I just learned what the "Mid-Autumn Moon Festival" means from my Chinese neighbor, and it left me really inspired! Now, I would like to share this beautiful cultural information with everyone here.
Back before modern times, ancient Chinese people referred to the autumnal equinox day, the mid-point of the autumn in solar terms, as the "Mid-Autumn." This is how the name "Mid-Autumn Festival" became known throughout Asia.
Chinese culture is a culture of harmony between man and nature. They believe that human lives conform to the rhythm of the heavens. Therefore, they are very careful when dealing with the obvious changes in the yin and yang of heaven and earth. With yin being heaven and yang as earth, the spring equinox, summer solstice, autumn equinox, and winter solstice all have deeper meanings for the body, mind, soul, and daily life. Because of this, they had a sincere attitude of respecting heaven and the gods. They conformed to the seasons, the unity of man and nature, and spreading the spirit of heaven. Much like the ancient religions and people did in Europe with the passing of their seasons. People in ancient times seemed wiser with all this knowledge of what happens around them and how to deal with changes.
Ancient Chinese society's education had originated from the Tao of heaven and earth. The folk custom of worshiping the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival comes from the ancient ritual of worshiping the moon on the day of the autumnal equinox and being grateful for the bountiful harvests she brings.
Nowadays, modern Chinese, celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, have inherited the ancient practice of this divine culture. Their family gathers to enjoy sweet baked mooncakes, look at the moon, tell the folk stories about it, and light sacred paper lamps that look so beautiful!
It sounds like a lot of fun! Lucky I asked my neighbor, “What is that Moon Festival about?” After she told me, I was excited to go and experience this beautiful culture coming to the neighborhood!! Check out the event on the front page of this website. I Wish everyone a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, and I hope to see everyone there!
The "Moon Festival" was so much fun!!!