Moon Festival

Chinese Moon Festival

Symbol of harmony, unity, fertility.

The Moon Event is China’s second most important festival. It takes place between the middle of September and the beginning of October. This celebration was held to honor the dragon that was responsible for providing rain to the Baiyue people’s crops. On this day, there is a family reunion. People make sacrifices to Chang’e, the Moon goddess. Chang’e was married to a great archer named Hou Yi in folklore. One of the immortals sent Hou Yi an elixir of immortality. He didn’t want to abandon his wife, so he gave her the elixir. When Hou Yi was out hunting, one of his pages sought the elixir from Chang’e. Chang’e refused and drank the potion on her own. Chang’e chose to live on the moon since she needed a place to dwell and didn’t want to be too far away from Hou Yi. When Hou Yi returned home and learned of what had occurred, he lit incense and placed food in his yard for Chang’e to eat. The Moon Festival officially began on this day. The celebration took place throughout the rice and wheat harvest seasons. The crop was used to make gifts to the moon goddess. Even in modern times, people will assemble with their families to view the moon while eating mooncakes, as the moon symbolizes harmony and unity. This celebration includes lion dances. Lanterns, which are a symbol of fertility, were lit that night, and people carried them around. Girls are courting and looking for love at this time of year. Every region has its own set of courtship practices. For girls to find their partners, there are dances and meeting spots set up.

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