Introduction
The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of the most cherished traditional celebrations in China. Rooted in ancient moon worship and seasonal rituals, it has gradually evolved into a festival symbolizing family reunion, harvest, and harmony. Today, it is celebrated not only across China but also in many Asian communities worldwide.
Early Origins: Moon Worship and Seasonal Rites
The origin of the Moon Festival can be traced back to ancient rituals. In pre-Qin times, emperors practiced “spring rituals to the sun, autumn rituals to the moon” (春朝日、秋夕月), honoring celestial bodies as part of seasonal rites. Over time, these ceremonies spread to the common people, forming the custom of moon worship during mid-autumn.
Naming and Symbolism of “Mid-Autumn”
The name of the festival reflects its timing in the lunar calendar. The eighth month is referred to as “mid-autumn,” and the fifteenth day marks the middle of that month, when the moon appears at its fullest and brightest. Because the full moon symbolizes wholeness and reunion, the festival is also called the “Reunion Festival,” reflecting its deep cultural emphasis on family bonds.
Flourishing in the Tang and Song Dynasties
Tang Dynasty
During the Tang Dynasty (618–907), moon appreciation became especially fashionable among the aristocracy and scholars. Literary works from this period frequently referenced the beauty of the mid-autumn moon. As poet Wang Jian wrote:
今夜月明人尽望，不知秋思落谁家。
“Tonight the moon is full in her splendor,
The Mid-Autumn Festival returns once more.”
This reflects how the festival was firmly tied to both ritual and poetry.
Song Dynasty
By the Song Dynasty (960–1279), the festival had become a popular tradition among the general public. Customs like moon gazing, moon worship, and sharing mooncakes became widespread. The famous poet Su Shi captured this sentiment in his timeless poem:
但愿人长久，千里共婵娟。
“May we live long and share the beauty of the moon,
Even if we are a thousand miles apart.”
This verse illustrates how the full moon symbolized reunion across distances, giving the festival its enduring emotional power.
Later Transmission and Modern Recognition
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Mid-Autumn Festival customs largely stabilized, with moon worship, lanterns, and family banquets becoming key traditions.
In the modern era, its cultural significance has been officially recognized:
- In 2006, the festival was listed as part of China’s first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- In 2008, it was established as a statutory public holiday in China, reflecting its role as a national symbol of unity.
Cultural Interpretations and Legends
The Moon Festival is not only about rituals but also about rich cultural imagination:
- Harvest Celebration: It functioned as an “autumn report,” celebrating a successful harvest and praying for future abundance.
- Mythological Tales: Stories such as Chang’e Flying to the Moon and Wu Gang Chopping the Laurel Tree became inseparable from the festival, adding layers of romance, tragedy, and mystery.
Key Customs
Over the centuries, several customs have become central to the Moon Festival:
- Moon Worship and Moon Gazing: Honoring the moon and admiring its beauty.
- Family Reunion Banquets: Gathering together under the full moon to share food and stories.
- Eating Mooncakes: Round pastries symbolizing unity and togetherness.
- Lantern Displays: Colorful lanterns lighting up the night, especially enjoyed by children.
- Drinking Osmanthus Wine: Seasonal wine that embodies fragrance, celebration, and good fortune.
Conclusion
The Moon Festival originated from ancient moon worship and seasonal rituals but has developed into a festival of reunion and joy. From imperial rites to family gatherings, from Tang poetry to modern mooncakes, it reflects the continuity of Chinese culture and its timeless values of harmony, gratitude, and togetherness under the full moon.
FAQ
Why is the Mid-Autumn Festival also called the Moon Festival?
Because the festival centers on moon worship and moon gazing, the full moon becomes the symbol of celebration, giving it the name “Moon Festival.”
Why is the moon associated with family reunion?
In Chinese culture, the round moon represents completeness and unity, mirroring the hope for family togetherness.
What do mooncakes symbolize?
Mooncakes, with their round shape, symbolize reunion, harmony, and the sharing of blessings among family and friends.
When is the Moon Festival celebrated?
It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in September or early October.
Is the Moon Festival only celebrated in China?
No. It is also widely celebrated in other parts of East and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia, with regional variations in customs and food.