【中秋节来历简介英文版】The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most traditional and widely celebrated festivals in China. It is held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. This festival has a long history, dating back over 3,000 years, and is rich in cultural significance and folklore.
The festival originated from ancient people's worship of the moon and their gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Over time, it evolved into a celebration of family reunion and harmony. The legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, and her husband Hou Yi is one of the most well-known stories associated with this festival.
Below is a summary of the origin and significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, presented in both text and table form.
Summary of the Mid-Autumn Festival’s Origin
The Mid-Autumn Festival is an ancient Chinese holiday that celebrates the full moon and the harvest season. It is believed to have started during the Shang Dynasty (around 1600–1046 BCE), when people offered sacrifices to the moon. By the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), the festival had become more formalized, and by the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), it was widely celebrated across the country.
The festival is closely tied to the legend of Chang’e, who drank an elixir of immortality and flew to the moon. Her husband, Hou Yi, was a heroic archer who saved the world by shooting down nine of the ten suns. To honor them, people began to offer mooncakes and gather under the moonlight, which led to the tradition of moon gazing and family reunions.
Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival is not only celebrated in China but also in many other Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore. It symbolizes family unity, gratitude, and the beauty of nature.
Table: Key Information about the Mid-Autumn Festival
| Category | Details |
| Name | Mid-Autumn Festival / Moon Festival |
| Date | 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually falls in September or early October) |
| Origin | Ancient Chinese tradition, dating back over 3,000 years |
| Cultural Significance | Celebration of harvest, family reunion, and moon worship |
| Main Traditions | Eating mooncakes, moon gazing, lantern lighting, and storytelling |
| Famous Legend | The story of Chang’e and Hou Yi |
| Celebrated In | China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Asia |
| Symbolic Foods | Mooncakes, fruits, and tea |
| Spiritual Meaning | Represents harmony, prosperity, and the beauty of the natural world |
This festival continues to be an important part of Chinese culture, bringing families together and reminding people of the values of love, gratitude, and togetherness.