Holiday Notice & Knowledge About the Mid-Autumn Festival
Holiday Notice & Knowledge About the Mid-Autumn Festival
Holiday Notice
Dear Friends,
In a few days we will be celebrating Mid-Autumn (Moon cake) festival and Chinese National Day!
This means that Aipulnion office and warehouse will be closed from the 29th September to 6th October.
We will resume to work on 7th October.We wish you all a delightful Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.
The following is some knowledge about the Mid-Autumn Festival. If you are interested, read on!
What is the Mid-Autumn Festival?
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. This festival holds a special place in Chinese culture as it symbolizes unity, family reunions, and gratitude for the harvest. One of the most iconic elements of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the full moon, which is believed to be the brightest and most beautiful during this time.
Origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival
The term "Mid-Autumn" first appeared in the book Rites of Zhou, written in the Warring States Period (475–221 BC). But the term only related to the time and season; the festival didn't exist at that point.
The festival has a long history. In ancient China，emperors followed the rite of offering sacrifices to the sun in spring and to the moon in autumn. Historical books of the Zhou Dynasty had had the word "Mid-Autumn". Later aristocrats and literary figures helped expand the ceremony to common people. They enjoyed the full，bright moon on that day，worshipped it and expressed their thoughts and feelings under it. By the Tang Dynasty (618-907)，the Mid-Autumn Festival had been fixed，which became even grander in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). In the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties，it grew to be a major festival of China. " Zhong Qiu Jie "probably began as a harvest festival. The festival was later given a mythological flavour with legends of Chang-E, the beautiful lady in the moon.
1.Chang E Flying to the moon
Chang E Flying to the moon is the most famous Moon Festival legend. In ancient times, a hero Hou Yi, who has great strength. He shot down nine of the ten Suns to save many people from the extreme heat. After a while, he married a beautiful and kind-hearted woman named Chang E and become a king.
One day, the Queen of Heaven gave Hou Yi a medicine.You could live forever and become a god once you took it. Hou Yi brought it home and asked Chang E to keep it. Unfortunately, a villain somehow heard about the medicine and wanted to steal it. They have a serious fight. And Chang E didn’t want a bad person to become a god, so she swallowed all of them. Then she became a goddess flying to the moon. Hou Yi missed Chang E a lot, so he placed foods on tables Chang E likes on full moon day. This custom was later followed by folk people to pray for good luck from Goddess Chang E.
2. Jade Rabbit, Maker of the Elixir
Legend has it that there are three gods into three of the elderly poor, to foxes, monkeys, rabbits for food, the fox and the monkey had food to relief, only rabbit be at a loss what to do.
Then the rabbit said: “you can eat my flesh!” and jump into fire. Those gods were touched by rabbit’s unselfish love. As a result, they put the rabbit in to the palace of moon. And ask them to make the medicine which can help human live forever.
During the Yuan Dynasty (A.D.1206-1368) China was ruled by the Mongolian people. Leaders from the preceding Sung Dynasty (A.D.960--1279) were unhappy at submitting to foreign rule, and set how to coordinate the rebellion without it being discovered. The leaders of the rebellion,knowing that the Moon Festival was drawing near, ordered the making of special cakes. Packed into each mooncake was a message with the outline of the attack. On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. What followed was the establishment of the Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644) . Today,moon cakes are eaten to commemorate this event.
There is a legend, Tang Xuanzong Li Longji was in the palace, are magnificent, so people also began to imitate the emperor, to celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival moon object.The reason why this was the story of Tang Xuanzong in the palace of the moon, rather than the other dynasties romantic emperor, as an official holiday, the Mid Autumn Festival is fixed in the early Tang Dynasty, and flourished in the Song Dynasty, to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, has gradually become the most for the year in addition to the Spring Festival Grand festival.
Orign of sun cake: Tengu swallows sun cake and is expelled
In the 14th century, the eating of mooncakes at " Zhong Qiu Jie " was given anew significance. The story goes that when Zhu Yuanzhang was plotting to overthrow the Yuan Dynasty started by the Mongolians, the rebels hid their messages in the Mid-Autumn mooncakes. Zhong Qiu Jie is hence also a commemoration of the overthrow of the Mongolians by the Han people.
Orign of mooncakes
The origin of mooncakes can be traced back to ancient China. It is believed that mooncakes were first created during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) as a way to communicate and organize a rebellion against the ruling Mongols.
During this time, China was under Mongol rule, and the Han Chinese people were oppressed. However, the Chinese had a secret plan to overthrow the Mongols and regain their independence. They decided to use mooncakes as a means of communication.
The rebels spread the word that mooncakes would be distributed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and inside these cakes would be hidden messages with the date of the uprising. This allowed the rebels to coordinate their actions without arousing suspicion from the Mongols.
To ensure that the secret messages would not be discovered, the rebels also included a layer of salted egg yolk in the mooncakes. The Mongols were not fond of the salty taste, so they would not eat the mooncakes and would remain unaware of the hidden messages.
The plan was successful, and on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the rebels launched a coordinated attack against the Mongols. This event, known as the "Red Turban Rebellion," marked the beginning of the end of Mongol rule in China.
Since then, mooncakes have become a traditional food during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are round in shape, symbolizing the full moon, and are often filled with various sweet or savory fillings. The most popular fillings include lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and salted egg yolks.
Mooncakes are not only enjoyed for their delicious taste but also for the cultural significance they hold. They are a symbol of unity and togetherness, as they are often shared among family and friends during the festival. Mooncakes also represent good luck and blessings for the coming year.
Today, mooncakes have evolved into various flavors and designs. From traditional fillings to modern twists like chocolate or ice cream, there is a wide variety to choose from. Mooncakes are often beautifully packaged and given as gifts to loved ones and business associates as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation.
The tradition of eating mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival has spread beyond China and is now celebrated in many Asian countries and communities around the world. It is a time to come together, celebrate the beauty of the moon, and cherish the traditions and legends that have been passed down through generations.
Enjoy Ancient Poetry Together
Mid-Autumn Festival has a history of over 3,000 years, dating back to moon worship in the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC). It’s such an important festival that many poems were written about it, stories and legends about the festival are widespread, and its origins have been guessed at and explained by generations of Chinese.
The yearning for the Mid Autumn Festival is reflected in the following thoughts". So many people, from ancient to modern times with homesickness, looked out on the old mid autumn poetry, are in complete -- such as Su Shi took his first sentence word mid autumn miss to the moon, "said the moon will have? Wine in the sky "; another pride like Li Bai, the moon was also aroused homesickness, said" I raise my eyes to the moon, looking down and think of home".
The following are some poems from Chinese ancient culture.
DRINKING ALONE WITH THE MOON
By Li Bai
From a wine pot amidst the flowers
i drink alone without partners.
To invite the moon I raise my cup
We ' re three,as my shadow shows up.
Alas, the moon doesn't t drink.
My shadow follows but doesn't t think.
Still for now I have these friends
To cheer me up until the spring ends.
I sing; the moon wanders.
I dance; the shadow scatters.
Awake,together we have fun.
Drunk, separately we' re gone.
Let' s be boon companions forever.
Pledging，in heaven, we' ll be together.
"Drinking Alone Under the Moon" is a famous poem written by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai. It is a lyrical and introspective piece that captures the essence of solitude and the beauty of nature.
The poem begins with the poet describing his surroundings – a bright moon shining in the night sky and the sound of wind blowing through the pines. Li Bai sets the scene of a quiet and serene night, creating a sense of tranquility and peacefulness.
As the title suggests, the poem revolves around the act of drinking alone. Li Bai describes himself pouring wine and raising his cup to toast the moon, as if the moon were a companion with whom he can share his thoughts and feelings. The moon becomes a metaphorical friend, a confidant with whom he can be himself.
Throughout the poem, Li Bai expresses his longing for freedom and independence. He states that he would rather be a hermit, living in seclusion and enjoying the solitude, than be constrained by societal norms and expectations. The act of drinking alone under the moon becomes a symbol of his rebellious spirit and his desire for a simpler and more authentic life.
Li Bai's poem also highlights the power of nature to evoke emotions and inspire introspection. The moon, the wind, and the pines all contribute to the poet's sense of solace and self-reflection. The moon, in particular, is a recurring motif in Chinese poetry, representing beauty, enlightenment, and the eternal cycle of life.
The poem concludes with Li Bai expressing his contentment and satisfaction with his solitary existence. He declares that he is at peace with himself and the world, finding solace in the company of nature and the moon.
"Drinking Alone Under the Moon" is a timeless poem that resonates with readers across cultures and generations. It captures the universal themes of solitude, introspection, and the beauty of nature. Li Bai's vivid imagery and heartfelt emotions make this poem a beloved piece of Chinese literature and a testament to the power of poetry to convey deep emotions and insights.
Longing for the Moon, Embracing the Moon
By Zhang JiuLing
As the bright moon shines over the sea
From far away you share this moment with me.
For parted lovers lonely nights are the worst to be.
All night long I think of no one but thee.
To enjoy the moon I blow out the candle stick.
Please put on your nightgown for the dew is thick.
I try to offer you the moonlight so hard to pick,
Hoping a reunion in my dream will come quick
"Longing for the Moon, Embracing the Moon" is a poem written by the Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Jiuling. It is a contemplative and evocative piece that expresses the poet's yearning for the moon and the emotions it stirs within him.
The poem begins with the poet describing the moon as a celestial being, shining brightly in the night sky. Zhang Jiuling expresses his deep admiration for the moon's beauty and its ability to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia. He compares the moon to a friend who understands his innermost thoughts and desires.
As the poem progresses, Zhang Jiuling reflects on the transient nature of life. He muses on how the moon has witnessed countless generations come and go, yet it remains constant and unchanging. This realization prompts the poet to ponder his own mortality and the fleeting nature of human existence.
Zhang Jiuling then turns his attention to his own emotions, describing how the moon's presence fills him with a sense of melancholy and longing. He yearns to embrace the moon, to be one with its ethereal beauty and find solace in its embrace. The moon becomes a symbol of transcendence, representing a desire to escape the mundane and connect with something greater.
Throughout the poem, Zhang Jiuling's language is rich with imagery and metaphor. He uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the moon's radiance and its impact on his emotions. His words evoke a sense of longing, nostalgia, and a yearning for something beyond the confines of the physical world.
"Longing for the Moon, Embracing the Moon" is a poignant and introspective poem that captures the universal human experience of longing and the desire for transcendence. Zhang Jiuling's skillful use of language and imagery creates a sense of intimacy between the reader and the moon, allowing us to share in the poet's emotions and reflections.
This poem speaks to the timeless themes of human existence, the beauty of nature, and the longing for something beyond the material world. It serves as a reminder of the power of poetry to evoke deep emotions and provoke contemplation about the mysteries of life.
Moon Above Mountain Pass
Li Bai
From Heaven ' s Peak the moon rises bright
Over a boundless sea of cloud.
Winds blow for miles with main and might,
Past the Jade Gate which stands so proud.
Our warriors march down the frontier,
While Tartars peer across Blue Bays.
From the battlefield outstretched here,
None have come back since olden days.
Guards watch the scene of borderland,
Thinking of home,with wistful eyes.
Tonight upstairs their wives would stand,
Looking afar with longing sighs.
"Moon Above Mountain Pass" is a renowned poem written by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai. It is a lyrical and evocative piece that captures the beauty of the moon shining over a mountain pass.
The poem begins with Li Bai describing the moon as it rises over the mountain pass. He paints a vivid picture of the moon's radiance illuminating the rugged landscape, creating a serene and ethereal atmosphere. The moon becomes a symbol of tranquility and beauty in the midst of the vastness of nature.
As the poem progresses, Li Bai reflects on the passing of time and the transient nature of life. He compares the moon to a traveler, moving through the sky and casting its light upon the world below. This metaphorical journey of the moon prompts the poet to contemplate the brevity of human existence and the longing for something eternal.
Li Bai's language is rich with imagery and metaphor, enhancing the reader's visual experience of the poem. He uses words like "glow," "bright," and "radiance" to describe the moon's brilliance, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The moonlight is depicted as a gentle and comforting presence, casting a soft glow over the landscape.
"Moon Above Mountain Pass" is a poem that captures the beauty of nature and the transcendent power of the moon. Li Bai's skillful use of language and imagery allows the reader to share in his experience, evoking a sense of awe and contemplation. The poem speaks to the universal human longing for something greater than ourselves and the fleeting nature of existence.
This poem serves as a reminder of the enduring power of nature to inspire and uplift the human spirit. It invites the reader to appreciate the beauty of the world around us and to reflect on the mysteries of life. "Mountain Pass Moon" is a testament to Li Bai's poetic genius and his ability to capture the essence of the natural world in his verses.
Chinese culture itself also has the feminine attributes of moon culture. Chinese people love the moon, but do not worship the sun god or the absolute power like Apollo. This is because compared with Western culture, Chinese culture presents the characteristics of a tolerant, neutral, noble and soft civilization. , just like the moon. It is as timeless as water and as tolerant and flexible. Laozi's wisdom says that "the weak overcomes the strong", so this is also an important reason why the Chinese civilization can become the only ancient civilization in the world that is still alive and powerful today.
Therefore, the moon is a motif in Chinese culture. The Chinese people's emotions towards the moon are different from Westerners who often think that the night of the full moon is a spooky night and a night where legendary were wolves and vampires are haunted. In Chinese culture, the moon almost represents perfection, holiness, brightness, nobility, etc. It’s about beautiful images, and the full moon is the ultimate embodiment of this beautiful image. The month has become the absolute protagonist of this festival.
How do Chinese celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival?
Many traditional and meaningful celebrations are held in most households in China, and China's neighboring countries. The main traditions and celebrations include eating mooncakes, having dinner with family, gazing at and worshipping the moon, and lighting lanterns.
1. Eating Mooncakes: Mooncakes, symbolizing family reunions and well-wishes, take center stage. These round, delectably filled pastries come in a variety of flavors and designs, often exchanged as heartfelt gifts among family and friends.
Different kinds of mooncakes:
Five-nuts mooncakes
Lava Egg Custard Mooncake
Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake
Red Bean Paste Mooncake
Salted Egg Yolk Mooncake
Jujube Paste Mooncake
Snow Skin Mooncake
Taro Mooncake
Charcoal Skin Mooncake with Chestnut Filling
Molten Chocolate Mooncake
2.Lighting Lanterns: While typically associated with the Lantern Festival, some regions incorporate lanterns into Mid-Autumn Festival festivities. Lantern processions, characterized by colorful lanterns of varying shapes and sizes, traverse streets in joyous parades featuring traditional music, dance, and performances.
3.Moon Admiring: On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, it is customary for families and friends to gather outdoors or by windows to admire the full moon.
4.Reunion Dinners: Much like Western holidays like Thanksgiving, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions. And the full moon is considered a symbol of reunion. So during this day, Chinese people always get together and eat a reunion dinner to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival.
Families gather together to celebrate this occasion with feasts, cultural performances, and various activities. Sharing mooncakes is an essential tradition during the
festival.These round pastries come in a variety of flavors, such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and even modern variations like ice cream. Lanterns of different shapes
and sizes light up the night, creating a magical atmosphere. People young and old stroll through parks and public spaces, admiring the colorful lantern displays.
It’s a time to appreciate the beauty of the moon, express gratitude for family bonds, and continue the rich traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Mid-Autumn Festival blessings
1）Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
2）Wish you and your family a happy Mid-Autumn Festival.
3）Wishing us a long life to share the graceful moonlight, though thousands of miles apart.
4）A bright moon and stars twinkle and shine. Wishing you a merry Mid-Autumn Festival, bliss, and happiness.
5）Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! May the round moon bring you a happy family and a successful future.
6）The roundest moon can be seen in the autumn. It is time for reunions. I wish you a happy Mid-Autumn Day and a wonderful life.
7）Wish you a perfect life just like the roundest moon in Mid-Autumn Day.
8）Happy Mid-Autumn Day! Wish that you go well and have a successful and bright future.
9）I want to make a toast. I Wish that the round moon take my best blessing to you. May you have a happy family and a bright future.
10）I wish that your career and life, just like the round moon on Mid-Autumn Day, be bright and perfect.
Mid Autumn Festival is a traditional festival of China. It used to be as important as Spring Festival is usually celebrated in September or October. This festival is to celebrate the harvest and to enjoy the beautiful moon light. To some extent, it is like Thanks Giving day in western countries. On this day, people usually get together with their families and have a nice meal. After that, people always eat delicious mooncakes, and watch the moon. The moon is always very round on that day, and makes people think of their relatives and friends. It is a day of pleasure and happiness.
