What Is the Origin of MidAutumn Festival? (A Q&A in English)
Q: What is the MidAutumn Festival, and why do people celebrate it?
The MidAutumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is one of China’s most cherished traditional holidays. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month—when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. Families gather to admire the moon, eat mooncakes, and share stories under its golden glow. But how did this beautiful tradition begin?
Q: Where does the festival's name come from?
“MidAutumn” literally means “middle of autumn”—a time when harvests are abundant and nature feels balanced. In ancient China, people believed the moon symbolized harmony, reunion, and abundance. The full moon was seen as a sign of completeness—a perfect moment for family unity.
Q: What’s the oldest story behind the festival?
One of the earliest legends dates back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE). Emperor Yao, a wise ruler, once saw a celestial event where three suns appeared in the sky—a rare omen. To restore balance, he ordered sacrifices to the heavens. Over time, this evolved into rituals honoring the moon, especially during the autumn harvest season.
Q: Is there a famous myth tied to the festival?
Absolutely! The tale of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, is perhaps the most beloved. According to legend, Chang’e was a mortal woman who accidentally drank an elixir of immortality meant for her husband, Hou Yi, a skilled archer. She floated up to the moon, where she lives alone in the Jade Palace. Every year, on MidAutumn night, people light lanterns and offer fruit to honor her—and to wish for family reunions, just like hers never was.
Q: How did mooncakes become part of the celebration?
Mooncakes emerged during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). At that time, Mongol rulers oppressed Han Chinese. A secret message hidden inside mooncakes helped rebels coordinate their uprising against the regime. After the rebellion succeeded, people began using mooncakes as symbols of unity and hope—something we still enjoy today.
Q: Why do modern families still celebrate it?
Because it’s more than history—it’s emotion. I remember last year, my grandmother in Guangzhou made mooncakes with lotus seed paste by hand. We sat on the balcony, shared stories, and laughed as the moon rose. No matter where you are—be it Beijing, London, or New York—this festival reminds us: home isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. And the moon? It’s always watching over us.
So next MidAutumn, don’t just eat your mooncake. Look up. Feel the warmth. And remember: traditions live not just in books—but in our hearts.
