the festival has also become a time for couples to express love under the full moon, inspired by the romantic legend of Chang'e and Hou Yi. Online greetings and digital greeting cards are common among younger generations.
Why it is celebrated
The Mid-Autumn Festival is primarily a celebration of family reunion and harmony. The full moon symbolizes completeness and togetherness, making the festival an occasion for family members to gather, regardless of distance. It reflects the deep-rooted Chinese value of familial bonds.
Additionally, the festival expresses gratitude for the autumn harvest and appreciation of nature's beauty. The moon, often a symbol of longing and nostalgia in Chinese poetry, inspires contemplation and emotional connection. For many, it is a time to offer prayers for good fortune, health, and happiness.