Mid-Autumn Fest: Full Moon, Love's Global Tradition

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  A group of people in ancient costumes are in front of an open-air altar, conducting sacrificial activities to the moon. There are sacrificial offerings on the altar.
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  In the night sky, there is a big and round full moon hanging, illuminating the earth.
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  A family is sitting around a table, with smiles on their faces. There are delicious foods and mooncakes on the table.
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  A family is standing in the yard, looking up at the full moon in the sky.
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  In a place full of colorful lanterns, there are riddle papers pasted on the lanterns. People are standing around thinking and guessing.
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  In the night sky, there are many lit sky lanterns floating.
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  Under a blooming osmanthus tree, someone is quietly enjoying the osmanthus flowers.
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  On a stage, actors are performing programs. The audience is sitting full under the stage.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of China's traditional festivals, usually celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. This festival uses the full moon as a symbol of reunion and perfection, making it a time for family gatherings and sharing the joy of family bonds.

I. Historical Origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival has a long history, originating from ancient moon worship and sacrificial activities. Over time, it has evolved into a festival celebrating the harvest and praying for family unity.

II. Traditional Customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival

1. Moon Gazing: On the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival, families come together to admire the fullest and brightest moon of the year.

2. Eating Mooncakes: Mooncakes are a symbol of the festival, with their round shape representing the unity and harmony of the family.

3. Solving Riddles: During the festival, people hang lanterns and attach riddles for others to guess, adding to the festive fun.

4. Lantern Releasing: In some areas, people release sky lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival, making wishes and hoping that the lanterns will carry their wishes to the deities in the moon.

5. Enjoying Osmanthus and Drinking Osmanthus Wine: August is when osmanthus flowers bloom, and enjoying osmanthus and drinking osmanthus wine is also one of the traditional customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

III. Modern Evolution of the Mid-Autumn Festival

As society develops, the ways of celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival are also evolving:

1. Travel and Vacations: Many people choose to travel during the Mid-Autumn Festival to spend quality time with their families.

2. Cultural Activities: Various cultural activities are held, such as Mid-Autumn evening parties and poetry recitals, to promote traditional culture.

3. Online Interactions: On the internet, people share Mid-Autumn Festival greetings and reunion photos on social media, enhancing emotional communication among relatives and friends.

IV. Cultural Significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a festival celebrating reunion but also reflects the Chinese people's emphasis on family and their aspirations for a good life.