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The Mid-Autumn Festival
by W.Holidays
Amidst the
darkness the full moon makes its ascent into the evening sky. Families
gather as the sky illuminates with a brilliant glow. Sweethearts hold
each other. Friends drink a toast to the moon. The moon is
believed to be at its biggest and brightest this one night of the year.
 The
Mid-Autumn Festival, also know as the Moon Festival and Mooncake
Festival, is held on the fifteenth night of the eighth lunar month.
There are multiple legends about the origin of this festival. The
general theme is a woman who was punished and banished to the moon. She
was an incredibly beautiful woman and her beauty brighten the moon. The
moon is Yin, which is female, giving this night special meaning and
strength to women.
Another legend tells of the creation of a new dynasty. Invading
Mongolians from the north had destroyed the Song Dynasty establishing
the Yuan Dynasty (1280-1368 AD). The people of China were treated
like slaves. They were oppressed and persecuted. In a
daring attempt to overthrow the Mongolian rule, rebel leaders sent
hidden messages to each household baked in mooncakes.
The mooncakes were part of the harvest festival and so the Mongolians
would never partake of these pastries. The message instructed everyone
to strike and kill the Mongolians during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The
attack was successful and the Ming Dynasty was established.
Today, families eat together and watch the
moon rise. Round foods are served like grapefruit, pomegranates, apples, grapes, and mooncakes. Rice, wine, and
tea are served as well. The highlight of the festival is the Children's Lantern
Parade. Hundreds of children with beautifully colorful lanterns march through
the streets.
The Vietnamese have a corresponding Mid-Autumn Festival
called Tet Trung Thu. Similar traditions are followed and mooncakes are eaten
and given as gifts. Children create lanterns and light them after dark then
parade through town.
modified April 29, 2008
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