The Translation of Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most traditional festivals in China, which falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. The festival is a time for families to reunite, appreciate the full moon, and enjoy mooncakes.

Origins and Legends

The origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (16th century–11th century BC). Ancient emperors worshiped the sun in spring and the moon in autumn to show their gratitude for the harvest and pray for a good future. In addition to the historical origins, various legends also contribute to the festival. The most well-known one is about Chang'e, the moon goddess, who drank the elixir of immortality and flew to the moon, where she has lived ever since. The legend has inspired various forms of art and stories throughout history.

Traditional Customs

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for reunion and reflection. People gather with families and friends to appreciate the full moon and eat mooncakes, a traditional pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings. Various activities, such as lantern making, playing with fire dragon, and watching dragon and lion dances, are also popular during the festival. Additionally, the festival inspires poets and writers to create works of literature that express their love and longing for their homes and loved ones.

Modern Celebrations

Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival remains a significant holiday in China and beyond. As a symbol of Chinese culture, it is celebrated in many countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. In modern times, people have added new elements to the traditional celebration, such as gifting mooncakes to business partners and friends, lighting colorful lanterns, and holding fireworks displays. In recent years, online celebrations have also become a trend, as people share pictures and videos of their moon-gazing and mooncake-eating experiences on social media.

In conclusion, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a festival with rich cultural and historical meanings. It is a time for families and friends to reunite, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of the full moon. Through the festival, we can gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and values, and also enjoy the fun and joy of traditional customs and modern celebrations.