Introduction to the Legends of Mid-Autumn Festival in English
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is one of the most significant traditional festivals celebrated in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest. This festival is steeped in rich legends and folklore that have been passed down through generations.
The Legend of Chang'e
One of the most well-known stories associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival is the legend of Chang'e, the lunar goddess. According to ancient tales, there once lived ten suns in the sky, causing great drought and suffering for the people on Earth. Hou Yi, a brave archer, shot down nine of the suns, leaving only one to warm the land. For his heroic deeds, he was given an elixir of immortality by a grateful queen. However, instead of consuming it himself, Hou Yi entrusted the potion to his beautiful wife, Chang'e. One day, while Hou Yi was away, a villain named Peng Meng broke into their home to steal the elixir. To prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, Chang'e drank the potion herself and ascended to the moon, where she resides to this day, alongside her companion, the Jade Rabbit.
The Tale of Wu Gang
Another legend linked to the festival is that of Wu Gang, a man condemned to eternal labor on the moon. According to the story, Wu Gang was a man who desired immortality. He sought to become an immortal by practicing Taoist arts, but he was not diligent enough in his practice. As punishment for his lack of dedication, the Jade Emperor sentenced him to cut down a magical cassia tree on the moon. The peculiar nature of this tree is such that every time Wu Gang nearly finishes cutting it down, the tree heals itself overnight, thus forcing him to repeat his task endlessly.
The Mooncakes and the Ming Dynasty Rebellion
While not exactly a legend, the story of how mooncakes became synonymous with the Mid-Autumn Festival is a fascinating piece of history. It is said that during the Yuan Dynasty, when China was under Mongol rule, the Han Chinese planned a rebellion against their oppressors. To communicate their plans without arousing suspicion, they hid messages inside mooncakes, which were then distributed throughout the country. When the recipients opened their mooncakes, they found instructions for a coordinated uprising, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Ming Dynasty. Since then, mooncakes have been a symbol of unity and resistance.
Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival Today
Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated by families gathering together to enjoy mooncakes, lighting lanterns, and admiring the full moon. These activities serve as a reminder of the ancient legends and the importance of family unity, while also marking the end of the harvest season. As night falls, the skies light up with colorful lanterns, and the streets come alive with the sounds of joy and laughter, reinforcing the enduring spirit of this beloved tradition.
