中秋节来历和节日风俗英文

中秋节来历和节日风俗英文
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It has a rich history and is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. It is widely celebrated in China and other countries with Chinese communities around the world. In this article, we will explore the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival and the customs associated with it.
The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival can be traced back to ancient times. The festival is said to have its roots in the worship of the moon deity during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). During this time, people would offer sacrifices to the moon to express their gratitude for the harvest and pray for good fortune. The tradition of moon worship gradually evolved into a festival where people would gather to appreciate the full moon and reunite with loved ones.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is also closely associated with the legend of Chang'e, a mythical figure in Chinese folklore. According to the legend, Chang'e was the wife of Hou Yi, a skilled archer who saved the earth by shooting down nine of the ten suns that were scorching the land. As a reward, he was given the elixir of immortality. However, Chang'e mistakenly consumed the elixir and floated up to the moon. Since then, she has been living in a palace on the moon, and people would offer her sacrifices during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
One of the most prominent customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the sharing of mooncakes. Mooncakes are round pastries filled
with various ingredients such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or egg yolks. They symbolize reunion and are often given as gifts to family members and friends. Mooncakes are typically enjoyed while admiring the full moon during the festival. Another popular custom is the lighting of lanterns. People of all ages carry lanterns of different shapes and sizes and take part in lantern parades. Lanterns are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.
Another important custom of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the gathering of family and friends for a festive meal. This reunion dinner is a time for loved ones to come together, share a hearty meal, and enjoy each other's company. Traditional dishes such as steamed fish, roast duck, and mooncakes are usually served during the dinner.
In addition to these customs, various cultural activities and performances are held during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These include dragon and lion dances, traditional Chinese music and dance performances, as well as storytelling sessions about the legend of Chang'e.
Overall, the Mid-Autumn Festival holds great significance in Chinese culture. It is a time for family reunions, expressing gratitude for the harvest, and celebrating the beauty of the moon. The customs and traditions associated with the festival reflect the values of unity, harmony, and good fortune. Whether it is enjoying mooncakes, lighting lanterns, or simply admiring the full moon, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished celebration that brings people together.。