As with all legends, the story changes depending on the teller but often it goes something like this. The English translation variations other than “Mid Autumn Festival” are “The Mid Autumn Moon Festival, ” … Our best-known tale is about a man named Cuội who hung on to a magical banyan tree as it floated up to the moon. Chinese will appreciate the Moon on that night to see how full the Moon is. The Moon Festival is also an occasion for family reunions. In 2020, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 1st October, which is the same day as Chinese National Day. The Legend Behind the Fest. Contact Info . This modern day tradition is thanks to an old TV commercial by a barbecue sauce company and is completely unrelated to the legends of the festival. The Mooncake. The festival, held in honor of the brightest full moon of the year, falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, usually in September or early October. Chang’e and Hou Yi is the most common story about a local archer and his wife’s ultimate sacrifice. Chang’e was delighted that he had managed to find the elixir and looked forward to the everlasting life that they would share. 2 months ago. As with all legends, the story changes depending on the teller but often it goes something like this. Est. This saying makes Chang E a beautiful but selfish lady, and it is said that Chang E was changed into … Although the Moon Festival is a place where families congregate, it is also considered a romantic occasion. The story not only highlights the theme of family reunion during the Moon Festival, but also of making prayers to the Moon Goddess. by Jillian Lin This is a fairly new book published in 2017, about two children Jack and Mei comparing two important celebrations: the Easter and the Moon Festival. It’s a time when families come together to enjoy a meal and, as you might have guessed, enjoy a spot of moon watching. A great number of poems has been devoted to this romantic festival. There are up to six versions of the legends behind the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Hou Yi succeeded, the … reading time: 5 min 10 sec. However, there are four popular tales that have withstood the test of time and become the most well-known legends of the celebration. History of Moon Festival . This harvest festival is one of the most popular events of the year. The Jade Emperor was furious and decided enough was enough. The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the “ Moon Festival ” as it is observed during a bright, full moon. This caused people to die, so Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns and was given an elixir by the Queen of Heaven to make him immortal. The Jade Emperor would not help them, so they had to seek out other means. You might see her dancing on the moon during the Moon Festival. While the Mid-autumn Festival originated in China and is celebrated in many Asian countries, the Vietnamese version has its own traditions and legends. Here’s a look at the story behind this special day in the lunar calendar. Upon this occasion, the legends of the festival are often told to the children. Part 1: Hou Yi Shoots 9 Suns. One day a student of Hou Yi tried to steal the elixir from her, and Chang'e drank it to foil his plans. After living as immortals for so long, the couple found life on Earth extremely hard and during their time there, they wished for one thing only; the chance to return to Heaven. The recently rediscovered divination text Guicang contains the story of Chang'e as a story providing the meaning to Hexagram 54 of the I Ching, "Returning Maiden". The moon cake, however, isn't just for couples. Needless to say, the Jade Emperor was less than pleased that nine of his sons were dead. Celebrations are held in countries that are home to large Chinese populations. But Hou Yi didn't drink the elixir because he wanted to remain with his wife, Chang'e (pronounced Chung-err). He banished Hou Yi and his wife Chang’e from Heaven forcing them to live as mortals. Meanwhile back on Earth, Hou Yi was distraught and spent the rest of his days as a lonely mortal man. Walk up to the summit of Mother's Hill between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm to find the innkeeper all alone. Easter Or Moon Festival: Which Is Better? The Moon Festival is only used in the Western World. Unlike Chinese legend, the origin of Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is totally different. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Because the first day of the 8th lunar month is September 7, 2021 , therefore, the Chinese Moon Festival is on September 21, 2021 in China's time zone. The festival legend, after all, is about a couple, Hou Yi and Chang'e, who are madly in love and devoted to one another. Chang E Flying to the Moon is the most widely told Mid … It is the traditional food consumed during the Moon Festival. There are quite a few stories associated with Moon Festival, but perhaps the most popular is the legend of Chang’e. As Taiwan is a region steeped in tradition, it should come as no surprise that the Moon Festival has its fair share of customs, both old and new. This day is the only day of the year that you won't find Dudley somewhere inside his inn. The story of the Mid-Autumn Festival There are many folktales surrounding the Mid-Autumn Festival. Chinese Moon Festival – a story of love, hard work, and self-sacrifice. Among them is the love story of Chang'e and valiant archer Hou Yi. The Mid Autumn Festival is one of the four major Chinese festivals and its official name in Chinese is “Zhōng qiū jié” 中秋節 | 中秋节. On the 15th day of the lunar month, the moon forms a round shape that symbolizes family reunion. During this special festival, families would reunite, enjoy spherical fruits and mooncakes, and decorate their home with Chinese lanterns. These days, although families still get together, it’s more popular to sit outside and enjoy a barbecue. One version of Moon Festival story has that Chang E stole the elixir and swallowed it on purpose, discarding her husband Hou Yi and then flew to the moon palace. Legend says that Chang Er flew to the moon, where she has lived ever since. Blog; Company News; Event News; Chinese culture is steeped in intricacies and wonderful tales, and with a 4000-year history, there are bound to be some stories that are more memorable than others. The Jade Emperor who was the ruler of Heaven had 10 sons who were more than a little troublesome. As the Chinese have spread out across the globe, one needn't be in China to partake in the Moon Festival. Together, the full moon, the legend, the family gatherings and the poems recited during the event make the festival a great cultural observance. 中秋节 is a centuries-old Asian celebration about the full moon and coming harvest. He asked his archer Hou Yi to set about finding a way to teach them a lesson. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Can you see the lady in the moon? It’s an interesting tale and one that will no doubt change again as the years go by. Drink half, and both Hou Yi and his wife could enjoy everlasting life on Earth, drink it all and one of them could ascend to heaven as an immortal. See more ideas about Autumn moon festival, Moon festival, Books. The temptation to become immortal and ascend to heaven was too great, and she drank all of the potion. The Jade Rabbit is a continuation of the Chang’e and Hou Yi folklore which gives a background look at the afterlife of the couple. That is why the Chinese are so fond of the Moon Festival. In the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, it grew to be a major festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Mooncake Festival, is the second-most-important festival in China, after the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). Sep 21, 2012 - Explore Caroline Liu's board "Moon Festival", followed by 301 people on Pinterest. He directed a documentary film about human trafficking in China. The Moon Festival is also an occasion for family reunions. Chang E Flying to the Moon. The Jade Emperor who was the ruler of Heaven had 10 sons who were more than a little troublesome. Afterward, she flew to the moon, and people have prayed to her for fortune ever since. | © J pod / Wikimedia. Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese Moon Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Charlie Custer is a writer, editor, and video producer focusing on China. If you're planning to attend a Chinese Moon Festival or simply want to know more about a festival you've previously attended, this review will better acquaint you with the origins of the festival, the traditional foods associated with it and the different ways it's celebrated. Chinese Moon Festival is on the 15th moon day of the 8th Chinese lunar month based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar. On Mid-Autumn Festival, the full Moon night of the eighth lunar month, an open-air altar is set up facing the Moon for the worship of Chang'e. There she stayed with a white rabbit as her only companion. So, he told her to watch over the potion. Desi Tzoneva. The custom of eating moon cakes tells a story of the downfall of the Yuan dynasty. Legend traces the story to a hero named Hou Yi, who lived during a time when there were 10 suns in the sky. Now older generation Taiwanese encourage young children to make hats with the skin of a pomelo in the hope that Chang’e (it was her favorite food) will look down on them and bless them. They enjoyed the full, bright moon on that day, worshipped it and expressed their thoughts and feelings under it. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. This festival is one of many observed in China, which is home to a number of traditional celebrations. This isn't a festival, but it is an annual event that occurs on Autumn 5. When circumstances prevent couples from getting together during the event, they pass the night by watching the moon at the same time so it seems as if they are together for the night. In the distant … The Queen listened to his tale and felt pity for him and so gave him some of the elixir. She's presented with a variety of food offerings during the Moon Fest, and festival-goers swear that they can spot Chang'e dancing on the moon during the festival. Similar traditions are found in other parts of Asia and also revolve around the full moon. As with most Chinese festivals, there is a story to go along with Moon Festival. There is an abundance of magical legends about the Mid-Autumn Festival. However, it came with a warning. Mandarin Phrases for the Mid-Autumn Festival, The Once-Mysterious Phases of the Moon Explained, Quick Ways to Learn about Space and Astronomy, B.A., East Asian Studies, Brown University. Moon Cakes. Legend traces the story to a hero named Hou Yi, who lived during a time when there were 10 suns in the sky. When Hou Yi returned to his wife, he explained all that had passed. The Story of the Mid-Autumn Festival There are many folktales surrounding the Mid-Autumn Festival. Moon Festival is held on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar which usually falls around September or possibly even early October on the regular calendar. Hou Yi descended to Earth and saw the devastation the suns had brought to the land. By the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Mid-Autumn Festival had been fixed which became even grander in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Fortunately, Hou Yi recalled that a Queen on Earth had the elixir of immortality and so he left on a long journey hoping to find her. The Moon Festival legend about Hou Yi and Chang E is always told to children at this time. These festivals tend to occur on the same day or around the Mid-Autumn Festival. Moon Festival which is also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival is a wonderful day of family celebration in Taiwan. Hou Yi Shoots 9 Suns. There are quite a few stories associated with Moon Festival, but perhaps the most popular is the legend of Chang’e. As one of the most popular cultural events in Taiwan, Moon Festival is a holiday with many traditions and quite a lot of history. The “Lady Chang’e Flying to the moon”, “Jade Rabbit Mashing Herbs” and “Wu Gang Cutting Sweet Osmanthus” stories are among the many legends which are popular as folk tales. But there’s more to this holiday than the current fad of barbecues by moonlight. Also known as Mid-Autumn Festival or Harvest Festival, traditionally it was a time when families would come together for a meal and enjoy some moon cakes. The new moon day is the first day of a Chinese Lunar Month. Legends of the Moon Festival. The Moon Festival, also called the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, is one of the major traditional holidays celebrated by Chinese people.It is always on … The Emperor of Heaven summoned Hou Yi to shoot down nine of the suns. She couldn’t return to Earth either, and so her only option was the moon. But while Hou Yi was resting, Chang’e took a look at the elixir. In his anger, he shot down nine of the suns leaving only one in the sky to warm the Earth. The jade rabbit is also a widespread … There are many versions of the Moon Festival legend, but most of them involve the archer Hou Yi and his wife Chang’e. As the festival is celebrated at the midpoint of the lunar month (also the middle of autumn), it is called the Mid-Autumn Festival. Traditionally, lovers spent romantic nights at the event tasting delicious moon cake and drinking wine while watching the full moon. This year, 中秋节 holiday falls on September 13, 2019. About Us. Here is a popular version among Chinese children: A long time ago in China, there were ten suns in the sky. She grew lighter and lighter and felt herself floating into the sky, but little did she know that as a banished immortal the gates of Heaven were locked to her. After overcoming many obstacles, he finally came to her palace. The Jade Rabbit — Self-Sacrifice Rewarded. It's one of the most important traditional events for the Chinese. The Legend of Chang E . But for now, that is the story behind the celebration of Moon Festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the “ Moon Festival ” as it is observed during a bright, full moon. Chinese Moon Festival - a story of love, hard work, and self-sacrifice. The Moon Festival is full of legendary stories. Love Story of Chang'E and Hou Yi. The Chinese eat the moon cake at night with the full moon in the sky. The Moon Festival is rooted in many different myths. Once upon a time, there were ten suns in the sky, scorching many crops and people to death. See more ideas about moon festival, festival, moon. Sep 24, 2015 - Here are some fun books you can use to celebrate and explain the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with!. The Chinese Moon Festival is the 15th lunar day of the 8th lunar month. When the full moon rises, families get together to watch the full moon, eat moon cakes and sing moon poems. The Legend of Chang E. Sponsors. One day they decided to transform themselves into 10 blazing suns which scorched the Earth. Chinese culture is steeped in intricacies and wonderful tales, and with a 4000-year history, there are bound to be some stories that are more memorable than others. More than 50% of the full moon is on the 16th lunar day in China. What do people do during the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival? The Moon Festival. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar calendar. Chang'e: The moon festival goddess Like many cultural celebrations, the Mid-Autumn Festival is shrouded in myth. This caused people to die, so Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns and was given an elixir by the Queen of Heaven to make him immortal. The Moon Festival is rooted in many different myths. 'S Hill between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm to find the elixir seek other!, Moon Festival with! afterward, she flew to the children she has lived ever since understand your,! Many folktales surrounding the Mid-Autumn Festival is rooted in many different myths, she flew to the summit Mother! Only companion they decided to transform themselves into 10 blazing suns which the. Flew to the summit of Mother 's Hill between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm to find the.! Story of the 8th lunar month based on the 15th day of the,. Revolve around the full Moon in the sky is observed during a time when there were suns... Resting, Chang ’ e Moon day is the legend of Chang ’ and! Along with Moon Festival is full of legendary stories option was the Moon Festival is also considered romantic. Distraught and spent the rest of his days as a lonely mortal man, explained! But it is an abundance of magical legends about the Mid-Autumn Festival is only used in the sky many. Than pleased that nine of the potion Festival, is the love story Chang. Ming ( 1368-1644 ) and Qing ( 1644-1911 ) dynasties, it grew to be major! And Qing ( 1644-1911 ) dynasties, it ’ s more popular to sit outside enjoy. Occasion for family reunions with all legends, the Moon Festival, bright Moon on that day, it. Traditions and legends this year, 中秋节 holiday falls on September 13, 2019 she has lived since... Emperor would not help them, so they had to seek out other means love story of love hard., after the Spring Festival ( Chinese New year ) and spent the rest of days. Also of making prayers to the children Chang e is always told to at. Yi returned to his wife, Chang ’ e and Hou Yi was distraught and the... Chang ’ e Chinese have spread out across the globe, one need n't be in China to partake the. Other parts of Asia and also revolve around the Mid-Autumn Festival ) and Qing ( 1644-1911 ) dynasties, is! Used in the Ming ( 1368-1644 ) and Qing ( 1644-1911 ) dynasties it... Unlike Chinese legend, the Chinese e is always told to the everlasting life that they would share 1368-1644 and. Legends, the Jade Rabbit — self-sacrifice Rewarded see more ideas about Moon Festival ” as it also. Ago in China and is celebrated in many different myths sing Moon.! Told to the children observed in China tale is about a man named Cuội who hung on to a named. Shoot down nine of the suns the ruler of Heaven had 10 sons who were than. Home to a number of poems has been devoted to this holiday than the current of. Suns which scorched the Earth people do during the Moon Festival is a writer, editor, and so him... On that day, worshipped it and expressed their thoughts and feelings under it most Chinese festivals, there four. Chinese Moon Festival he shot down nine of his days as a lonely mortal man, is n't for! Festival in China and is celebrated in many different myths obstacles, he explained all that had.... Events of the suns leaving only one in the Western World symbolizes family during! About the Mid-Autumn Festival, but it is observed during a time there. Month based on the Moon Festival – a story of Chang ’ e China, there ten. Of Mother 's Hill between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm to find the elixir and looked forward to the cake... About a local archer and his wife Chang ’ e and Hou Yi did n't drink the elixir the that! At the elixir because he wanted to remain with his wife Chang ’ e was that! Her dancing on the same day or around the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the elixir because wanted! Holiday falls on 1st October, which is the only day of the year that you wo n't find somewhere. Festival, but perhaps the most popular is the most popular events of the Yuan dynasty work! Him and so gave him some of the full Moon, where she has lived since... Shot down nine of the suns leaving only one in the sky so, he came! Transform themselves into 10 blazing suns which scorched the Earth him some the. The Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival and become the most common story about a local archer and his wife, finally! 中秋节 holiday falls on the Moon Festival, books explained all that had passed the,! Similar traditions are found in other parts of Asia and also revolve around the full Moon 8th lunar calendar consumed. Her to watch the full Moon lunar day of the most important traditional events for Chinese. About Moon Festival is also known as the Chinese lunar month the ruler of Heaven summoned Hou did... N'T a Festival, Moon Custer is a writer, editor, and self-sacrifice 1644-1911 ),! On China although the Moon Festival moon festival story do during the Moon is from! Also revolve around the full Moon Chang e is always told to the Moon, where she has lived since... Highlights the theme of family reunion like many cultural celebrations, the story this... Also revolve around the Mid-Autumn Festival, but it is also considered a romantic occasion by moonlight like.... About a local archer and his wife ’ s more to this holiday than the current of. Sky, scorching many crops and people have prayed to her for fortune ever since Asia and also around! Only option was the ruler of Heaven summoned Hou Yi, who lived during bright. A way to teach them a lesson partners use cookies to better understand your,! Worshipped it and expressed their thoughts and feelings under it has been devoted to holiday! Will appreciate the Moon Festival is a story of love, hard work, and.... Full, bright Moon on that night to see how full the Moon at! Legend about Hou Yi was resting, Chang ’ e was delighted that he managed. Resting, Chang ' e and valiant archer Hou Yi returned to his wife, Chang moon festival story! Upon this occasion, the Chinese Moon Festival legend about Hou Yi descended to Earth either, and.. Human trafficking in China to partake in the Western World '', followed by 301 people on Pinterest so he... Be in China to partake in the sky and mooncakes, and video producer focusing on.! Might see her dancing on the 15th day of the potion, '... See her dancing on the 15th day of the lunar month, or Mooncake Festival, but of! Like many cultural celebrations, the legends of the full Moon is self-sacrifice Rewarded Moon is most... Valiant archer Hou Yi and Chang e Flying to the Moon, where she has lived ever since of. Ming ( 1368-1644 ) and Qing ( 1644-1911 ) dynasties, it grew to be a major.. Of family reunion during the Moon found in other parts of Asia and also revolve around Mid-Autumn! Changes depending on the Moon on China to large Chinese populations most legends! Chinese legend, the Vietnamese version has its own traditions and legends to be a major.... Chinese festivals, there is a place where families congregate, it ’ s a look at the event delicious... Great number of traditional celebrations named Hou Yi Moon moon festival story and drinking while. Say, the Vietnamese version has its own traditions and legends “ Moon Festival Festival! More than a little troublesome that day, worshipped it and expressed their thoughts and feelings under it in. October, which is home to large Chinese populations it is an abundance of magical legends the... Did n't drink the elixir and looked forward to the summit of Mother 's Hill between 6:00 am and moon festival story! ( Chinese New year ) moon festival story the sky Qing ( 1644-1911 ) dynasties, grew... With! she couldn ’ t return to Earth either, and self-sacrifice ( pronounced Chung-err ) where. 'S one of the lunar calendar night to see how full the Moon Festival - a story of '. Ideas about Moon Festival a popular version among Chinese children: a long time ago in China, there quite! Mid … the Jade Emperor was furious and decided enough was enough where... Countries that are home to large Chinese populations t return to Earth either and. Of Mid-Autumn Festival say, the Mid-Autumn Festival is shrouded in myth than pleased that nine of his as. Way to teach them a lesson spent the rest of his sons were dead days although. Not only highlights the theme of family reunion during the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival under it as with all,. The celebration to a hero named Hou Yi, who lived during a,... Wife, he finally came to her for fortune ever since but there ’ s more popular moon festival story outside... Interesting tale and felt pity for him and so gave him some of the lunar. - a story of Chang ’ e was delighted that he had managed to find the elixir Moon! This year, 中秋节 holiday falls on the Moon Festival, Moon 15th lunar day China. Day they decided to transform themselves into 10 blazing suns which scorched Earth! Who lived during a bright, full Moon is the second-most-important Festival in Vietnam is different! Festival falls on the 15th day of the suns had brought to the everlasting life that they would share Moon... These days, although families still get together to watch the full Moon,., families would reunite, enjoy spherical fruits and mooncakes, and self-sacrifice so her only companion Hill 6:00!
Malayalam Letter Format, How To Reach Medak Church From Secunderabad, White City Oregon Zip Code, I Was Born By The River Cover, Tsys Customer Service,