Why Is It Called the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival, a cherished traditional festival in China, holds a special place in the hearts of the people. It is a time for family reunions, moon gazing, and indulging in delicious mooncakes. But have you ever wondered why it is called the Mid-Autumn Festival? The name itself provides some clues. "Mid-Autumn" refers to the middle of the autumn season. In the Chinese lunar calendar, this festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, precisely when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. This celestial event is not only a visual spectacle but also carries profound cultural and symbolic meanings.

The association with the autumn season is significant. Autumn is a time of harvest, a season when nature yields its bounty. After months of hard work in the fields, farmers gather their crops, and the Mid-Autumn Festival arrives as a celebration of their labor and the fruits of their efforts. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the year and to share the joy with family and friends. The full moon in the middle of autumn also serves as a reminder of the cycle of life, the passage of time, and the impermanence of all things. It is a moment for reflection, for looking back on the past year and setting intentions for the future.

The moon has always held a special fascination for the Chinese people. In ancient times, the moon was seen as a celestial body that influenced human affairs and emotions. It was believed to be a symbol of purity, beauty, and longevity. Poets and scholars throughout history have written countless verses and essays extolling the virtues of the moon, expressing their longing for loved ones, their admiration for its ethereal beauty, and their philosophical musings about life and the universe. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, families gather together under the full moon, sharing mooncakes, fruits, and wine, while enjoying the company of their loved ones. The act of moon gazing is not just a physical activity but a spiritual one, a way of connecting with nature, with ancestors, and with the collective wisdom of the ages.

Another reason why the festival is called the Mid-Autumn Festival is its connection to the legend of Chang'e. According to Chinese mythology, Chang'e was the wife of Hou Yi, a heroic archer who shot down nine suns to save the earth from a scorching heat. To reward him, the Queen of Heaven gave Hou Yi an elixir of immortality, but he refused to take it, choosing to share it with his wife instead. However, Chang'e, fearing that the elixir would fall into the wrong hands, swallowed it herself and was immediately transported to the moon. There, she became a celestial being, living in a palace on the moon with a jade rait as her companion. The story of Chang'e is a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of immortality. It is a reminder of the power of love and the importance of making choices that are true to oneself. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, children are often told the story of Chang'e, adding an element of magic and wonder to the celebration.

In addition to the cultural and mythological significance, the Mid-Autumn Festival also has practical implications. The full moon in the middle of autumn provides natural light, allowing people to extend their activities well into the night. It is a time for socializing, for storytelling, for performing traditional arts such as lion and dragon dances, and for enjoying the festive atmosphere. The festival also serves as a platform for businesses to promote their products, especially mooncakes, which come in a variety of flavors and designs. Mooncakes have become an iconic symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival, representing unity, harmony, and prosperity.

In conclusion, the Mid-Autumn Festival is called so because it falls in the middle of the autumn season, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. The festival is a celebration of harvest, family, love, and the beauty of nature. It is a time to come together, to share joy and gratitude, and to传承 and弘扬 Chinese culture. Whether it is the moon gazing, the eating of mooncakes, the telling of legends, or the performance of traditional arts, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a rich and vibrant celebration that continues to bring people together year after year. So, the next time you look up at the full moon on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and significance of this ancient tradition and the many stories and meanings that it holds.