Why is it called Mid-Autumn Festival?

Why is it called Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the traditional Chinese festivals, celebrated every year on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. There are many theories about the origin of the name of the Mid-Autumn Festival, but the most widely circulated ones are related to ancient calendars, agricultural customs and myths and legends. The following are several explanations of the name of the Mid-Autumn Festival:

1. The relationship between calendar and seasons

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls in the middle of autumn. The eighth month of the lunar calendar is the second month of autumn, and the 15th day is in the middle of August, so it is called the "Mid-Autumn Festival". In ancient China, agriculture was the main focus, and autumn was the harvest season. People celebrated the harvest on this day and thanked nature for its gifts.

2. The symbol of fullness of the moon

Another important symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the fullness of the moon. The moon on August 15th is the roundest and brightest of the year, symbolizing reunion and happiness. The ancients believed that the night of the full moon was the best time for family reunion, so the Mid-Autumn Festival was also called the "Reunion Festival".

3. The influence of myths and legends

The Mid-Autumn Festival is closely related to the legend of Chang'e flying to the moon. According to legend, Chang'e ascended to the moon and became a moon palace fairy because she stole the elixir of life. People worship the moon on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival and pray for peace and happiness. This custom also deepens the connotation of the name "Mid-Autumn Festival".

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Traditional customs of Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival not only has a meaningful name, but its customs are also rich and colorful. The following are the main traditional activities of the Mid-Autumn Festival:

The modern significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival

In modern society, the Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a continuation of traditional culture, but also an important link for people's emotional exchanges. As the pace of life accelerates, many people reunite with their families during the Mid-Autumn Festival to make up for the lack of family affection due to busy work. In addition, the Mid-Autumn Festival also promotes cultural exchanges. Influenced by Chinese culture, many countries have begun to celebrate this festival.

In short, the name of the Mid-Autumn Festival is closely connected with its history, culture and natural phenomena. Whether it is the ancient moon worship ceremony or the modern reunion dinner, the Mid-Autumn Festival always carries people's yearning for a better life.