The Moon and Mid-Autumn Festival

The Moon and Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in late September or early October in the Gregorian calendar (in 2009, it is October 3rd). Traditionally family members reunite on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival. In addition, people eat traditional foods, like moon cakes, and look to the full moon in the evening while thinking about loved ones that are not with them.

There are a few different versions of the story that explains why people look to the moon on this day. One such version says that at one time, there were ten suns in the sky, which scorched all crops and therefore drove people into dire poverty. At that time there lived an extraordinary archer named Hou Yi (后羿; Hòu Yì). Deciding that he may be able to help the situation, Hou Yi climbed to the top of Kunlun Mountain, drew his bow, and shot down the nine extra suns one after another. Afterwards, he was hailed a hero and many people came to him to learn archery. Among his new students was a man named Peng Meng (蓬蒙; Pánɡ Ménɡ).

Hou Yi had a beautiful, kindhearted wife named Chang E (嫦娥;. Chánɡ É). One day, he came upon the Empress of Heaven Wangmu (王母娘娘; wánɡ mǔ niánɡ niánɡ), who presented him with an elixir. It was said that whoever took this elixir would immediately ascend to heaven and become a celestial being. Hou Yi hated the idea of parting with his wife, so he gave the elixir to Chang E for safekeeping. As Chang E hid the elixir in a small chest on her dressing table, however, she was unaware that Peng Meng was secretly watching her.

One day, after Hou Yi had left with his disciples to go hunting, Peng Meng, sword in hand, rushed into the inner chamber and forced Chang E to hand over the elixir. Knowing that there was no way she could overcome Peng Meng, Chang E made a prompt decision. She quickly opened the small chest, grabbed the elixir and swallowed it in one gulp. A few seconds later, her body floated off the ground, swept out the window and glided towards heaven. Peng Meng escaped without being seen.

When Hou Yi returned home at dark, he found out from the maidservants what had happened. Overcome with grief, Hou Yi looked up into the night sky and called out the name of his beloved wife. At that moment, to his surprise, he found that the moon was especially clear and bright and that on it there was a swaying shadow that looked exactly like his wife dancing.

Hou Yi had an incense table arranged in the back garden that Chang E loved. He put sweetmeats and the fresh fruits Chang E enjoyed most on the table and looked up at the moon to remember her.

Nowadays, on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival families will gather together to eat moon cakes (their round shape represents the moon and reunion) and look up at the full moon to remember there own loved ones that are not with them.