Celebrating the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival will be on September 17th this year. It is also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, which is a time for family reunions. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, this festival usually falls in September or early October. It's a time when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, symbolizing unity, harmony, and family togetherness.

Chang'e- the Moon Goddess

According to legend, there were once ten suns scorching the earth, causing hardship for the people. A skilled archer named Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns, saving the earth and becoming a hero. As a reward, he was given an elixir of immortality. However, he chose to stay on earth with his beloved wife, Chang'e. One day, an evil man tried to steal the elixir。Chang'e took the elixir to prevent him from obtaining it. She then ascended to the moon, where she resides to this day. Hou Yi, heartbroken, would lay out offerings of food and pray to the moon for her safety.

-Left: Portrait of Chang'e in the Moon Palace, Ming Dynasty, Zhang Lu

Mooncakes: The Heart of the Festival

These round pastries, often filled with sweet or savory fillings like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolk, symbolize completeness and reunion. The round shape of the mooncake mirrors the full moon, representing unity and togetherness. Families traditionally gather to share mooncakes while enjoying the sight of the full moon.

Left: Twelve Enjoyments of the Yuanmingyuan,

Qing Dynasty, Lang Shining

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to everyone!